Baby Graces

Somehow, Emma and Ethan have picked up on some social graces. I have to take credit for a few of them, but some must have been learned from watching others or maybe from their television shows. I always say, "Good morning," when I come in to their room in the mornings. Occasionally, I get one back from Emma: "GUH-mornin'." They don't always respond to greetings, but I know they hear me and they are internalizing everything. I want them to speak right up when people address them or greet them, so I usually speak both parts. I want them to hear the rhythm of conversation, know that it is a responsive thing, sort of like playing catch. But I think I may just be confusing things. They say, "Thank you! A weckum!" together too. Or, if they hand me something, they say, "Thank you!" or "a-weckum" when I hand them something. But at least they are trying. I appreciate the gesture.

A few months ago, we were sitting in the pew at church and when Ethan was greeted with a friendly hello by one of the older men, he said without hesitation, "Good morning!" His voice was so strong and happy and genuine. I got that feeling in my chest like when I'm on a roller coaster because I was so proud. Another time in church, when the preacher greeted the congregation, Emma peered over the back of the pew in front of her and shouted right out, "Hi!" It burned my eyes with happiness to see her so confidently and happily responding. They both usually clap and say, "Yay!" when the choir finishes a hymn, and I think they really appreciate it. The director even patted them on the head as he passed one time.

At home, like many toddlers, they love to say, "Bye! See ya later!" and pretend they are leaving into the closet, and then say, "Hi!" when they return. That goes on and on and I'm always sure to respond very enthusiastically every single time.

A few weeks ago, during one of their baths, Ethan started greeting the turtle toy holder that is mounted on the shower wall. "Hi, turtle. Hi, turtle. Hi, turtle. Uma MEE-choo!" I was amazed. Where did he hear that? I know I've said it, of course, when I meet new people, but never purposefully in front of them, never in play, and definitely not to the bath tub turtle. Emma didn't want to be rude, so she then greeted the frog spout protector: "Hi, frog! Ehh-MU-choo!" What very polite children!

Ethan has always liked to push things in a circle around our living room (See Rocking Horse Whiner), but now, instead of getting angry when something is in his way, he politely says, "Smee-smee, table," or "Smee-smee, Momma." I love it! And if Emma should overhear you rudely burp or pass gas, she smiles and says, "Smee-smee!" She won't let you forget your manners.

Most toddlers learn the word "mine!" very early. I am proud to say that my children do not know that word. I am glad that I don't have to hear the relentless "mine-mine-mine!" every time another person picks up a toy or something they like. Being twins has excluded that word from their vocabulary. Although they definitely don't like to share, they have learned that they have to take turns. So, the word we hear SHOUTED when a toy is rudely snatched is:

"TURN!"