Dear Livia,
At nine and a half months old, you were able to say “mama” and “dada” pretty well, but no amount of coaxing would get you to say “mama” to me. So imagine my surprise when I pointed to the cat and told you what it was and you said, “Cat!” And then you did it again and again. I could hardly believe it. Your father could hardly believe it either. You had to demonstrate it for him several times before he would admit that you really could say “cat” and, what’s more, that you seemed to understand the meaning.
Now, a couple of weeks later, you’ve given it up. When I ask you to say “cat,” you just make a guttural “kkhhhhh” sound. That’s fine. No pressure. But you still obviously know what it means, because this morning I told you to say it, and you walked over to the gate and stared at the cat in the kitchen. Then, when Marshall and I pointed to it, you pointed to it, too. It’s amazing that you even realize what pointing means.
I’m a doting parent, so of course I think this behavior means you’re smart. But then again, if you were really smart you’d be saying “mama” to me, right? There’s not much point in kissing up to the cats, after all, but it can’t hurt to be on mommy’s good side. 😉
Speaking of kissing, you’ve learned how to air kiss. Sometimes, when you want attention, you send a few little smooches my way. I air kiss you back, and then you smile, happy and reassured of your position at the center of the universe.
Mwah! You are so adorable!
Love,
Mom