Self Congratulation

We have applauded every achievement in the Munchkin's little life--big and small. He knows what a clap is for and has always delighted in receiving them. Now--after much practice--he has figured out how to clap properly and turns out, it's not working out so great for him.

Once you can clap you're pretty much duty-bound to applaud every success. At least that's the way he sees it. Especially if no one else is bothering to clap first.

In the past week or so, we've all been applauded for picking up his toys, changing his nappy, putting up his next feed, tucking him in, kissing him and, oddly, sneezing.

Yesterday I looked after him while his mum went to collect his dad from work. I was a bit wrapped up in whatever I was doing and letting him play on the floor. Then I noticed what he was up to.

He's only just learned to roll all the way over and keep rolling in one direction in order to get to where he wants to be. This time, he was after the rubbish bin with its delightfully crinkly plastic liner. His eyes were on the prize and he was on his way.

What slowed him down, however, was having to stop after every completed roll to applaud his own efforts.

Roll....clap clap clap... roll... clap clap clap... roll.

By the end, he was looking pretty frustrated with the added responsibility of self-congratulation.

He was even more frustrated when he finally reached the rubbish bin and I carried him all the way back to the beginning again. But, like the good sport he is, he still gave me a round of applause for successfully foiling his plans.

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