Favorite words

Hi boys, you both have a growing vocabulary and I decided to write about what seem to be your current favorite words. Matthew, yours are pretty easy and typical for a child your age. They are "mine" and "no." You quickly learned the concept of "mine" and use it often, especially with Sam, which is understandable since he regularly tries to take your toys and you need to defend yourself. But you use it frequently when you really don't need to, such as asking for food. You'll point to something you want, like a cookie and say "Mine!" Sometimes you use the actual word to describe what you want (like bread and butter, which sounds like "ba ba ba ter").

You also have mastered the concept of "no". For example, I'll ask, "Matthew, do you want to take a nap now?" and you'll respond, "No!" and run away. Or when we're reading books before bed, you clearly know what you want to read and you emphatically push away the "wrong" books with a strong "No!" Your current favorites are Farmer Mickey, Tractors and Baby Animals.

Sam, although you have an extensive vocabulary, you don't like to show it off, but you do have a few favorite words too. Instead of responding to questions by giving the appropriate answer, (such as, "Sam, how old are you?", and you respond, "Two and a half") you like to respond in one of two ways, "Ta tas!" or "Ka kas!" You respond this way frequently, especially when we're around other people. So someone will say, "What's your name?" and you'll say, "Ta tas". You clearly know the answer, but when pressed for it, you'd rather respond with one of your gibberish words. Daddy thinks your gibberish words may be misinterpreted in the wrong context (let your imagination do the work on that one) and wishes you would limit their use to at home, but you will do as you want. Regardless, Daddy and I are very proud of both of your vocabularies and your ability to communicate when you want to. Keep it up. Love, Mom