Yeah

I have been floored at how conversational Ben has been lately.
It is so incredibly rewarding to be able to communicate feelings and not just needs with him.
I can tell him when I'm sad because he did something wrong and I believe he gets it.
And, amazingly, he can tell me!
The other night our dog barked and woke him up.
He cried for me.
When I went into his room I asked, "Did Molly wake you up when she barked?"
*sniff sniff* "Yeah."
"That wasn't nice, was it."
"No."
"I'll tell her to be quiet so you can sleep, okay?"
"okay."

A few hours later, he was up again.
"What's the matter, buddy?"
"Did you hear it?
"What?"
"Thunder!"
"Ooh - I did hear it! Did it scare you?"
"Yeah."
"It's just thunder."
"Rain."
"Yep, you're right. There's some rain, too."
"Wet?"
"Outside it is, but you're safe in here."

It warmed my heart to see his face change when he saw that I *got* him. I love the look of relief/joy (often accompanied by a hop) he gets when he's gotten through to me.
It makes me feel so connected and bonded to him - well beyond the role of need-meeter.

And I love that.