"I just want attention."

Abbie’s Top Ten Ways to Get Attention

10. Throwing a book, or whatever happens to be in her hands.
9. Furiously exaggerated signing.
8. Sitting in a lap.
7. Pulling on our clothing, preferably a shirt, hopefully not drawstring pants.
6. Banging her head on the floor.
5. Scratching one of us, especially one of her brothers.
4. Beating on a door.
3. Pinching someone.
2. Screaming, repeatedly if necessary.
1. Staying absolutely quiet. That always makes me look in on her to see what she’s gotten into.