Funny Things Maddie Says

Finally!!

At 8 years old, I finally get to document some of the funny/cute/interesting things Maddie says that reflect who she is.

It's been a long time coming, and I'm loving this new milestone!!!

Maddie has always been able to communicate whether through facial expressions, signs, or body language, but now she's actually sharing her own, personal thoughts and expressions unprompted.

I never realized how intricate the art of conversation was until a few years ago in speech therapy an assessment broke down the various levels of communication.  

At that time, Maddie was far better at receptive language than expressive, meaning she understood more than she could speak.

In fact, her expressive language was mostly non-existent.  

Language is so complex!

It's remarkable how a brain that struggles to process visual, auditory, and oral inputs can make heads or tails of anything in this world, but Maddie is doing it!

She's a warrior, super hero!

And now, we are enjoying all that she has to offer this world.

Here's a few things that have made me smile recently:

A few night's ago she wanted to bring a book to bed.  It was a Mickey Mouse clubhouse book and not the small, pocket version either; a big, hardback, cumbersome book that she wants to sleep with.  

I told her yes, but immediately regretted the decision when the corner of the book gouged me in the arm.

As she prepared to go to sleep I hear in a sweet, tiny voice, 

"a-night Cickey, a-night Minnie, a-night Donald, a-night Goopy, a-night Donald...no...uh...a-night Tuto, a-night Daisy"

Aww.

Another time we were driving on I-40 passing downtown and she says, "Look Mommy it's Max, it's Max!"

It took me a while, but I finally realized she was talking about Max from the movie Secret Life of Pets. The movie is set in a big city and the high rise buildings reminded her of Max. 😊

Sometimes she still gets things a little wrong but it's so cute.

Like when she repeats back her morning chores. 

First thing in the morning she has to go potty and feed and water Belle.

She'll say, "Ok mommy, I go potty, eat Belle, water Belle."

"I did it!"

Or when she's counting to twenty and she says, 

"ten, eleben, two-teen, turteen, fourteen, fiveteen..."

It makes sense!

And sometimes figuring out what's she's saying is still a puzzle.

Like when she's hugging Belle and and she says, 

"Aw, she wubs me." (Translation, "she loves me")

Or "Whoo, I'm surssy!" (Translation, "I'm thirsty")

These kinds of things we have just memorized are her versions of words.

Once you have taken the mental journey to figure the puzzle out, you don't soon forget!!

And of course the other side of Maddie is her Sassy side.

Maybe it does border on disrespect, but I secretly love her sassy side, (most of the time!)

When I tell her to do something she doesn't want to do, but she finally gives in she says, 

"OK, bine, I'll do it!" With brows furrowed, of course!

Sometimes I find myself just gazing at her, in awe.

I'm so proud of how she approaches life, undaunted by her challenges. 

She's learning more and more each day and growing into her own, unique person. 

I now have a new appreciation for what is usually simple things I know I have taken for granted like the ability to speak what's on your mind!