So Ava spoke her first words a while back; mama, dada, cat, dog, lola. That was were her language acquisition seemed to stall. She minimally signed of course and used other forms of communication but no new words. Then about a month back we got “up” Yay!!! A new word at last! Now I do not want to be, and nor do I think I am one of those moms who needs their child to meet every milestone on time or early. As a child development graduate I am more than aware how every child develops at different rates in different areas. But with Ava’s best friend Hope talking at 9 months, yes she is amazing, I was beginning to get a bit concerned. Would she even be close to her 50 words at her 18 month appointment?
Larry warned me that it was any day. That once she started talking the flood gates would open. He was also convinced that it would happen during our trip to MI. That was where she took her first steps across the room it would figure that other milestones would follow, away from daddy’s adoring eye. Daddy is always right! At 16.5 months the floodgates did open! It is entirely amazing how often new words spring from her mouth in the sweetest voice ever!
Mommy, daddy, cat, dog, Lola, up, down, on, off, in, out, grass, rocks, slide, milk, snacks, more, yes, no, wet, hot, go, bath, paci, meow, moo, ouch, oops, apple, juice, fish, ball, mint, Hope (with the H dropped!) the list goes on and on and everyday something new. The best part is just how excited and proud she is upon successfully communicating a thought.
My new word story would not be complete however without sharing the most special words gained back east. Ava quickly took grandpa under her language belt. It is a mouthful so she has enderingly shorted it to Pa! Yah, just like the Waltons. Grammy was Mimi, we are still working on Grammy and she is VERY close. Finally Uncle Chris; or kiss as she refers to him, fitting for someone who loves her so very much!
Cheers to my little darling I look forward each day to hearing your sweet voice!
Note: Here is a wonderful article on language development if you are interested! At the very end is a list of language milestones.
Nice post Honey, you captured Ava’s language journey perfectly! I love her little voice too 🙂
I am so looking forward to that sweet voice – it is undoubtably the best sound in the world.
Love, mom
I love it when they just start sentences out of no where – melts your heart