3:30

The past few weeks can be aptly described as the unleashing of new words for Eden. It is as if, all of a sudden, she can say all of the words she has been hearing for the past 2 years. We know now that she is paying attention when we tell her something. Although we suspected it (her intense stares, her seeming to acknowledge us), we were not sure. Now that she is really communicating with us, we know for sure. Here is an example.

On Monday, we were driving to school. I asked Eden who was coming to pick her up. Her default is "Mommy" (since Ashley usually is the one to do that). Monday's are, however, my day to pick up. So I corrected her then told her that "Mommy will be home at 3:30." She nodded and that was that.

When I picked her up and went to the grocery store, she asked about Mommy. I told her again, 3:30. She nodded as if she knew that but had just forgotten. The next day, Ashley was in Target with Eden. They were strolling around and talking. Ashley asked her where I was to which she responded, "At work." Then Ashley asked when I would be home ... "Three-thirty." Since Ashley was not privy to the whole 3:30-Mommy story, she was shocked (as was the woman down the aisle listening in on the conversation).

Another example happened Friday morning as we were sitting down to breakfast. I asked Eden if she heard the sirens in the distance outside. She nodded yes and then said something about being sick. Ashley informed me that Eden was telling me the ambulance was going to help someone who was sick; they had talked about the other day. Then, Ashley said told Eden the ambulance was going fast to help the sick person and that it would take them to the hospital. Eden replied by mentioning doctor and ears (checking out your ears and listening to a stethescope). So there it is - evidence that she is paying attention and taking it all in. Like we ever doubted that!