This morning as she had her breakfast, Vivi indicated that she wanted something in particular by trying to point at it - perfectly de rigueur right now. I'd say, "Oatmeal?" She'd shake her head. "Banana?" Shake her head. "Cereal?" She wouldn't shake, and I'd give her a few Kix. After a few passes through this little routine, I said, "Vivi, you should nod your head when you want something, like this!" I demonstrated by bobbing my head. She watched, unblinking.
The next time through the which-food cycle, she nodded when I listed the right item, violently throwing her head forward and back and grinning at her quick mastery of this new mode of communication. I was delighted, and she was delighted at my delight. More bananas for the quick learner!
(The only problem is that she goes so far back that she hits the highchair seatback, knocking it into one of its recline positions, and leans so far forward the almost touches the highchair tray. A little muscle control will be fine.)