sentences II

percy has progressed to six word sentences and the use of "i". her language just astonishes me. she said to me on the weekend. "pappa and mamma sleep in big bed", then; "i sleep in the little bed." so much for waiting for her third or fourth birthday.
we're not anticipating discussing philosophy with her any time soon. however getting day to day tasks and activities done with all parties understanding each other is bril.

oddly, when something isn't going her way or she's getting frustrated she reverts to whining and crying. things like a puzzle piece she can't get in, or a closed door she can't open, or something too heavy for her to pick up; she'll cry and whine instead of telling us what the problem is. which is frustrating because i know she can say things like "open door", "can't reach", "can't do it", "help", "mamma/pappa come", "finished" and the like. we're working on it.
we've also started, with some success, the practice of taking a deep breath when getting upset and then talking about it. i usually sit in front of her on the floor when she's heading into a full-blown tantrum, and say "take a deep breath", then do it myself for her to mimic. more often than not she follows along with me and after three or four breaths is in control again enough to tell me what's wrong. doesn't always work! sometimes it's too late and all we can do is try to stop her hurting herself while the flailing screaming runs its course.

i love talking with percy because it makes me think about what i am saying, slow down and enunciate clearly. it's good practice for talking with adults too!