My quiet little boy suddenly has words tumbling out of his mouth, though there's definitely some translation required. It's kind of like Pig Latin, only instead of moving the consonant to the back of the word, Charlie just drops it all together. Snow is no. Pillow is whoa-whoa. Umbrella is basically the sound you hear if you stick your tongue in and out of your mouth really fast. Thank you is the sweetest, slowest drawl of vowels that we made sure to get it on video so we could document his 23-month-old Nashville accent. But my favorite is, "Maple, where are you," which sounds like "Aa-poo, waaaa-r-ouuuu?"
As a first time parent with Madeline, I worried I should be doing more if she didn't hit milestones at the exact week or month mark that parenting books said. Then I learned that lovely, comforting thing that experienced moms always remind us of -- children do things in their own time. I didn't notice that my tiny Madeline was scaling fences and doing 50-meter sprints while some of her friends were still learning to walk and falling head first over curbs -- only that she didn't have the 20-word vocabulary kids her age are "supposed" to have. Her pediatrician at the time said "We won't worry. Yet." That three-letter word banged around in my mind from time to time afterward. So when her speech exploded like Charlie's is now, it was truly one of my first lessons in not only relaxing as a parent but also fully focusing on, enjoying and absorbing the present moment. This time around with Charlie, I never worried. I just kept a running list as his vocabulary grew, which is a joy for me to look at now as I write this post.
It's safe to say that my children seem to focus on physical development before the verbal, since Charlie was climbing trees before he could say "all done." During my last OB check up, my doctor had to chase our zygote with her Doppler to catch its heartbeat. She eventually asked it politely to slow down. Seems the Vlach kids are quite active before they're even born. And though Charlie has lots to say now, I'm guessing he'll still appreciate the peace and quiet that most men enjoy, but that every woman in his life will be happy to fill with lively and animated conversation.
My quiet little boy suddenly has words tumbling out of his mouth, though there's definitely some translation required. It's kind of like Pig Latin, only instead of moving the consonant to the back of the word, Charlie just drops it all together. Snow is no. Pillow is whoa-whoa. Umbrella is basically the sound you hear if you stick your tongue in and out of your mouth really fast. Thank you is the sweetest, slowest drawl of vowels that we made sure to get it on video so we could document his 23-month-old Nashville accent. But my favorite is, "Maple, where are you," which sounds like "Aa-poo, waaaa-r-ouuuu?" 
As a first time parent with Madeline, I worried I should be doing more if she didn't hit milestones at the exact week or month mark that parenting books said. Then I learned that lovely, comforting thing that experienced moms always remind us of -- children do things in their own time. I didn't notice that my tiny Madeline was scaling fences and doing 50-meter sprints while some of her friends were still learning to walk and falling head first over curbs -- only that she didn't have the 20-word vocabulary kids her age are "supposed" to have. Her pediatrician at the time said "We won't worry. Yet." That three-letter word banged around in my mind from time to time afterward. So when her speech exploded like Charlie's is now, it was truly one of my first lessons in not only relaxing as a parent but also fully focusing on, enjoying and absorbing the present moment. This time around with Charlie, I never worried. I just kept a running list as his vocabulary grew, which is a joy for me to look at now as I write this post.
7 comments:
I WOVE WOU, CHAWIE!!!!!!
Go Charlie go!!! Can't wait for the boys to chat together in BC!
I love your blog posts Megan! Your children are absolutely adorable and I love your outlook on parenting and life. congrats on baby #3! I gotta say that I thought the transition from two to three was a breeze in comparison from one to two...no doubt younwill handle it all with poise, grace and humor!
Love this post. Kids do develop at their own pace. Kai still can't figure-out how to jump. It's hilarious watching him try though ;) Can't wait to see you guys!! Hugs and kisses to everyone...
Adorable! And HILARIOUS that I just wrote a similar blog about Marin. I hadn't even read this yet! :)
How true these words are and really struck a note with me. I OBSESSED about the milestones with Wyatt, mostly because he always seemed to be late at meeting them. I too remember the doctor saying we shouldn't worry "yet". Don't they know how much we moms take these words to heart!? I definitely learned to relax this second go around and when people ask me how many words Hadley has (yes, they ACTUALLY ask this!), I can honestly say I have no idea... ;o)
Great post. Glad to see everyone is doing great!
What a couple of cuties! We really need to get our kids together. They would seriously have a blast! the last picture of charlie reminds me of Harrison playing with his cars, trucks and trains! Anything with wheels! Loved what you said about relaxing as a parent to fully enjoy the moment! I try to remind myself of that every single day - more like minute these days being at home all day with these munchkins while there's a blizzard outside! Miss you guys tremendously. xoxo Ashley
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