Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot!

Ever since the trashcan incident, everything "non-touchable" is now referred to as "HOT!!" by Christian Alexander. He repeats it over and over and over in a breathy whisper, pointing at whatever object he's been told not to touch... today it was Poppy's glasses, sitting on the coffee table. Yesterday it was the bird's nest sitting in our bedroom on a shelf. "Hot!" he says very emphatically, as if warning us (and himself) against the danger that looms just within reach.
The testing of the limits has also begun... I guess a milestone that deserves a post of its own. He's been told not to drop his food (or throw it) from his highchair. And he knows EXACTLY what that means. He takes whatever food he is no longer interested in eating and holds it threateningly over the edge, his arm fully extended sideways... and glances up to see if we're watching. Gathering up every serious nerve I have (he just looks so adorable, it's hard not to smile) I say, "No dropping food". He stares at my face, studying the level of seriousness, almost evaluating whether or not it might be worth it to drop the handful. Then he slowly brings it back to his tray, and seems satisfied with the HIGH praise he receives. ... most of the time. This morning I turned my back and heard a crust of bagel hit the floor. I turned around to an "innocent" looking babyface, and squelching my impending smile, I gave his little hand a flick along with the "No dropping..." reprimand. He cried for about 3 seconds, and then looked at me...and Growled!! I wish I had it on video. It was classic baby rebellion, roaring forth from the mouth of MY little angel!
Here we go!!!!!!!!!!