Learning to Talk

So I figure there are two major parts to learning to talk.  The first, of course, is being able to understand what others are saying.  I’m really good at this.  Here are a few things that I understand:

“Put that back”
“Sit Down”/”Stand Up”
“Give *name of person* a hug”
“Put that in the trash”
“Take that out of your mouth”
“Don’t eat the kitty”

The second part is learning to make the sounds yourself.  Now, it’s not that I’ve been incapable of copying the sounds that Mommy and Daddy make.  After all, I picked up several words long ago.  It’s just that, quite frankly, talking just didn’t seem that terribly critical.  With the proper mix of grunts, expressions, and hand motions, I can communicate quite effectively.  However, I have noticed lately that Mommy and Daddy (and now the grandparents, too!) have been making a point to have me try to say what I want.  Apparently they feel it’s time that I make the switch.  And to add insult to insult, they are even refusing to give me what I want if I’m whining.  I guess they don’t understand that I whine when I want something, not when I don’t want it.  Perhaps they are ones who need to work on their ability to communicate.

Anyway, I have been practicing.  I’m getting really good at repeating words back to them.  I’ve been able to use words like “Momma”, “Dada”, “Zeus”, “Kitty”, “No”, and others for a long time.  Now, though, I’m repeating back new words like “Door”, “Window”, “Cricket”, and others.  With a little more practice, I should be able to talk all on my own!  I’m a practical guy.  I suppose I can learn to use words if it really does help someone communicate.   In the meantime, though, I’ll continue to grunt.  And blog.