Opening Up

Ayden Jane has always been a bit shy with strangers. Okay, truth is, Ayden Jane has never even liked strangers. When she would meet new people she would just sort of stare at them, say nothing and not respond when spoken to. Umm. Yea, I know it is rude I just can't fix it.

She has been changing on that front. She now will regularly talk to people she doesn't really know. Not right away, but if I talk to them for a few minutes, then AJ decides they must be okay. The funny part is how she tries to engage conversation. Let's just say she is not ready to be a talk show host. She has a list of questions, basically, which she will ask. Here is an example of a 'conversation' she had last night at the volleyball game with one of the other parents, AJ: "What color is your hair?" Parent, "Brown, what color is your hair?" AJ: "Brown too. What color are your eyes?" Parent: "You tell me." (showing AJ her eyes). AJ: "Your eyes brown."... This sort of interaction goes for a while and usually includes, How old are you? It is pretty hysterical and if AJ gets through all her questions, no worries, she just starts over.

She sort of went through this stage with the rest of us at home, but now her 'conversations' with us are much more complicated. I am hoping the pattern continues. She begins new language skills with us until they are mastered, then moves on to generalizing them with others. For now, I am just glad she is being polite and no longer just staring at people. Of course, it is still very awkward conversation as we have to translate most of her questions anyway. This too will improve.

Ayden Jane's other favorite thing is to tease her siblings into playing with her. Last night Kayla was doing homework on the sofa when AJ wanted her attention. (remember it has been raining!) She took Kayla's pencil and ran away with it. She brought her another one and told her, "this one works," just so Kayla would start writing and she could swipe it again and run around the corner. Repeat. Repeat... This kid cracks herself up!