You are a big deal to me!

For months I've been trying to teach Ben to clap. I've tried everything. Patty-cake, clapping celebrations for every little thing he does, clapping to music. He loves to watch me clap but never showed any interest in trying it himself. Then suddenly tonight as I was feeding him his dinner he spontaneously began clapping. He didn't even seem to realize that he was doing it until I made a big fuss about it. I cheered and clapped and laughed at him. It was then that Benjamin realized he had stumbled on to something big. Really big. He looked at me and clapped. He looked at Jeff and clapped. He looked at his hands and clapped. It was so sweet to see how proud he was of himself. It's funny how these little moments are such a big deal to parents (first smiles, rolling over, sitting, babbling, standing, clapping) when down the road the big deals will be made of up drivers licenses, graduations, first jobs and so much more. In the grand scheme of things these small activities that Benjamin is learning will seem so insignificant compared to the things he may do in the future. I still think it's amazing how this little person who was in my womb less than one year ago has already learned so much. So clap on little, man. You are a big deal to me!