Hello hello! It feels nice to sit down and write. This past month has kept me very busy with the usual part-time job and part-time staying at home with Del, in addition to family visiting, Del's first birthday, and all that goes into the beginning phases of planning a move halfway across the country. A lot has been said and done since our last chat; it seems little Del has morphed from a babe into a toddler in a terribly short amount of time.
Along with the rapid growth in her height (32 1/2 inches!) have come additions to both of her languages; she has introduced several more signs in the last month, and her first (and second!) word showed up just days before her birthday! True to her social nature and open-minded little soul, Del's very first word was "hi!" Since waving was her first manual "sign," I guess it's safe to say that she's a friendly little gal! "Hi!" was followed very closely by "da-da," which she now says when she points to Daddy F, making her intentions clear. She says hi and waves all of the time now: when I get home from work; when we walk into a restaurant and see another baby; when we go downstairs to visit the neighbors; on a walk passing strangers: greeting is her thing.
Her babbling has become more speech-like, in that she plays around a lot more with intonation and turn-taking. As far as what sounds she is making, she still sticks with mostly /b, d, g, m, h, j, w/. She still prefers /d/ out of all her sounds, but started saying "goo-goo" the other day. I found this pretty hilarious considering that "goo-goo" strikes me as something that cartoon babies say, and Del is clearly no cartoon. She is pretty funny, however. With all of their unfettered learning and exploration and silly enjoyment of life, our children constantly remind us how wonderful it is to just laugh in the face of it all. Goo-goo.
Signs that Del has newly introduced into her ASL lexicon, or mental dictionary, are "no" (head shaken firmly and slowly back and forth), "hi" (signed correctly, with an open B index finger against the forehead), "doggie" (patting her thigh with an open B handshape), "da-da" (her version is hitting an open five handshape twice against her forehead), "grandma" (open five handshape with palm to chin), and pointing. Pointing is by far Del's favorite thing in the world right now. When she wakes up from nap, she points to the hall. When we get to the hall, she points to the back den. Once there, she points outside. She points her way to sunshine and fresh air in stages, smiling and so sure of each point as she thrusts her arm proudly forward with tiny index finger extended; unwavering. Wouldn't it be grand if we all had such trust in the decisions we make each day!
She continues to sign "milk," "more," "change," "poop" and has stopped signing "banana." Her sign for "more" has become more refined, with two G handshapes coming together at the fingertips and palms facing inward (refer to handshape charts in previous posts for images). There is a sign she uses a lot that we haven't deciphered. She typically uses it when sitting at the table while eating. She grabs her left wrist with her right hand and opens and closes her left hand. Any ideas out there?? I thought it was a modified version of "poop" but she still signs poop her other way so that doesn't seem right.
Del has not yet signed or said "mama" so I just pretend that her signing "milk" is a term of endearment something along the lines of, "that nice lady with the milk." I'm just happy she's chattering away and moving those tiny fingers and hands in meaningful ways. I am in constant awe of her - of all children. I would give anything to be able to simply absorb the information around me like they do (like we used to!); learning takes true effort as an adult!
Del and neighbor Baby (born on the same day; our "same day twins") have wonderful conversations now, taking turns and mimicking the tone and pitch of each-others voices. They greet each other both verbally and physically, Del saying "hi!" and neighbor Baby hugging and kissing. Neighbor Baby - who is walking - walked over to Del the other evening, who was sitting on the floor. Neighbor Baby squatted a little and leaned over to kiss Del on the nose. Del just sat there with her face turned up a little as neighbor Baby kissed her two more times. It was the most precious and ridiculously adorable thing I have ever witnessed. Two seconds later neighbor Mama grabbed the video camera from the kitchen counter and said, "Do it again, ladies!" Alas, this is why we must keep our memories sharp; to remember them, then.
And so a year has come and gone (intheblinkofaneye), and Del's language is such that she:
ASL
- uses roughly seven different signs on any given day to communicate basic wants and needs.
- watches ASL conversations intently, switching attention to the next speaker in anticipation of his or her turn
- waves hello to everyone she meets
- points and shakes head "no" to indicate her preference for food, parent, direction, toy, or game.
- plays "hide-and-seek" with Daddy F, following his signed directions for "wait," "where?", "look," "find," "bring," and "give."
- responds to family on VP with excitement and glee, indicating she understands not only that she is talking to the person on the TV, but who she is talking with.
- "listens" to Daddy F when he talks to her, watching his face intently while he signs.
ENGLISH
- calls out to her "da-da."
- says "hi" to everyone and anyone who crosses her path.
- engages in "conversation" with her parents, neighbor Baby, neighbor Mama and Dada, and strangers
- sings, babbles, squeals and hollers for the sheer fun of her voice.
- mimics (or attempts to mimic) both linguistic and non-linguistic sounds.
- recognizes and listens when her name is called.
- follows directions for "stop," "come here," "get down," "give," "bring," and "off" (I am ignoring the fact that she will soon learn how to defy all of this wonderful knowledge and outwit me at every turn).
- picks specific favorite books or toys from a pile when instructed (i.e., "bring me Grinch!").
Videos to follow within the week!
P.S., I still haven't heard from any of you regarding your babies' language. What are any first signs, first words? These are great stories to share: honor us with a tiny snippet of you and your personal history!
Until next time, be well. And revel in the sunshine. . .Spring has sprung! Happy April to you all.
Along with the rapid growth in her height (32 1/2 inches!) have come additions to both of her languages; she has introduced several more signs in the last month, and her first (and second!) word showed up just days before her birthday! True to her social nature and open-minded little soul, Del's very first word was "hi!" Since waving was her first manual "sign," I guess it's safe to say that she's a friendly little gal! "Hi!" was followed very closely by "da-da," which she now says when she points to Daddy F, making her intentions clear. She says hi and waves all of the time now: when I get home from work; when we walk into a restaurant and see another baby; when we go downstairs to visit the neighbors; on a walk passing strangers: greeting is her thing.
Her babbling has become more speech-like, in that she plays around a lot more with intonation and turn-taking. As far as what sounds she is making, she still sticks with mostly /b, d, g, m, h, j, w/. She still prefers /d/ out of all her sounds, but started saying "goo-goo" the other day. I found this pretty hilarious considering that "goo-goo" strikes me as something that cartoon babies say, and Del is clearly no cartoon. She is pretty funny, however. With all of their unfettered learning and exploration and silly enjoyment of life, our children constantly remind us how wonderful it is to just laugh in the face of it all. Goo-goo.
Signs that Del has newly introduced into her ASL lexicon, or mental dictionary, are "no" (head shaken firmly and slowly back and forth), "hi" (signed correctly, with an open B index finger against the forehead), "doggie" (patting her thigh with an open B handshape), "da-da" (her version is hitting an open five handshape twice against her forehead), "grandma" (open five handshape with palm to chin), and pointing. Pointing is by far Del's favorite thing in the world right now. When she wakes up from nap, she points to the hall. When we get to the hall, she points to the back den. Once there, she points outside. She points her way to sunshine and fresh air in stages, smiling and so sure of each point as she thrusts her arm proudly forward with tiny index finger extended; unwavering. Wouldn't it be grand if we all had such trust in the decisions we make each day!
She continues to sign "milk," "more," "change," "poop" and has stopped signing "banana." Her sign for "more" has become more refined, with two G handshapes coming together at the fingertips and palms facing inward (refer to handshape charts in previous posts for images). There is a sign she uses a lot that we haven't deciphered. She typically uses it when sitting at the table while eating. She grabs her left wrist with her right hand and opens and closes her left hand. Any ideas out there?? I thought it was a modified version of "poop" but she still signs poop her other way so that doesn't seem right.
Del has not yet signed or said "mama" so I just pretend that her signing "milk" is a term of endearment something along the lines of, "that nice lady with the milk." I'm just happy she's chattering away and moving those tiny fingers and hands in meaningful ways. I am in constant awe of her - of all children. I would give anything to be able to simply absorb the information around me like they do (like we used to!); learning takes true effort as an adult!
Del and neighbor Baby (born on the same day; our "same day twins") have wonderful conversations now, taking turns and mimicking the tone and pitch of each-others voices. They greet each other both verbally and physically, Del saying "hi!" and neighbor Baby hugging and kissing. Neighbor Baby - who is walking - walked over to Del the other evening, who was sitting on the floor. Neighbor Baby squatted a little and leaned over to kiss Del on the nose. Del just sat there with her face turned up a little as neighbor Baby kissed her two more times. It was the most precious and ridiculously adorable thing I have ever witnessed. Two seconds later neighbor Mama grabbed the video camera from the kitchen counter and said, "Do it again, ladies!" Alas, this is why we must keep our memories sharp; to remember them, then.
And so a year has come and gone (intheblinkofaneye), and Del's language is such that she:
ASL
- uses roughly seven different signs on any given day to communicate basic wants and needs.
- watches ASL conversations intently, switching attention to the next speaker in anticipation of his or her turn
- waves hello to everyone she meets
- points and shakes head "no" to indicate her preference for food, parent, direction, toy, or game.
- plays "hide-and-seek" with Daddy F, following his signed directions for "wait," "where?", "look," "find," "bring," and "give."
- responds to family on VP with excitement and glee, indicating she understands not only that she is talking to the person on the TV, but who she is talking with.
- "listens" to Daddy F when he talks to her, watching his face intently while he signs.
ENGLISH
- calls out to her "da-da."
- says "hi" to everyone and anyone who crosses her path.
- engages in "conversation" with her parents, neighbor Baby, neighbor Mama and Dada, and strangers
- sings, babbles, squeals and hollers for the sheer fun of her voice.
- mimics (or attempts to mimic) both linguistic and non-linguistic sounds.
- recognizes and listens when her name is called.
- follows directions for "stop," "come here," "get down," "give," "bring," and "off" (I am ignoring the fact that she will soon learn how to defy all of this wonderful knowledge and outwit me at every turn).
- picks specific favorite books or toys from a pile when instructed (i.e., "bring me Grinch!").
Videos to follow within the week!
P.S., I still haven't heard from any of you regarding your babies' language. What are any first signs, first words? These are great stories to share: honor us with a tiny snippet of you and your personal history!
Until next time, be well. And revel in the sunshine. . .Spring has sprung! Happy April to you all.
Hi Amanda! Although I do not yet have children, I am very inspired by your post. This is something I want for my child to experience, be it sign language, Spanish, French... I think it is so important to introduce into your child's life and therefore appreciate your candid thoughts and insight.
ReplyDeleteIf you recall, my step-moms sister is deaf, therefore my step-mom learned sign at a very early age and now works within the department of rehabilitation services for Illinois. She signs fluently, provides counseling services and interpretation. It's amazon the doors learning a new language can open!
Thank you again for sharing Del's journey.
Caryn
Hi Caryn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet comment; I'm happy you're enjoying the blogs. I do remember you talking about your step-mother's work in the Deaf community and with ASL. Maybe we'll get to meet sometime in this lifetime!
Hope you're well. I look forward to seeing you when you're here in San Diego!
Amanda
We were in a lovely coffee shop just up the street today when Wren befriended some adults sitting next to us. The first thing she asked the man: "And what language do you speak?" :) We started chatting as the woman was bursting with excitement at Wren's interest in chatting with her and Wren's expansive 4.5 year old vocabulary ("Mom, this turkey surly has bacteria on it.") But it made me think of what Wren's first words were: Hot, Dada, banana (signed w/ grunts for each syllable) and then soon after Mama. She often said "Mada" or "Dama" too, getting the names/syllables a bit mixed up. Wren signed a lot too, but hardly any more... we're still working on that.
ReplyDeleteAndrea! Through the beauty and wonder it is to be your friend and know your heart, the only regret I have is that we are not watching each-other's daughters grow first hand. I miss you and wish I knew Wren better. Perhaps I shall start a correspondence! What's her favorite thing these days? And don't fret about her signing, just start doing it more and come visit us in Colorado once we're there. Plenty of space for the Riley family!
ReplyDelete