2/09/2006

Some messages are loud and clear

I worry sometimes that Lil Joe's verbal development is not where it ought to be. He is almost three, but doesn't have nearly as many recognizable words as his brother and sister did at his age, and still depends highly on physical communication instead of speaking. It seems as though he's getting the most important points across, though. Exhibit A: Setting- Gramma's kitchen. Lil Joe has climbed into his booster seat, indicating that we wants sustenance. Gramma offers him some breakfast.

Gramma: Would you like a fruit bar? Lil Joe: Noooo. Gramma: How about some Cheerios? Lil Joe: Noooo. Gramma: Toast? Lil Joe: Noooo. Gramma: Well, what do you want? Lil Joe: Muffins. Gramma: We don't have any muffins. Lil Joe: Muffins! [points across table toward Grandy's seat, gesturing toward the Dunkin Donuts bag.]


Incidentally, the bag did not contain muffins, but he was perfectly OK with eating his grandfather's coffee roll instead. And he toddled off happily to watch TV once his belly was full. Exhibit B: Setting- kitchen, a few minutes later. Mama and Gramma are chatting. Lil Joe enters.
Lil Joe: Want say "bye-bye" a Mama.
Me: Bye, sweetie, give Mama a kiss.
Lil Joe: [dodging]No. [waves in my face] Bye-bye, Mama!
[Mama finishes sentence in conversation]
Lil Joe: Bye-bye, Mama! [waves more forcefully] Bye-bye![tugs on my sleeve] BYE-BYE!

Gramma was surprised that Lil Joe spoke a complete sentence that she could understand. I was just glad he hadn't actually learned to say "Get your butt moving and go to work."

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Who's Who

    Hubby- aka DH My husband since 1995. He is the head of the band department at a college prep school, and dabbles as a wanna-be pop star.

    The Princess- aka DD. Third grader at the local parochial school. Loves butterlies, sparkly things, the color purple and has recently developed a crush on one of the twins from "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody". Is ready for her teenage years, having already perfected her exasperated sigh and dramatic eye-roll.

    Hoss- aka DS1. Kindergartener and resident spirited child. His aunt likes to call him "the evil genius" because of his penchant for letting a lack of intellectual stimulation lead him into mischief. Likes trucks, sports, building things and burping. His current favorite word is "underwear."

    Lil Joe- aka DS2. Born in 2003. Doesn't say much we can understand, but has mastered the important stuff ("eat!", "Wash hands!", "Want chocolate ones!", "Hockey game!") Likes to push buttons, much to the consternation of whoever is trying to watch a DVD. Firmly refuses to use the potty, despite evidence that he is physically ready to be out of diapers, indicating a level of stubborn that eclipses even that of his parents and siblings.

    Me? I'm the Mama. That's all you need to know.

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