My sister published a blog about how her little girl parrots back all the things she says (although, especially with a few cuss words, that wasn't the desired outcome.)
It reminded me of years ago when Xander was 1 1/2 years old. We were at church in the lobby, and he was playing around with other toddlers. While running, he bumped into a very tall potted (fake) plant and it began to tip over. As it was falling over, I remember the thought racing through my mind..."WHAT is he going to SAY?" These truly are the moments when a mother's secret language is sure to be revealed!
As the plant continued to tip, he shrieked, "Oh MY GOODNESS! WHAT HAPPENED!?!" And I had to chuckle under my breath. Those were exactly the words I'd been using around the house every time something came crashing down.
Xander was always precocious with speaking. He started saying real words at 9 months and by 18 months he was pretty much as fluent as any kid. I remember when we were on a plane and someone asked him, "How old are you?" and he answered, "Eighteen months old." and I said, "well, honey, you're only sixteen months old" and he said, "I'm big enough for eighteen months."
On that same trip, he dragged his tiny floppy monkey doll with him and my friend asked him, "Do you like your monkey?" and Xander solemnly answered, "He's my best friend." Even with his big wisdom, we had a hoot having him point out who were the women and who were the men present at our party. Isn't that a fun game to play with every 18 month old (they're sure to make a few errors?)
Later my aunt and mom were babysitting him and playing with toy cars. She held one up and he said "car." My aunt said, "Oh! You know the word car!" to which he responded "flag" (since there was a flag on the car). "Oh! You know the word flag too?" to which he added "stars" (since it was an American flag.)
I figure it's not gloating to write about my bright little cuties if it was almost a decade ago...it's just reminiscing. And, to be honest, I need to get the record down so I can tell him these stories at his graduation. Just one final story...
About that same time, I remember having a dream. I dreamt that I was happily sharing the company of my son, Xander, as he stood before me as a young man on a sunny day. He was probably 18 or so, and a handsome boy. I felt pleased to be with him and was delighted with the man he'd become, but I remember thinking, "Oh, I wish he were just a toddler again, so I could scoop him up in my lap and rock him." While thinking that, I awoke from my dream. Tiny sleeping Xander was just in the next room, breathing softly and reminding me to make the most of the days we have together.
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