One of my favorite things about being a mom is watching my daughter learn and discover new things. It has been clear for some time now that Aubrey's receptive language skills are developing well and she is starting to understand many of the things we say to her. However, only just recently have we really been able to see a huge step forward in her expressive language. While she is very verbal, she rarely says anything that could be classified as actual (understandable) verbal communication, but she has started using several signs to communicate her needs. I am aware that she is by no means the first baby to successfully communicate in this way, but because she is mine, it just delights me! It started with simple touch-correlation signs, such as me saying "where's your head" or "where's your belly" and her touching the appropriate body part. (Those are the only two that she accurately identifies right now. We are working on "toes.") After that, it was as though a light bulb went off for her, and she started to realize that she could get me to understand what she wanted if she did the right motion. She now regularly signs "eat/food" and "bed" and "teeth" (when it's time to brush her teeth) and "all done / all gone" (finished). She will sometimes sign "milk" and I think is starting to pick up on "water." She will sometimes still identify her head and belly when asked, although that trick is old news now and she isn't always interested in responding.
I really am just delighted when I watch her. She is so wonderful.
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