1:28 – Hug Me
Turns out one really needs a video camera to capture signs. Who knew? Taking the lead from a couple of you, tonight’s word was “hug”, which I tried to turn into “hug me”, but Oscar refused to go there. He did, however, latch onto “hug” within two seconds, which led to a very enjoyable hour in which it seemed like hugging was apparently something he had wanted to do a lot of. We’re pretty touchy feely around here, so I’m hopeful that he hasn’t been feeling like I’ve been a little chintzy on the hugs. I think tomorrow’s word will be “tickle.”
A cross section of hug (which you do by simply crossing your arms in front of your chest). And, just to share, behind Oscar was my weekend’s project. An attempt to organize the three million toys that have invaded Oscar’s room. I’m quite proud of it – it was in a million pieces, which I put together all by myself. I even decorated the his and her globes – little rhinestones for each city Oscar and Etta have visited or lived in (I just marked Addis for Etta for now). I’m hoping theirs will be as encrusted with little jewels as my bigger globe is in my office.
Project 28
Since I’m incapable of doing a 365 project (really, I am), I’ve decided to embark on a 28 day project instead. Each day this month, Oscar, Nanny Norma and I are going to learn a new sign.
Why sign more? I’m coming to terms with the reality that Oscar is not going to suddenly burst forth speaking in sentences. I’m not coming to terms with the possibility that Oscar is not going to speak eventually, but I do want to figure out a way to bridge the gap between now and the time he can communicate verbally. I’m also looking into formal programs to help the entire family out in terms of learning ASL or even having a tutor come to the house. It’s just clear to me that we need a method of communication that is more effective than the hodge-podge of grunts, signs and words that we have in our shared vocabulary.
Right now, Oscar can sign* and/or speak^ the following (off the top of my head, I’m sure I’m missing a few):
Mom^, OMa (Norma)^, Grandma*, Sister^*, Boy*, Girl*, Hat*, Milk*, Ice cream*, Baby*, Signing*, Cookie^*, Cracker*, Cake^, Cereal*, Banana*, Bread*, Egg^, Fish*, Candy*, Cheese*, Tea^, Please*, Thank you*, Sorry*, Ball^*, Play*, Bath*, Car^*, Bus*, Shoes*, Star*, Socks*, Sleep*, Eat*, Drink*, Thirsty*, Hungry*, Monkey* (three words in one – means he wants to walk with his monkey backpack, eat gummy candies (shaped like monkeys) or monkey), Bear*, Dog*, Cat*, Help^*, Hot^*, Cold*, Go^*, More^*, Up^, Down*, Hurt*, Wow^ (my favorite – two syllables), Oh no^ and Uh oh^.
Here’s what I have on our list for this month. And I feel I should note the lack of vegetables in Oscar’s vocabulary – it’s not that he doesn’t eat them; it’s just that we don’t speak of them. Kind of like Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter.
Grandpa, Chicken, Soup, Pasta, Yogurt, Swim, Paint, Potty, Walk, Bike, Clean, Talk, TV, Happy, Sad, Soup, Pants, Shirt, Dressed, Read, Yes, No (he uses no, but only when he’s really upset; I would like him to use it as an answer to a question).
Any suggestions? You families who communicate – what words do your toddlers most frequently use?
waiting
Where I’ve Been
