Input/output

Edwin is potty-training. Today, he was introduced to the idea that he could stand to pee (with his underwear still on - what a bonus!) He had so much fun that he inevitably ran out of pee, much to his disappointment. That is after he figured out how to "squeeze." So I told him that he could drink some juice to get more pee. "Drink some pee?" "No, drink some juice." So without delay, he went over to the table, probably guzzled 8oz of orange juice, and returned to the potty!

Zachary and voice commands

Zachary has always known what he wants and just needs to convince you to deliver. Now that he's becoming verbal, we learn the detailed sets of instructions he has in store for his associates...

He accosted me in the hall today with a big hug around the knees and "Daddy!" Once firmly in his grasp, he commanded me: "sit." Thus got he a hug, but more importantly, he was now hanging on to my neck. Hence the next command, "up" put him at the appropriate level to direct Daddy-bot to do his bidding. He pointed down the hall, motioning that I should begin walking. When we reached the kitchen, he abruptly directed me around to face the fridge. His final command, "lolly" (ie. "water") revealed the nature of my mission. He had fetched me because he was thirsty.

No wonder that he gets annoyed when we don't follow the detailed plan he has laid, expressed succinctly as a monosyllabic whine!