More Skills

(Sara again)

Mercy is having an explosion of skills this week!  She is starting to stand up on her own from a squatting position, having already mastered cruising along the furniture.  She only lasts a second or two before plopping down, but it looks very promising.  She has learned how to clap her hands, often while head-bobbing and body-rocking in response to music.  A few days ago she woke up practicing a breathy "huh" sound, realizing that her breath can make noise.  So now we have fun getting her to imitate loud breathing like an exaggerated sigh, or a loud breath out her nose, along with "ha," "ah," and "mmmm."  She continues to have her word for kitty, but has shortened it to a whispered "ti."  Sometimes she also uses this to mean bunny and doggy.  Her toy play has become really interesting to watch and she shares her toys or books with us (thanks, a drooly wet block in my hand, so thoughtful).  She even dragged one of my shoes over to give to daddy, being pretty fascinated by feet, socks, and shoes in general.  Finally, she has great fun shaking her head (as in "no"), especially when I vigorously nod "yes" at the same time.  I don't think she really knows what it means, but it's possible.  I think she just likes the sensation, like when she bangs her head against the wall.  I mentioned the head banging to the doctor at her check up this week and the doctor asked me if there was any family history of psychological problems.  Hmmmm.  Anyway, she's healthy and all is well.