A Brilliant Mind

Elizabeth has really made strides in the last few weeks in terms of what she can understand. Here are some examples:

• “Bring it to Mama.” She brings me whatever she has in her hand, typically something she’s not supposed to have.
• "Where’s your ball?” Not only does she know how to go and find the ball, but she also knows how to say the word.
• "Go throw it away” She proceeds to go the trashcan and dump the trash in it.
• “Move away from the dishwasher.” She loves to come up to the dishwasher when we are loading or unloading it, and because the knives are on her side, we have to give this command often.
• “Are you ready for your bath?” Her response: She walks out of the room we are in, goes into her bathroom, and waits in front of the tub for us to come in there.
• “Where’s your purse?” She looks around, finds her purse, picks it up, and then loops it on her arm and walks around the room.
• “Dance. Dance. Dance.” She responds by twirling around, shaking her body, and moving her feet really fast.
• “Stir your spoon.” She loves to pick up one of her cups and stick another toy in it and stir. When I’m cooking or baking, she always wants me to hold her and now she likes to stir.
• “Do you want to go see the horses?” She points towards the backyard and heads for the backdoor.
• “I love you.” She tells us she loves us by patting us continuously (arms, head, chest, leg, whatever). When she was six months old, we taught her how to “pat the Bible” and she has carried this motion over to tell us she loves us. It’s her sign for love.

Just as Elizabeth has progressed in what she can understand, we, too have developed in what we can understand:

• “Daddad" (Daddy)
• “Mom-mom” (Mama or Mommy)
• “Ga-Ga” (Granbarry or Granna)
• “Na Na” (Nana)
• “Go. Go. Go. Go.” (Go. Go. Go. Go.)
• “Sus at.” (What’s that?)
• “Uh oh.” (Uh oh.)
• Uh Uhhhh.” (Give me more or give it to me now or pick me up.)
• “ba” (ball)
• “yah” (yes)
• “hah” (hi)
• “bah” (bye)

Uncle Zach said recently, “She’s become brilliant overnight.” And I say back to him, “Not exactly. She has become even more brilliant overnight.” As only a parent would respond.