Smarter then a Monkey

Chase did two things today that made me realize he is smarter then I gave him credit for...


1) Chase was playing in the kitchen this morning and he pulled out a measuring cup, a chip clip, and some metal tongs. I figured those were all pretty safe so I let him play with them. The next thing I know I hear a scratching noise. So I turn around...and Chase is using the metal tongs to try to pry out the outlet covers in one of our outlets! First of all, where does a 1 year old learn to use tongs properly??? Second, how did he learn that outlet covers could be pried out? I was amazed - I also just about laughed myself silly.


2) The second thing that Chase did today was that I gave him an XBox controller without batteries. He seemed happy at first but then after a moment he started pointing at the TV and making angry noises and pushing the control buttons. He did this for quite awhile until I figured out that he was upset because he has some how mentally associated the controller with things happening on the TV - it was his first display of understanding cause and effect. After I turned on the TV he was much happier...