Does he talk yet?

Everyone keeps asking when is Joseph going to talk? Of course it's one of those questions that wears on my nerves because he will talk when he's ready to talk - just like walking, just like so many other things babies do when they are ready.

But what's neat is that Joseph already communicates by using ASL - American Sign Language. We have been learning to sign by watching Signing Time on public television. We also bought one of their DVDs off their website. So if you want to "talk" to Joseph, maybe ask him to teach you some signs that he knows. Here are the words that he knows:

1. Please (rub your open palm against your chest)
2. Thank You (move your open palm from your mouth downward)
3. More/I want (put your fingertips together and bounce)
4. Food/Eat (just like putting food in your mouth!)
5. Pick me up (reach up with both arms)
6. Shoes (hit your fists together)
7. Tired/Bed (lay your head on your hands/shoulder)

He also knows many of his body parts including the following:

1. Hair
2. Feet
3. Nose
4. Tickle Button (you may know it as a belly button)
5. Teeth

Boys typically take a little longer than girls with their actual speech and we are not planning to worry until Joseph is in the 18-24 month range. If anyone is still worried or concerned, please don't fret. At baby school, they have free speech testing and will tell us for sure if they think there is a problem!! So rest easy and practice your signs!!