New Frontiers

In our excitement about Declan's new found ability to point on command, I started really emphasizing noses. I point to my nose and say the word long and slow and then point to his nose and do the same. And I was so excited when I saw him pointing his finger at his nose the other day. I silently patted myself on the back for being such a good teacher. After all, it was my profession for several years. But, as always, just when I start feeling overly proud, the world shows me that I'm not that great. Because Declan wasn't exactly pointing at his nose...

He was sticking his finger up it. And he's been doing it ever since. So far, there's no movement other than a firm planting of his index finger, but he'll figure it out soon enough. Then I'll have to worry about that finger going directly into his mouth, won't I?

Declan's totally into pointing, but he hasn't clapped yet. As parents, I think we're all worried about keeping up with milestones. Is nose picking a milestone? Is Declan advanced as I have believed all along? The next time I go to the doctor, I will definitely brag about Declan's advanced nose techniques. I think that's the best course of action, don't you? "No, doctor, Declan still doesn't clap, but he's got boogers down. And you know what? I think he gets it from me. I was an early nose picker."

Maybe I should get a video to show all my friends on Facebook. The caption will be "future prodigy".