Doesn't she look FABULOUS!?
She loves to wear hats now, which is a 760 degree turn. Gold berets, turbans, NY Mets caps, rainbow knit rasta caps, the list goes on. She's going to fit in just fine in the family, 'cuz you know we love our Tickle Trunks!*
Hmmm, What else...
She made up her own sign language. She pats her chest and brings you a book, which means "read me a book." I think the patting is derived from me patting my knee and saying "do you want mama to read you a book?" She still doesn't say mama, but is mastering "No, no. no." She says this in a very dramatical 40's movie star way, as if she is watching her DIIIIIAMOND tiara get crushed under a bus. "Noooooo, nooooo, noooo." Something like that
Oh! SHE HUGS. This is the best development, by far. Although they are unpredictable and kind of weak. She will rest her head on my knee and sort of pat it and sigh. Its pretty divine. Or if you beg her she will run into your arms and put her little sausage limbs around your neck. As predicted, water works ensue. Its true what Valentina told me, although I have no way to predict the future-this age, 1 year plus is magic. Bliss, really. Sometimes I just think how much I love being her mother. I love taking her to library story hours and planing our days adventures together. Of course, other times I think, wow. I just want to take a shower without some small woman screaming outside the door like I left her at the orphanage with Mrs. Hannigan.
*Tickle Trunk, noun. A box in one's home filled with various wigs, hats and costumes to be used spontaneously when silly hour approaches.
