Say What?

On Monday we were at gymnastics and Avalon's teacher asked her if she wanted to go to the bars. To which Avalon replied, 'Yeah!'

Her teacher, Miss Kristin, said, 'That's the first time I've heard her talk in class.'

I was shocked. Avalon talks all the time at home but she is very shy in big groups or with people she doesn't know well. I wish that everyone else could see the Avalon that we see at home.

At times I find myself wishing that Avalon weren't so timid around other children, or people in general. I think it's because I see myself in that, and it's a struggle for me. I was very shy growing up and I wasn't the type to reach out to people I didn't know. Sometimes it came across as being snobby or stuck up (My husband's first impression of me!). I've really had to work at growing in that area. I still could stand to grow in that area.

I don't want Avalon to struggle with those same things. She has such a sweet and tender heart and I want people to see that in her, not just the shyness. As I've prayed for Avalon in this particular area, God has reminded me that Avalon is 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' He created her perfectly and with her specific personality for a reason. I know that there will be certain things she will encounter as she grows up that will probably be difficult for her because of her cautious nature or because she isn't naturally outgoing. My prayer is that I'll be able to encourage her in those areas because I've been there too.

I have more I that I could add to this topic but that was a tangent from what I had planned for this post to be. So I'll get back on the original track. :)

As Avalon has been talking more and more it's been quite entertaining to hear what she has to say. Here are a few clips..

Me: "Avalon, what's that?" (pointing to a picture of a duck)

Avalon: That's a Guck!

Me: "What does a duck say?"

Avalon: "Fwack Fwack!"

Daneel: Avalon, what does a cowboy say?

Avalon: MOOO

Daneel: No, that's a cow. What does a cowboy say?

Avalon: YEE MOO!!

We've been working VERY hard at getting Avalon to say Please and Thank You.

She's had please down for awhile (but usually doesn't say it without a reminder). Recently she has picked up 'Thank you' and 'You're Welcome.'

Avalon: I want milk!

Me: How do you ask nicely?

Avalon: Pwease!

Me: Please what?

Avalon: Pwease what.

Me: Please milk (as I hand her the milk)

Me: Say thank you, Avalon.

Avalon: Kank you Avalon

Before I can say anything, she quickly adds: You're welcome Avalon

It's not uncommon to hear her say 'You're welcome Avalon' at random points throughout the day.

Avalon: Kayful Avalon.

Translation: Careful Avalon.

She says this to herself, usually when she's doing something she shouldn't be doing. - Climbing on the changing table, the kitchen table, or the bathroom countertop.

Avalon: Daddy, kickle me!

Translation: Daddy, tickle me!

Avalon: Daddy is SO sillwe. (Daddy is SO silly).

And my personal favorite. This one cracks me up every time she says it.

Avalon: Mommy, I want fockit milk!

Me: You want what?

Avalon: I want fockit milk!!!

Translation: I want chocolate milk!!! (Her special treat when we go to Starbucks)