More Than A Hat Rack...

...my head. It's more than just a hat rack. That's what I heard Daddy say the other day.

Want some proof? Well...

I am an excellent communicator. (How many other 12month old babies, almost 13months old, do you see posting on their own blog?) When I want to read a book, I "tell" Mama or Daddy by bringing the book to them. When I'm hungry, I go to my chair in the dining room and yell until Mama feeds me. (Sometimes I stand at the gate and yell. That usually gets me some food. Or crying...that works really well!!) Offer me a graham cracker or an animal cookie or an apple and I'll let you know just how excited I am about getting those treats! Tired of the diaper I'm wearing? I just pick out a new one and take it to Daddy. (Today was the first time I tried that one. Daddy seemed pretty impressed. I'll have to consider doing that again.) Mama shows me sign language words sometimes. Although it's my own version, I'm pretty good at signing "dog" and "apple." And "cookie." (I surprised Mama with that one at breakfast today! Didn't get to eat one though.)

I understand. Tell me that it's time to eat...I know I need to head over to my chair. (Or cling to Mama's leg and cry until she picks me up and puts me in my chair.) When I see Jonathan getting his shoes on, I know he's gonna need a coat to wear, too...I'll help get it out of the basket. ("Oh, please, oh, please...I want to go too!!!") When Mama says it's time to take a nap, I head for the stairs cause I know it's time to "go up the steps!!"

I'm teachable. Show me how to hammer the pegs in the bench...then give me the hammer and watch what I can do. Show me how to put blocks/balls/stuffed animals/puzzle pieces/lids/etc in the container/basket/box/bag/etc and I'll put everything in sight away. Show me how to stack up blocks or empty containers and I'll give it a try.

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