Sunday, October 24, 2010

Ill Communication

With all of my new wheels and houses, my high profile lifestyle is starting to become a little crazy. It's becoming a second job just trying to stay in touch with my peeps.







I've even acquired an iPhone, so I conduct business on the go:



Since Mom and Dad are kind of slow, I have had to develop an variety forms to communicate to them. I've increased my sign language 200% (from 1 to 3 words). I have recently added "more" and "eat"; combined with "all done", what else would I need to say? Basically all of my needs can be satisfied in these three signs: "I'm hungry, feed me" (eat), "I'd like a second (or third) helping please" (more), and "I'm finished, please clean up, and I'll be on my way "(all done).


Here I am signing "more":




Not only have I been signing, but I have also been expanding my vocal vocabulary. I am very good at saying "Hi" and "Bye" at the appropriate times and also waving. In fact, when we go to Key's for pancakes, I take it upon myself to visit all the surrounding tables, say "Hi" and make sure they are enjoying their meal. Another favorite word of mine is "Puppy". When we go on a walk, I see probably 8-10 puppies and point each one out. I am slowly starting to acknoweldge the existence of "kitties". While, I am excited for both puppies and kitties in theory; they make me pretty nervous whenever I am relatively close to them. Best of all, last week I added the word "no" to my lexicon. It comes in very handy whenever mom and dad want me to do something I think is ridiculous.


Mom and Dad have been doing a good job lately and I have been working on lots of non-verbal communication styles to show my approval. I have started giving lots of hugs, giving hi-fives, and have also learned how to communicate via interpretive dance; here's the Happy Dance:










The Happy Dance even works when standing on a chair:







The best thing about the Happy Dance, is how easily it can become the "Your'e not Giving me What I want Dance" and "Pay More Attention to me Dance".


The improved communication seems to be working. Mom made some great pumpkin cookies this week that got me really excited. At first, I was nervous because I often referred to as a pumpkin and cookie, so I didn't know what this meant. But after I had one bite I got really excited.







Now, whenver I see the cookies, I can sign that I want to eat, tell my mom and dad that I want more, and then give them the happy dance to let them know of my approval.


1 comment:

mn48azo said...

The Happy Dance is by far, my favorite!!