must have more

Well, we finally have achieved sign language.

Yesterday, after I read a requested “Book!” he said “Moooureh” and made the little two birds kissing sign with his hands.

So that’s it folks. The boy has learned how to sign and say “More” at EXACTLY THE SAME TIME.

Uh huh. Cause that’s how he rolls.

It meant that he wanted me to read the book again.

Anyone know the sign for “Again?” We might could work on that, or not.

The way he says it, with such passion, such verve, reminded me of the old popping bubble wrap flash game that got sent round the internet a few years back. Remember? The key is to hit the button for “manic mode” — and to ask for a “fresh sheet.” That voice, that’s kind of how Jonah sounds, only growly-er.

I thought it funny that he busted out the More during reading, rather than eating since the latter is almost exclusively when I’ve used the sign to him. Except for when I’ve used it to try to gauge whether or not he was ready to come out of the swing. “More?” or “All done?” I would say and sign. Kicking legs and maniacal laughter mean “more, please.”

Today he did use it while eating though, so it’s making its way around his world.

Other fun linguistic surprises. Today he held his tiny quilted goose and looked at me and very loudly announced. Hock! Hock! Hock!

Surely you mean Goose? I asked.

Goonuh! he said. Hock!

Oh, right! I get it. Honk.

Where/when did he learn that one???

He’s working on Elephant in his way. “Ent,” he says.

And then there was the Reading of the Book.

After three rounds of having me read Where’s Spot? to him (per his request for the book by name “Bot!” (Spot!) and his “More” direction on the repeats — it occurs to me that he’s nearly perfected an entire vocabulary of the words necessary to order me around: Up, Down, Out, Book, More, Bottle, Poop, Boop) I decided to just turn the pages, and let him look at the pictures.

So he decided to narrate. If you have the book, you can follow along at home (each phrase or set of phrases is for one two-page spread).

1) Dabba dabba dubbuh mnuh min dubboo.

2) Dooer!

3) Cuh-ock!

4) Piii-yaow!

5) Rawr.

6) Ooo Ooo Ooo.

7) Cagha dedl mnoo.

8) Peh-iin.

9) Tuurle!

10) (Smiles)

11) (Looks intently)

I may be exaggerating some of his verbal accuracy. But he pretty much read the book to me/himself.

And still there was more? Today, he looked down at his shirt and REALIZED that there’s a PENGUIN on it! Pulled it slightly away from his belly for a better view. You could see his mind working, the sudden delight. “Pei-eeeen!”

Yes!