Signs of a Good Time

I'm all about helping kids communicate - spoken words, sign language, pointing, grunting, whatever. Anything that helps them express their needs, likes and dislikes. So when Gavin started really paying attention to baby sign lately (and I actually started using it regularly), I knew we were finally off to a good start.

Just today he started using two new signs when I visited him during my lunch break - "dog" and "eat." Priorities, you know.

Added to "more," "done" and "hi" (hey, it counts!) they only bring his signs to five, but I know there are dozens right around the corner. He's saying "mama," "more," "dada," "dog," "done" and what we think is "nattie" now too, so communication is officially underway!

Even his pointing and saying "dah" gives us a clue as to what he wants and his huge smiles let us know when we've guessed correctly.

I love this stage, right on the brink of a communication explosion. You can see what's ahead and you clearly remember the days past - and there's this little lull where you can soak it all up. He's learning so much, so quickly and finally getting a chance to tell us everything that's been going on his his mind for the past year. I'm going to make an effort to weave more signing naturally into my conversations with him to help things along.

I can't wait to hear what he has to say. And sign.