Some little boy whispers I have noticed lately:
- Ezra understands our conversations. For example, he likes to go in the basement with me to do laundry. But, I can't juggle laundry basket and Ezra and straddle a baby gate, so he has to wait. I explain the situation, and assure him that I will be right back. Little gem that he is, he waits perfectly still and patient, peering through the holes in the gate for my return--no crying, no throwing a fit. When I do come "right back" he is all grins. He is learning to listen to me and trust me.
- Ezra means "the helper", and I am beginning to see little helper behaviors come out already. After every meal dropped/discarded food needs to be cleaned up off the floor. I usually take a rag and get down on my hands and knees to clean it up. After a meal, Ezra goes straight for the kitchen towel hanging on the refrigerator door handle, pulls it down, and helps me mop up in a squat position. What a sweetheart! He is so aware!
- When I am reading a book or working on the computer, or just involved in something other than him, and he wants my attention, he will take his hands and turn my head to look at him, pressing my nose to his nose. Ezra will lock eyes with me and give an intense look, as if to say, "Don't forget about me. I need your time too." He seems to understand how important eye contact is as a nonverbal cue for interest in another person.
- At bedtime, and sometimes at nap-time, if he is tired, he will scurry upstairs when it is time to put on pajamas, go anxiously to the fridge for his cup of milk, and then go up to bed quite willingly. He is recognizes his physical needs!
- When Ezra needs my help, he will try and communicate that, rather than just cry. For example, Bear often gets misplaced in the house. This is rather traumatic for a little guy. He will come to me with a worried look, shoulders shrugged, arms bent and close to his ears, palms upturned and parallel to the floor, which translates into "Where's Bear, Mom?" We go looking together, and with an extra pair of eyes, it is usually quick work to locate the lost friend.
