FIRST FULL SENTENCE

Beignet has been quite busy learning words. We decided that it would be good to learn a word that allowed to use her other words to her advantage. "Want", provided the word and now Beignet says, "want more cracker", "want more water", "want head scratch", "want step-up". It creates a change in her life that allows her to effectively ask for things. "Want more" has become a favorite. It works for everything, but especially lovies.

Well, not one to be outdone by a human, Beignet listened very carefully time after time when I asked her by both signing and speaking to use her words. One night she had asked "Want more", to play a step-up game and I needed to do some other work. I said, "No, all done for tonight." A silence followed..............."I know WORD, step-up!". Well, I could hardly turn down that kind of effort. Well said Beignet.

A few nights later she was busy talking and she said, "I want more cracker." In all of its simple glory she said a complete sentence. She has called herself "I" for a long time and it came in useful to create her full sentence. Of course she got a cracker and of course I praised her and told her how proud I was of her.

Beignet has also become more animated since we have moved to this house. I really believe she likes it here. At first her cage was by two windows, but I think that was a bit much for her, so we moved her to a corner near one window. Now she has a quiet place to feel safe. She comes out onto her perch and watches the hummingbirds come and go (little birds we call them). She loves it. She teases the cats to come near her and then lunges at them. She is definitely queen of the animal household. Both cats are quite respectful and afraid of her.

Beignet has also met her new caretakers while we are on vacations or out of town briefly. Margo and Isaak come and pour love on her and she amazes them with what she knows and can do.