I have always talked to Addie as if she understands everything that I say to her.
I want her to feel as if she is a part of everything that we say and do.
If she doesn't understand something that we have told her to do, it is extremely obvious and we find a way to reword what we said or better yet, we show her and repeat the directions.
Sometimes, we repeat ourselves hundreds or thousands of times and it takes years for her to grasp it. Other times, she picks up on what we are saying and knows exactly what to do.
So, imagine my delight yesterday when I handed Addie the plates to put on the table for lunch and I didn't have to repeat myself.
Imagine how much more wonderful it was when I told her to "please get the paper towels and put them on the table".
I didn't expect for her to follow the directions because the paper towels were not in their regular place and I gave her a two step process to complete.
I was busy getting drinks together, but was watching her to see what she would do - fully expecting for her to do what she always does when she doesn't understand -
stand looking up at me, clasping her sweet little hands in front of her with an inquisitive look on her face, trying her best to understand my words -
but this time, she turned, walked to where the paper towels were and then walked to the table and placed them next to each plate at the table.
Part of me wanted to cheer like crazy, the other part wanted to sob.
In an effort to control my emotions, all I could manage to do was to bend down and give her a huge hug and tell her how very proud I was of her.
Progress.
I'll take every little bit that I can get.
