12 words and 3 animal sounds

Finn had his 18 month check up earlier this week. The doctor kept hammering me with questions, like: "Does your son fall down like that a lot?" and "How much milk does he drink per day? How many words can he say? Does he point at pictures in books?"

Hmm . . . uhhh . . . I was feeling decidedly like a certain Republican VP candidate. Yes, he says all of them, points at any of 'em, whatever is in front of him.

"But he's saying at least 10-15 words, right?"

"Yah," I said trying to reassure myself.

For the remainder of the visit I found myself blurting out things like "He says 'thank you'" and "He's really into brushing his teeth." I guess I was trying to prove that I was a worthy mother after all and that my son is developing normally despite his ginormous head (which is now merely in the 99th percentile).

After leaving the office and feeling rather guilty about not knowing such Finn facts at the drop of a hat I reflected on Finn's vocabulary. That kid talks a lot. Some of those sounds must be actual words. Let's see:

No, no, no = No

Yah = yes

enh euu or day doo = Thank You

dad-deeeee = Daddy or Mommy and maybe you, if he really likes you

dawg = dog

gout = Scout

Mamamamama = code blue

baby = baby

eye = Hi

bye = bye

doh = down/done (get me out of this high chair)

num num nummy = yummy

He makes animal sounds upon request. That counts right?

Rrrraarrr = Sound a bear makes

Oof Oof = Sound a dog makes

Maow = Sound a cat makes

Whew! We are in the 10-15 word range. Now if I listen a bit more intently I may recognize other words hiding in his gibberish speak. Better start busting out the Your Baby Can Read videos again.