The last two nights have been annoying frankly.  When I arrived at home Wednesday night, I walked in the door after a very long day to a screaming baby and a motivated husband.  Andy was motivated (as am I) to (let’s be honest) force Belén to communicate with us with something other than “uh uh uh” and pointing at what she wants.

Andy immediately said, “it’s mom’s turn to feed you” and I proceeded to fail as desperately as he had and we ended up just giving her the food.  It’s hard not to give in when she is screaming, crying, is getting six teeth, pulling at her ears and has a light version of her purpura rash (we think she is fighting a cold virus).  I figured she needed her food and it wasn’t worth totally pissing her off, at least any more than she already was.

Instead we put in the Baby Signing Time DVD (more punishment for Andy and me) and tried not to slit our wrists to Rachel’s rendition to “These are the Pets I Love.”  I know that sounds dramatic and it is melodramatic…but the songs are horrendously catchy (to Andy and I, not B) and annoying.

Fast forward to today.  I don’t know if it was Baby Signing Time or the music from CDs Lori lent me (THANKS LORI!) or the fact that they worked on sounds at school or just us being more stern, but I am thrilled to report progress.

I came into the door to the same scene as the night before except Belén wasn’t at the meltdown point yet.  Andy asked her if she wanted more Pirate’s Booty and she clapped her hands.  I nearly lept with joy across the room.  COMMUNICATION!

MOOOOOREE!  GOOOOOOD JOB B!  MOOOORE!  Yay!

I took over the feeding and while it is still not natural with her, I got a whole bunch of clapping leading to a whole bunch of Pirate’s Booty, mangoes, chili and milk (she even did the sign for milk once, but I am not sure if it was intentional).  We were happy, pro-gress…

And then…

Belén and I went for a walk around the block.  We pet the kitty (Ozzie), picked up sticks, rocks and flower pedals, walked, watched neighbor kids and soaked up our beautiful neighborhood.  When we arrived back at the house Andy was waiting for us outside.  Belén took off towards Ozzie and Andy said, “Belén is that Ozzie?”  She continued her pursuit and said outloud, “Ozzie.”  Andy and I looked at each other.  I literally got a tear in my eye!

We have a ways to go before these words are signed or said at will at the appropriate time, but this is progress people!

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