Sweet Mary Clare
It seems as though Mary Clare’s verbal skills have taken off this week! I’ve known for quite a while that she understands many words and phrases, but she never seemed to want to say much, until now. Her desired form of communication continues to be a point and a grunt, however, she’ll forget once in a while and shout out a word or two! She surprises me sometimes with a precisely clear word that I had no idea she knew! Last night McCanless was watching Noggin and a song about a duck was playing. Mary Clare pointed to the television and began shouting, “DUCK!” I’ve never worked with her on this one and I have no idea how she knew it!
She certainly understands how to communicate yes and no. I’ve watched Mel pick up at least 30 different toys/snacks/babies/etc. showing her each one and asking her if this or that was what she needed. (Talk about wrapped.) She shook her little head to every item until he finally got to exactly what she wanted. She smiled and nodded yes. I think Mel would jump through hoops to make her happy. I thought he was going to jump out of the car tonight when she finally called him, “DA-DA.”
She is growing so quickly I can barely keep up! She is still a Mommy’s girl and loves to be held, although she’s extremely independent. She loves carrying her baby dolls around, something McCanless was never too fond of. She will walk around the house and dig into everything, leaving a trail behind her. Her kiss is a wide-open slobbery mess and she loves to blow kisses. She has a dainty beauty pageant wave and says, “HAY” to everyone, even strangers like a true Southern Belle. She is such a busy body and always wants to see what is happening. When Emmie barks, signaling a visitor, Mary Clare drops everything and runs toward the front door just to see who is there. Her books are among her favorite toys and will walk up with an open book and say, “REEEEED.” She loves to play with phones and holds them up to her ear as if she is talking to someone. She laughs at her big sister often, who is still her hero, but annoys her like crazy. She is definitely a passy lover. We are in it for the long haul. She loves music. When she hears music, whether at home, in the grocery store, or anywhere, she immediately starts to sway her head and begins to “MC dance” waving her arms and twisting. In the car, she will point and whine until she hears music. I get at least one comment on her adorable, fluffy cheeks everyday. She is a very trusting and content child. She is a tough little cookie that can hold her own.
4 Comments
betsy on October 23rd, 2008
She looks like a baby doll!
Misty on October 23rd, 2008
Kerri, I could literally bite her cheeks off! They are amazing.
Andrea on October 23rd, 2008
I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment, but I have visited your blog for a while. My guy, Owen, was born the same day as sweet angel Annabelle and also has HLHS. It’s the sweet cheeky Mary Clare and other HLHS kiddos that give us hope and keep us going day to day. I can’t believe how well she is talking and communicating! I am amazed! Just wanted to say HI!
Andrea
simmonsfamilyupdate.blogspot.com
kate on October 22nd, 2008
oh my gosh.. i miss them.