I am learning that Monkey See, Monkey Do is very true as our little monkey is following the actions of her two big gorillas. She intently watches and most always acts out in repetitive motions. If mom and dad do something, she has to give it a shot. Just shy of a year and she has learned many unexpected interesting things including how to flush the toilet. Especially when she is in the bathroom while mom takes showers. Another fun activity is unraveling the entire toilet paper roll and then tearing it into shreds with an occasional taste test.Other fun toys are the remotes. We do have old ones that we try to get her to play with, but she knows which ones make the magic happen. She also has learned how to turn things on like the stereo-- full blast. Sometime the loud sudden noise will even make her jump!
Out in public, she seems to think this is socialization time. She sees other people talking and visiting and so must she. We attract other tables at restaurants and most recently had to leave the Medora Musical early as she thought "she" was the show people came to see.
It won't be long when Carly will want her own phone plan. She loves to talk to Grandma on mommy's phone and dad has shown her how to view pictures on his iPhone. Therefore, if it is in reach, the phone has become hers. I have had to dry out my saliva soaked phone on several occasions. She now has an old Verizon phone, but knows it doesn't work quite like mom's and dad's. Just recently she has been making calls out to others that mom is unaware of.
Baby food is "for babies". Mommy now makes Carly meals in her special monkey bowl and will even give the messy baby food to her with her own spoon for her to practice with. Sometimes mom will share her soup noodles with Carly in her own little bowl. Mom was enjoying her soup so much that she forgot her manors and tipped the bowl to get out the last drops.....mom turned to find Carly with a head full of noodles.
It is so hard to believe our little monkey has grown into a beautiful and extremely smart little girl. As parents, the time has also arrived for us to watch our own behaviors and act responsibly. This means no more tipping the soup and cereal bowl or blurting out unflattering words. We are playing the ultimate game of Monkey See, Monkey Do-we now own a pair of little eyes and ears watching, listening and following our every move.
