Allex has does a few things that just amaze me.

1)He gave his first hug to his 2 year old cousin, Spencer, impulsively. He was so excited to see him that he was moved to give him a big hug and a big smile. It made my day to see him do that. And now, he gives hugs and kisses regularly to show affection.

2)When he hears music, he dances. The dancing is so adorable, I have to describe it. He bounces his head. He claps. He twists his upper body left and right. He tries to snap his fingers. He does these together in a number of combinations. And usually with a smile on his face or a look of 'thought' on the beat of the music.

3)When he sees a show he likes or remembers, he claps. Just like we all do when we see something impressive or entertaining. Have you ever wondered why we clap? I always thought it was more of a cultural thing - something we do because it's customary.

After watching my son, it seems apparent to me that there are outward expressions of emotion that we all display naturally, without being taught. Like hugs, clapping and dancing. They are universal. And they are inborn in us. We don't need to be taught. They are instinctual habits. Something we all do.