the downside of learning to talk

When E was A's age, she had a few words that she spoke and a few more that she signed. It wasn't until about 18 months that she really started talking...then she started and never looked back. But one of the frustrating things about E was that she didn't say Mommy or Daddy until 18 months or so. Sure, she could sign it, but she wouldn't actually say it.

I remember once I went to pick her up from daycare, and she was crying and being comforted by one of her teachers. It turns out that a couple of kids had already been picked up for the day. Since I was working from home and part-time, she had always been the last one dropped off and first one picked up. I suspect she thought the kids were there all the time, just like the toys. Anyway, the teacher said that she started crying and asked "Where's Mama?" Since I had never heard her call me that, I thought the daycare teacher was lying.

But, A...she's said Mama and Dada for quite some time. It's so cute and John and I ask her to say it about 100 times a day. But the only problem is that in addition to saying it when she's happy...she also says it when she's sad. And there is nothing more heartbreaking than the forlorn "Maaaaama!" that A moans when she wakes up in the middle of the night needing another hit of Tylenol (seriously...are these damn I-teeth ever coming in????).

This morning, she got up just as I was finished getting dressed. We snuggled for a few minutes, then I finished getting ready. Though I left her clutching her Taggie, watching the Wiggles and snuggling with Daddy, as soon as I made my move toward the door she started wailing. "Maaaaaaaaaama! Maaaaaaaama!" It was so pathetic.

Luckily these episodes are limited to home now...drop off at daycare is a breeze these days. But, even so, it certainly tugs at the heartstrings. On the otherhand, it's good to be loved.