What to do when your kid can s-p-e-l-l?
It had to happen eventually.  I mean, our family has had smart dogs that can recall the sounds that make up basic, necessary for daily life and happiness words such a t-r-e-a-t and w-a-l-k.   So why should I be surprised that Mariel has started to figure a few things out, too?  Only kid essentials, like z-o-o and i-c-e (and really, does she need to know how to spell the second part of the word?  If we are spelling "ice" it is most likely leading to ice cream, because if we were just talking about regular old ice we would not need to spell, would we?)
This may really put a damper on adult conversations and planning.  I am not sure how Patrick and I will communicate anymore, as many of our conversations regarding the kids now involve spelling key words.  Maybe we need to learn sign language?