"Isn't He Talkative!"

Every time I hear it I beam. Words you thought you'd never hear.

Most recently it was the hair stylist cutting Tanner's hair last night. They covered names, ages, city/state where you live, a recap of the days field trip to the Planetarium, the fact that Mommy "wants me to stay little forever, but I just can't stop growing!', on and on and on. The whole salon was laughing (especially about Mommy's wish) and mesmerized by the conversation (still working on that inside voice).

Every where we go (i.e. Home Depot, D&W, restaurant, gym) he looks for the persons name tag, than proceeds with 'Hi Dave, I'm Tanner. Did you know...'. People in this world are kind to kids, no matter how mean we can be to each other as adults. I don't think he's ever been snubbed. There is usually a bit of shock by being called by name, and then complete engagement in conversation. I think it's safe to say that stranger anxiety is a non-issue.

I thought I better start talking to him about strangers...and did. So then he announces to the nurse at the doctors office (of course calling her by name after reading a name tag). "You are stranger and you are an adult and that means you could hurt me. Do you know any kids I can talk too? Kids aren't strangers." And then the nurse smiles/chuckles, the cast removal goes on hiatus (tools set down...she's just captivated by the chatty kid).

And to think they never thought he would talk...the power of early intervention (and HUNDREDS of hours of therapy).