parrot

The language of a toddler can be many things, and most of the time I wouldn’t even call it English. Each child has their own words and own language and sometimes it’s only the parent who can decipher what they are trying to say. In my “pre mom” life I have always tried to talk to kids and when I didn’t know what they were saying I’d just respond with “uh huh”. I’d smile and agree and the little kid would smile proudly that they communicated. Now that my son is learning new words every day I find saying “uh huh” can no longer cut it. Not for my son. He wants to be SURE I understand what he is saying. And will repeat it till I say it back to him…this my friends can be frustrating!

I love that my son is talking so much words these days. It has taken a lot of the frustration out of our day. But I have to admit that most of the talking is in a language that you have to learn to understand. He is so proud of himself, and I am so proud of him. He is so proud of himself that he wants me to repeat back to him what he is saying. Just to be sure that I get it. He will say something and wait….and when I repeat correctly he is so happy. When I repeat incorrectly he looks at me and says the same thing again…and again…and again…till I figure I out. It breaks my heart when I can’t because he tries so hard. In his mind he is making perfect sense.

I love talking to my son. I love driving in the car and having him tell me stories whether I fully understand them or not. The other day I left for a bit and 5 minutes after leaving the house my phone rings and it’s The Captain telling me my son wanted to call me. He said “Hi Mommy!” and proceeded to tell me a story which I believe was about his juice. He sounded so sweet.

It is amazing to watch him learn the English language. Sometimes I feel like the pace is slow…but then I realize that soon enough he will be talking ALL the time. For now I will take enjoyment in repeating all of his phrases. It helps me learn what he is saying, and by hearing me say it back to him he can hear the “correct” way to say things. It’s a win win!