Monaloca

At 17 months, our baby girl is finally talking! By talking I mean real words and phrases, consistently. She’s been chatty for months, and real words have come and gone, but at last they’re here to stay. Favorites include bird/birdie (for the bird pics in our kitchen and her room), up, mo (more), chee (cheese) bye bye, tho tho (thor thor), car, boo (blueberries), do’or (doctor, for her Doctor Chocolate stuffed dog), and maijie (Maisy Mouse), plus several body parts (like hands). She can also point out a half dozen body parts including nose, eyes, and opu (belly).

She’s also made a friend at daycare, or rather, he’s made friends with her. Since she can’t express her feelings yet it’s hard to tell, but we know from teachers that Jameson constantly calls for “Nani,” always wants to sit by her, touch her hair, and give her hugs. And that sometimes – but not always – she’s actually happy to have the attention.

As the third child she’s constantly wanting to keep up. When Mina and Kai did somersaults in the family room, Nalani threw her head down and tried one herself – several times. (Joey freaked out and thought she was going to break her neck.) Last week I took all three kids to the dentist. After watching her big bro and sis sit on the chair, Nalani decided to climb in herself when they were finished and picking out stickers. She even let the hygienist brush her six and two-half teeth and squirt water in her mouth.

For Melina’s part, she’s started swim lessons again with Emma, but is still warming up to the new class. The teacher let go of her for a few seconds during the first class, and it took her by surprise. (“Mama, I sank.”) We talk about how swim lessons are so she learns not to sink, but it’ll take some time and some work – for her to learn and also for her to find the words to express exactly what’s making her nervous and how we might make it easier. In the meantime, I’m proud of my big girl for getting in the pool (almost) each week.

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