Genius at bathtime

I was speaking to a friend recently about watching Alby develop.  We spoke about him hitting milestones and the instant, pure joy that comes with seeing a new skill being added to the list.

All the books tout the same list of skills that, over the course of a year or so, you’re baby will master: sitting, rolling, waving, clapping, pulling to stand, cruising, babbling, eating… And it’s no exaggeration to say that with each new skill not only does Alby beam, but so do I.

However, there is one thing I think that tops these listed milestones and that’s when you see your baby starting to piece things together.  As they work things out for themselves, explore, discover and learn cause and effect you get a double rush as they team up physical ability with mental awareness.

Alby has always loved the water.  The transition from kitchen sink to big bath occurred without incident.  As a newborn just the sound of the bath running would calm him down.  And, if the last week is anything to go by, it seems his love of running taps is as strong as ever.  Now when I start the bath he steps up onto the ledge under the sink, stretches out to get the water, shakes his hand under the tap until it’s soaked and then gives his drenched fingers a good suck.  Who needs a cup when you’ve got fingers to slurp?

Once or twice he has managed to turn off the tap, leaving a bemused look on his face.  Occasionally he falls off the ledge, but then it’s straight back up again. 

Obviously I think this is quite the most impressive thing ever.  Indeed, I would go so far as to suggest that I am in the presence of a genius.