Got Milk? Our signing girl

We spent the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Neudecks this weekend (more about that in the next post) and I think she grew up in those few days.

We've been signing with Lucia since she was three months old and her first day care teacher (Ki) would sign with every day. Signing is one of those learning tools that we've read a lot about and know the importance of but its also one that takes a long time before you see the results. I guess actually that is a lot of what parenthood is about. Patience, love and learning and keeping your fingers crossed it all works out. Lucia has been doing the sign for all done for about a month but truth be told I wasn't sure it was really 'all done'. It looks more like clapping and was used for clapping, when she wanted more and when she was all done with her food. I determined which it was by the look in her eyes.

But today.....she signed the word for milk! It was clear, she'd never made that motion before and as she curled and uncurled her fingers I knew exactly what she wanted and I was so happy. I ran over to the fridge for the bottle I prepared and when I pulled it out of the fridge she smiled big and clapped. Yes mom - milk! That's it! So fun. She signed it again when we arrived home from Missoula when she again was thirsty and this time Jon was able to see it. Our communication has moved to a whole new level. I wonder what her next word will be?