Unexpected milestones

We faithfully read our parenting books and wait expectently for Asher to reach different milestones. The first time he could focus his eyes, when he could grab something with his hands. Deenesh was desperately anxious for him to learn object permanence. And then all the biggies, like sitting up, crawling, and then walking.

But there are other milestones that we didn't even think to expect.

The first one that struck us (and was a very long time ago) was the first time Asher demonstrated a sense of humor. Asher laughed, not because we tickled him, or laughed first, but because he saw something that struck him as funny, and it made him laugh. (In this case it was when Deenesh popped a spoonful of food into my mouth instead of Asher's).

Then there was the time that he patiently concentrated on a tiny little ladybug. He probably watched it for about 10 minutes, which is an eternity in toddler time. It amazed me how quickly he had moved to not even being able to see a tiny little ladybug to being utterly fascinated by it crawling along the couch.

And of course, you know about his first lie.

And just recently, he learned how to tickle. It's precious, although sometimes a little painful. and the way you can tell he's tickling you because he makes a little "ckckckck" sound while he does it.