Maile’s birthday is coming up so yesterday at snack I grabbed a pen and paper, pulled up a chair and asked her some questions. I do this with her all the time. Kind of like an interview. It makes her feel important and I try to write down EXACTLY what she says, using her own words:
Me: Ok, so let’s make a birthday list. I’m going to write down what you want for your birthday that way all your friends and Aunties and Uncles know what to get for you. SO. What do you want?
Maile: Ummmm. Toys.
Me: What toys?
Maile: Ummm. Just lots-uh toys.
Me: Yeah, but what kind?
Maile: All-da toys in-da tv.
Me: Do you remember what they were?
Maile: I want lotsa toys at my party.
Me: OK and what else?
Maile: Lotsa toys and and that’s it.
Me: Yeah, but I mean…do you want barbie dolls? clothes? Slippers? a rocking horse? What toys do you want??
Maile: I like slippers…barbie slippers…and a rocking horse.
All day long, for the past two weeks, Maile will point out things she sees and say “I want that for my birthday.” I mean literally, EVERYTHING she sees. Food, toys, clothes, you name it. I thought for SURE when I sat down to interview her she’d be able to name off a thousand items.
Not so much.