Learning How Clothing Works

Eleanor has figured out a few important things about clothing over that last few weeks. She loves shoes, as we've shared before, mostly because they mean she can go outside. But, since the love began, she's learned how to hold onto someone or something with one hand, balance on one foot and lift the other to have you put a shoe or sock on her foot. Then she shifts the other way and is ready for the other foot. She's recently figured out that this same technique helps us get her pants on more quickly.

Also because of her love of the outdoors, she likes her coats. She now understands they are a necessary part of going out. And, she holds out one arm for you to put on the first sleeve and then puts it down and holds out the other one.

In the past, Ellie balked at getting mittens put on her. Lately, however, she's learned to hold out her hand with all her fingers pressed together to let the mitten slide on easily. She loves her mittens, but she also likes to get grown up gloves put on. She will bring me a pair periodically through the day and hold out her hands, one at a time. She then likes to clap her hands together before she begins to pull them off.

I'm a little bit afraid of the next stage because I think it will be Eleanor learning how to take off her clothes... but I'll try to consider it an adventure. :)