All the Basics

It really is amazing how much a toddler learns each and every day. God created our brains to observe, learn and remember so much during the first few years. "All the basics" can be learned by about four years of age. It's really quite spectacular. Sophia astounds Jamie and me with her ability to pick up on things we haven't even focused on teaching her. She can recognize and say "blue," she recognizes and says A, D, and T. With a little coaxing she can recognize a few others also. At the seminary there is a lovely and tastefully done statue of Jesus. During a walk the other day she saw it for the first time, and without any coaching called out "Jesus!" Today, while at the Chinese Bible study we attend, she looked out of the 3rd story window to the backside view of the Jesus statue - at least 200 yards away - and again pointed and cried out, "Jesus!" It warms my heart.

Sophia knows sign language, so now that she is learning to speak, we often have to remind her to "say it with her mouth," and not to sign. Every now and again when she is really wanting a treat she will sign please over and over like crazy. Jamie or I will tell her to "say it with your mouth Sophia," and instead of her response being a verbal "please," she will look up at us and open her mouth as wide as possible, just like a little bird. It is so cute and always makes us laugh!

She is very into babies right now. A few weeks ago it seemed to click in her head that she was no longer the smallest or the youngest, and in fact there were these delightful little creatures that go by the name of baby. Josh, her buddy, has a little baby brother, Sam, and Sophia never forgets him when asking for Josh. It is always, "Jah and bebe." She loves to kiss and hug Sam and for the most part exibits a great amount of gentleness. I can't wait for her to be a big sister. The same time she really noticed Sam and the other baby, Nevaeh, at our church, her dolls switched from being called "Dolly" to being called "Baby."

Well, my mommy hood is being slipped off for a few hours as Sophia settles into bed and I get to cleaning up the house. I shall keep it close at hand though, because I never know when it might need to be donned again in a hurry! :)