PHHHHHHT!

On the verge of turning five months old, our little girl has gradually made mental and physical steps toward becoming her own person. The first thing she discovered was her hands. She figured out that these additional appendages could actually be used for grabbing things and, in a pinch, are a great pacifier.

Not too long after that, she started smiling. We’re talking real smiles, not the gas-induced kind. The squeals followed closely, as did the short, sharp yells. Those were just to make sure we were paying attention. Then she started she started figuring out how to sit up. She’s not quite all the way there, but she can get up and down pretty well.

But this weekend, Finley made a new discovery that vaulted her personality to a whole new level. And, I must say, I approve of this new method of communication she found.

Even in her early days, she had been a bubble-maker. That is to say, she would push her slobber out of her mouth and make bubbles while doing it. Over the weekend, she figured out that if she used her tongue in this endeavor, she could not only make more bubbles, but a cool, new sound. That’s right, my little girl knows how to do raspberries! And here’s the kicker… It’s all the mama’s fault!

You see, I awoke Sunday morning to find the two loves of my life sitting in the living room trading raspberries. First mama would do one and after a moment of studying, Finley would answer. It’s true. Heather actually encouraged her daughter to make that noise. I even have proof in the Fin Clips section on this site!

So, there they were… My two prim and proper ladies in a spitting duel and each loving every bit of it. And it is pretty great. Not only has Finley figured out how to use her tongue and mouth to have fun, but she watched and learned how to copy her mama. It was her first real playful interaction. Sure she was making a mess and a noise that’s not approved of in social situations, but she was taking turns doing it. She was sharing her fun.

Of course, the rest of the day Finley continued this new game. In the car, in her stroller and in the stores. It’s quite the scene when you’re walking through a bookstore and every few seconds the sound of a whoopee cushion fires off. And it’s even better when you see that the culprit is this little, smiling face with drool all over her chin.

I just wonder what’s next. I mean, I’m glad she discovered something that is actually pretty funny. I’d like to hope that she keeps finding the fun things. I know that once she gets mobile, we have to be on our toes for some of the other things she’ll discover. Some of which we’ll have to lock up or put up high. I also know that cuts and bruises are right around the corner as well.

I have a future of child-proofing and child chasing. A future filled with band-aids and cold compresses. I know I’ll be wiping scrapes and tears. So, for now anyway, I’m happy with wiping up drool from a silly little girl that keeps her daddy smiling.