This morning while I was uploading photos of Nikki, she said, 'I'm a pretty bird'.
It was clear as a bell, distinct, and as far as I know, original. No one has taught her "I'm a..." to my knowledge.
I was so impressed I answered, 'Yes, You Are!'

Then in the afternoon I went to a meeting of my local bird club group. Had a great time. While I was gone Nikki spoke to hubby Bill. He was so surprised that he wrote it down.
Nikki said, clearly and distinctly, 'What a good girl.'
Woo Hoo!!!!!
Now that is completely original. She probably got it from me talking to Contessa, the dog. I read somewhere that dogs respond well to the phrase "what a..." so I always try to do that for 'Tessa.
This bird is FAR exceeding my expectations and even my dreams!
When I got her I was told that she did not talk, she hadn't been handled much, and she was having trouble with Step Up. She would bite, too. The person I got her from was selling her for an acquiatnce, so I was sort of buying an unknown quantity (also known as a pig-in-a-poke HA!) My expectations were accordingly low.
So, I didn't expect her to ever talk. Then I located her breeder who told me about having her with a trainer before she was sold, and the 3 phrases she was working on (Pretty Bird, Hello, I love you).
As I mentioned earlier, I began working with her right away and...now she's talking! Wow!
She's doing MUCH better stepping up, and enjoys going into the TV room where she has a play stand, so she can be with me. I give her her favorites, red pepper, apples, and peanuts, while she is on the play stand.
Thank you ALL for being here to offer advice and encouragement, and to share my joy and delight!

Linda D in Love Land with Wonderful Nikki