Mommy's pride at your First Word

Dear Leo,

Mommy feels that the time is right to applaud the utterance of your First Real Word. She has been debating for some time now if the various noises that emanate from your mouth could be nominated for this auspicious title, which includes the steady stream "mamamamama" and "bababababa".

There were a number of criteria she used in order to evaluate this word.

1) It had to sound like a real word and this one most certainly does - to the extent that everyone around you is constantly attempting to persuade you to repeat it. 2) There had to be a measure of directed intent behind the word. What Mommy means is that she needed to see that there was a clear association for you between the word and the object you are addressing. Mommy realises that this association is a little grey in this instance, but you have most certainly identified the said object with a word. 3) Mommy needed to see that you were able to apply this word to the same kind of object in different circumstances. Again, you have accomplished this with aplomb.

Mommy has Daddy to thank for teaching you this word. You listened carefully, and took the word on board.

And so, without further ado, Mommy congratulates you on uttering your first word:
"Ow"

Now Mommy realises that "ow" could be construed as a vowel sound but let her swiftly debunk this notion.

Daddy returned from the hospital with manky leg all neatly swathed in bandages. Of course, this was a source of great fascination for you, and you promptly chose to investigate, with hands flapping and some up close perusal as you jungle gymed around Daddy. But Daddy was sore and, not wanting to discourage your curiosity, tried to gently dissuade your leg onslaught by explaining that he was "ow".

It didn't really prevent you from continuing to examine the leg, but at least you have the insight to mention that it is "ow" whenever you approach it. And to extrapolate your clear connection of "ow" and "leg" to include other people's legs. And then to Mommy's hair when you pull it. And to the hot tap in the bath, which Mommy and Daddy have taught you is "hhhotttt". And more recently to yourself when you have little oopses while cruising around.

Mommy is, as always, in awe of your progress and of how you grow and shine more and more each day.

Much love,
Mommy