Eliza likes pets

I know what you're thinking- We get it! Your kid likes your pets! Get over it!

BUT here's just one more example of how Eliza's motivation to communicate with us mostly relates to her interest, not in us, but the animals.

That's right, Eliza has learned to sign doggy:


Eliza is finally picking up on the baby sign language stuff. She's gotten pretty good at the waving and now she really enjoys pointing too. She loves clapping and her sign for "more" looks just like clapping only she also points at the thing she wants more of afterwards. And that's about all we've taught her. Eliza's a great student, but Steve and I haven't been the most consistent tutors. I guess it's time to add to her repertoire.

Verbally, Eliza is doing great. Mom said that by 12 mnths, pediatricians like children to be able to verbalize at least 4 words, so Eliza's set for her bday next month.

She says doggy sometimes instead of signing it too, but if you've read our blog before, you'll know she loves to say, "Hi, Kitty!" Otherwise her favorite words include Mama, Daa, Hi!, lots of babbling and "Guunga" which she says like every hour, and Steve nor I have any idea what it might mean.

Eliza seems to use it in all contexts and kinda leaves it hanging like she's asking a question. She'll point at things and say "Guunga?" and look up at us. Or she'll just be talking to her self in her car seat or just have taken a spoonful of yogurt, so... who knows.

But it's her word. Guunga.