One of the joys of motherhood is witnessing your child learn to speak. Dylan's language development has been fascinating and exciting to see. I still remember his first word, which was "kitty." By the time he turned two, his vocabulary had grown to over 50 words and now it has broadened to new words and phrases almost daily. Although I love to hear him learn new words and pronounce them correctly, I also enjoy hearing cute mispronunciations and new unique words.
The reason I am writing this entry now is that his most infamous made-up word has almost disappeared. I am not sure when it started or why, but he always referred to his favorite blanket as a "dodgie or dodgies." When he would call for it, I would always say the correct word, as recommended by parenting experts, so that he would eventually learn the word. However, now that he calls his blanket a blanket, I am saddened not to hear "dodgies." Sometimes, I find myself asking him about his dodgies and trying to get him to say it. Although he will repeat it after me, he never says the word first anymore.
Another adorable made-up phrase is slowly disappearing as well. Before knowing how to ask for something or tell me where something goes, Dylan would simply point and repeat the phrase, "da-doe, da-doe." For example, he often used it when pointing to his plate for ketchup, to tell me where to sit or signal that a part was missing from a toy or other object. I think it basically meant "that goes" here and the phrase "da-doe" was close enough. Now that his vocabulary has improved I have noticed this phrase slowly disappear as well. As with the word "dodgie," I continue to say "da-doe" in hopes that it lasts just a little longer. I guess this is just part of not wanting to let go of the childlike qualities that are so endearing and ever so temporary. Some other current toddler-isms include nu-nues = noodles and buddy = butter. He loves to ask for a buddy sandwich, meaning peanut butter of course. I am now trying to enjoy every moment of these early words since they will be gone before I know it.
2 comments:
I love toddler language! I got your link from the cleft Yahoo group. I also have two boys that are similar ages to yours. Your boys are adorable, btw.
Hi Annette!
It's Jenny! Our favorite toddler words with my older boys- one was "sheesh" for "fish". I still say it, and we laugh about it with the boys. Emma would say Memo, for Nemo. She is five, and so proud of HERSELF, that she can now say "SILVER" right. She gets a big grin evertime she says it.
Jack...well...his cute thing, is he points to something, or gets your attention, and then "mouths" what he is trying to tell you. *sigh* A sign usually accompanies it, but he generalizes most of his signs, so most of the time we feel like we are talking to Lassie! :) Luckily, he's a sweet boy, so for now, it endearing!! ;)
It's great to right stuff down, so the kids rememeber when they get older. I know, mine get such a kick out of it!!
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