July 17, 2001 - Tuesday
Harry seems to be going through another putting phase (we hope this one lasts) and tonight spent several minutes deliberately putting his blocks in their tub. He put other toys away on the shelve too and is now talking about "put 'way." That word and action association only got better at bedtime. As Harry finished drinking his usual cup of water, instead of holding on to it (a habit I'm trying to break him of) or given it to me, he went over and placed it on the window sill next to his bed and again exclaimed, "all done, put 'way." His mother, who was still there, and I both commended Harry for his helpfulness and use of language, but that had the predicable result of encouraging Harry to perform this little act several times. But, that was worth it, too, because he started to embellish with other words and phases like "oh, my," and "too big" since the sippy cup with a little large for the sill.

Not lost in that charming little demonstration is the idea that Harry is now stringing words together and starting to communicate complex concepts. We've watched the single words come, then the verbs and commands, then two word phrases, and now, almost, sentences. And, it's amazing how fast it happens. Back in March or so, I was able to guess at Harry's vocabulary word count in the dozens. Now, I've thought to myself, there's really no counting it anymore.


Comments, opinions?