What Tess Learned

Visits with Nana are educational. A year ago, Tess learned to say "please" and "thank you" long before I thought it was possible to teach her such words. So I thought I'd record what Tess picked up from this visit.

1. "See you later alligator. After a while crocodile!" Tess was delighted by this hilarious saying. She loved to repeat it whenever Nana said it. A few times it saved us from some parting tears.
2. That brushing your teeth is better with sound effects. Nana has an electric toothbrush, and every morning and night, they would brush teeth together. Tess would make noises so that her experience matched Nana's.
3. That bath time is better if someone's feet are in the tub too. She no longer stands for bathing alone. I suppose a little foot soaking isn't such a bad way to end the day.
4. That suitcases hold presents. (I guess she learned that one a long while ago.)
5. And finally, Tess learned all about the wonders of play dough. Though she's had this set since December, she never had any interest in it until this last week. Once she played with Nana, however, it became a requested game at least twice a day. Nana taught her how to make sound effects while pushing to help flatten out a ball. She taught Tess to "take a pinch," and "roll it, roll it." I hear these two phrases now whenever we play together. And she taught Tess how to make a dog and cat cut out, and make them food bowls and bones.

Serious stuff.