It’s been way too long since I’ve thought a lot about “baby-proofing” and it terrifies me what I might not know any more. I checked cords, curtains, hanging things, breakable things and other unforeseen calamities. I made up the rollaway cot at it lowest setting, and then, holding my breath, opened the door to Pat’s little family of three going on four and welcomed this precious little one to stay the night.
The last time he stayed over night there were few words. There were mostly the signing for “more” and the shaking of his head for yes and no. Now there are whole phrases, “no I do not like that” and “no, I will not” “no I do not” and very clearly enunciated “yes” and “yes, I do” and the response to “does Mom Mom and Pop Pop love you?” being “yes they do up to the sky”! Also, lights “on” and “off”. His climbing “up” and getting “down” and going “in” and coming “out”.
In the morning we decided we needed to give him a good outlet for all his energy, so we set out on a walk to the school playground a little over a block away.
First, we found it necessary to be very sure the neighbor’s fence was secure and sturdy. Then we analyzed every sign for brokenness – ie., faded print, bent sign, etc.
We checked out the flowers, the plants, the squirells and every door we saw for openness or closedness.
And finally he beheld the playground! He ran, arms raised, calling “fun” “park!” And that is, indeed, what evolved. Lots of fun. He found the climbing sets had engraved letters and numbers and stopped to name every one. His other word was “fett” which we decided meant “wet!” and everything was. And so were we in no time at all. 
We were “fett” and we had “fun” and we had such a wondrous time with this little man who brings us so much love. 
love it!!
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