Thursday, March 4, 2010

What Counts as a Word?

Mowgli is now five months old and making syllables like mad. Some of them are consistent: "Muh" noises, once or several times, indicate distress or hunger; "Da" syllables are attention-seekers; "Bub-bub-bub" seems to mean an uncomfortable diaper. I'm getting a little better at catching these.

Last night, however, he was yanking the ladybug on his bouncy chair and playing "If You're Happy and You Know It" 4,723 times. "Are you enjoying that ladybug?" I asked.

"Lah-dah-bah," he answered in contented tones.

He wouldn't say it again, though. Probably it was simple parroting. He's a chatty little soul. I'm looking forward to the real conversations, as he seems to have a great deal to say.

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