I've been noticing Audrey's growing maturity in the past few days. Part of her not throwing the fits is that I'm getting better at reading her. Like during our shopping trip today, she started having a fit over something really minor, and I just knew she was hungry. I handed her a pack of animal crackers, and she calmed right down for the rest of the trip, even though we still spent another hour in the store.

And I'm still just awed by how her speech has been improving! She still speaks Audrey-ese sometimes, but she is totally capable of telling me what she wants now. Today, instead of assaulting me with an empty cup, she walked up to me, handed me the cup and said, "All gone," and then went to the fridge. Amazing stuff, especially when you're used to a frustrated little girl slapping you in the thigh with her cup!

I think that might be why we were having some of the problems with her throwing so many tantrums. Don't get me wrong--they still happen, just less often. And I'm guessing it's because now she's a little better able to tell me what she wants. This is just an awesome time in her life, and I'm really treasuring it!

After we came back from our shopping trip, I picked up her sleeping sister and went from the garage straight to her crib. When I came back, Audrey was in the garage, shooing the cats out, lol! She was even saying "out", which is new for her. So precious!! I can just visibly see the difference in her speaking on a daily basis. Every day, she learns at least one new word, and it kinda freaks me out after having these concerns for so long to suddenly have this explosion in her language!

But, truly, I have to praise God for all of this. He is soooo faithful! Before I was praying for improvements to her speech in a very general way, but after the incident at the doctor's office, I told Him that I trusted that he was taking care of her and that she'd be fine, but could He just please give me a few tangible results? And, oh boy, is He giving them!

You know, they say that you eagerly await their first words, but soon you grow to wish they'd hush for a little bit, lol. I can't imagine that right now! I just want my girl to talk to me as much as she can!

And can I brag for just a moment at how good she is with her sister? When Tory is crying, sometimes Audrey beats me to her. She hugs her and pats her and says, "Ok, baby" or "Ok, Tory". So cute! She really acts maternal with her sister.

Amazing isn't it? They just grow and learn by leaps and bounds!!

My dd is also quite maternal. Once when he eldest brother was hurt, she ran to console him. It was so cute..this big ole 8 yr old (at the time) and she, barely or not even 2. She rushed to his side and just 'coddles' him LOL "Otay bubby? otay? awww you be otay" All the while inspecting his 'owie' and patting his back.

i love moments like those. madalen's vocabulary from when she turned two, up through now that she's almost three (on the 24th), has grown by leaps and bounds and is just amazing. and it really does make a huge difference in attitudes and fussiness. i can't imagine only having a handful of words with which to communicate my needs and/or feelings. i love listening to my daughter talk.. perhaps there may be a few days when you long for some quiet, but most days, it's like music!

Audrey sounds like one precious little girl! I am so glad things are getting better and hope they continue to improve. God is SO good and leads us in the direction we need to go. Stephanie :D

I'm so glad God has opened your eyes to see how your baby girl is growing. It has to be frustrating to them when they know what they want, but no one else does. If you could put yourself in their place you'd be upset too. That's how I try to look at it when ds gets upset. I try to see things through his eyes and it helps me to figure out what he needs.

So glad to hear that things are improving! PTL!!! :D

Thats wonderful! I'm so excited for you.

I understand that "freaked out" feeling too...When my daugther's hearing was instantly healed, she grew up right before my eyes..She didn't have to rely on Mommy's ears anymore and became her own person...I wasn't quite sure what to do with that but I'm learning..

That's so cute! :D My dd is also very loving with her brother. I just love it! :D And so amazed at how maternal she is at such a young age (going to be 3).

That's GREAT!!! WAY TO GO AUDREY!!! [cheer] ~Kerri

That is good news!