My husband and I, although we are very much alike, come from families that tend to do things very differently. That's not to say that one family is "right" and the other "wrong," or anything like that ... We are lucky to have such incredible, supportive, families ... It's that our collective perception of "normal" can be at odds every now and then.
The biggest example that comes to mind is the way our families typically say "good-bye" when it is time to go ...
After any time spent together, my family, quickly dishes out hugs and kisses, and basically pushes us out the door with little fanfare.
My husband's family also gives out hugs and kisses, but the good-bye takes a great deal longer. New conversations begin and end, then we all spill out of the house (and sometimes down the driveway and to the car) together.
All this to say that Malcolm is beginning to take after his Dad (and that side of the family) in respect to his "good-byes" from a given location ... Basically, he has to wave at everything before he can officially leave the area.
For example, after the weekly Munchkin Storytime session was over at our local library, Malcolm, ready to go home, began the routine:
He waved at the letter cards (Each. Individual. Letter.) which organize the picture books in the kid's area ...
He waved at wooden toys and foamy blocks on the floor ...
He waved at the cushioned stools which lined the wall ...
He waved at the librarian (and Storytime leader's) empty desk ...
He waved at a structural column which supports the library's high ceiling ...
He waved at a cardboard cutout, advertising some young adult literature ...
He waved at a colorful construction paper sign encouraging "Summer Reading" ...
He waved at a metal cart stacked high with books and CDs ...
He waved at a table covered in newly-returned DVDs ...
He waved at the Star Wars display case and all the memorabilia inside ...
He waved at a chair next to the exit doors ...
He waved at the exit doors themselves ...
He waved at lots and lots (and lots!) of inanimate objects and, after each one, waited patiently for me to say "Good-bye [insert name of object here]" before moving on.
We may have gotten a few funny looks, but (What can I say?) the kid comes by it honestly!
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