A word with Elise

Elise caught a fish!

What's going on in Elise's mind? The past few months have revealed such treasures as: "Purple purple purple," and "Look hop-hop" ("Look at the bunny!") and much more. I love knowing what's passing through my kids' minds--and usually they're eager to share, sometimes too willing, in the case of dark thoughts against their sister, for instance.

And I'm happy to say that, only a few months after the childhood development expert thought Elise should be stringing two words together, she has finally begun doing just that--and more! In fact, I imagine the little tyke would be well on her way to becoming a chatterbox if she didn't have an older sister who dominates Mommy's mind and mouth by demanding answers for, "What do helicopters do that's different from airplanes?" and "What do kittens need?" (Yes, we still occasionally brainstorm kittens' needs, and attempt to meet every single one.).

The cousins visited! And
went to the zoo with us!

But what does a nearly 2-year-old have to talk about? Purple, needing a drink, wanting to go outside, not wanting to wear shoes outside, putting Bear down for a nap, missing Daddy at work, and, of course, MOMMY (I'm flattered!).

Not only that, but the toddler demands to be taken seriously. Gone are the days when I can chalk "I want that purple lollipop" (or something similar) up to baby babble. Now, I must answer each request, even if it just about kills both of us ("No, you may not have the purple lollipop right now, let's go do a puzzle." "Waaaahhhh!"--Elise still sometimes resorts to "baby talk!").

And then there are the times when she demands to not be taken seriously. For instance, Elise's first joke, which gets repeated mercilessly and has even been taken up by her big sister at times:
Elise (pointing at Mommy and grinning): Daddy!
And we all laugh uproariously, Mommy and Daddy because we think Elise is cute and are glad she's not screaming, Kalina because she's young enough to actually think the joke is funny, and Elise because she's making all of us laugh, plus she doesn't yet possess any stigma  against laughing at her own jokes.

Purple, purple everywhere.

Elise's enunciation, as one would expect, still leaves a bit to be desired. It'd be particularly helpful if she could distinguish between "purple" and "potty" a little better. However, I give her extra credit every time she queries, mournfully, "Where did the Bear go?" (Which sounds like, "Wheah di da Bah go?") This is the most advanced sentence she uses, but she can apply it to all kinds of situations (cup, Kalina, cat, Mommy, etc.). Elise is also happy to add new words and phrases to her collection, and seems to be gaining rapidly. For instance, she can now use two adjectives in a row to describe a noun.

Perhaps best of all, Elise's growing ability to communicate has been embraced by her big sister, who, when she's in a good mood, will happily do her best to accommodate all requests, even the unreasonable ones (unless, of course, Elise is asking for the toy Kalina is currently playing with), and even advocate on her behalf.
Kalina: Mommy, Elise wants more animal crackers.
Me: She finished hers. Snacktime's over, let's go play.
Kalina: Elise, are you still hungry?
Elise: Eh! (Yes)
Kalina: Oh. What would you like to eat?
Elise: An cra. (Animal crackers)
Kalina: Mommy, Elise says she's still hungry. She'd like more animal crackers.
Me: She had lots of animal crackers, plus lots of other food. She's fine. Let's go play!
Kalina: Elise, do you really, really want more animal crackers?
Elise: Ri, ri an cra (Really really animal crackers)
Kalina: But Mommy, she really, really wants them!
Me: She'll be fine. Doesn't Lamby need a hug or something?
Elise: Waaaahhhh!

It'd be cute if it weren't counter-productive (note that Elise was perfectly content before Kalina put the idea in her mind). They do have real conversations, however, usually led by Kalina and centered on animals.

But don't let Elise's new talents fool you--she's certainly not above tantruming as an attempt to get her way. That's right--this relatively new (for us) and intense form of communication has recently come into play. I will say that I've seen far more impressive displays of emotion from other kids, but it's really fine with me if Elise doesn't excel in the screaming-fit department. And she has plenty of time (and opportunities) to practice.

When there's nothing else to say, Elise sings, which is another of my very favorite milestones. Our favorite: "Hah hah hah haah haaah haaaah." This is her version of "Happy Birthday," and she can get through the whole song, in tune, this way. Often, she'll throw in a "Mommy" or "Daddy" or "Kalina" ("Hah hah Mommmy hah hah haaaah,"), depending on the particular occasion, or how she's feeling at the time.

Now, the only challenge is to let Elise get a word in edgewise. Somehow, I think she'll find a way.