Three small words

My son took a while to get going with speech. I will admit, I spent some time of Google, wondering if he had a speech delay. He took his time. He listened. He studied us. He said all of 5 words at age 18 months. He had about 25 by age 2. And then he exploded. He now is extremely descriptive with colors, numbers, body parts, animals, vehicles, types of buildings, kinds of trees, etc. He has very elaborate conversations with me and my husband every morning, using facial expressions, hand gestures and lots of exclamations. In short, he is a typical 2 1/2 yr old.

There was just three small words he had yet to say...until today.

Leif has never said "I love you." For a while, it was all I could do to keep from crying when he would just stare at me when I would say, "Leif, can you say 'love you, mama'?". It would kill me when he would just turn away and go back to playing. I would sigh and say, "I love you, pal."

Dead silence.

I never stopped saying it, though. Over and over. I love you, Leif. I love you. It became a mantra. I sorta gave up that I would hear it, and stopped asking him to say it back.

Then, this morning, as I pulled him out of his back and wrapped him in his "truckit muckey towel" (chocolate monkey towel), I leaned down and kissed his wet head and said, "I love you, Leif."

"Huff you too, mama."

WHAT???

"Leif, what did you say??
"Huff you too, mama!"

"DID YOU JUST SAY LOVE YOU TOO MAMA???"

"Uh-huh, yes mama!"

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

My kid loves me! I couldn't believe it. I scooped him up and kissed the life out of him. He was dripping wet and squirmy, but I couldn't be happier. I was so excited I called my husband and had him listen, for proof. I had my honest-to-God answer. Leif loves me back. My heart burst with love for this small, smart, quiet little boy. He loves me.

I can die happy now. I am so loved.

Potty Wars

I am potty training my son. It is hard. He is defiant. I am tired. Trying to take this one day at a time, but by God, I'm gonna get it. Whew. Here are a few links I found helpful from some other moms who have made the journey already. Wish me luck!

The How To Mom-Potty Training

Parents Potty Training in 3 days

A Whole Grip of Resources

I'm linking up with Life of Meg today. 

What kind of canvas do you have?

Mine is pretty beautiful. I don't think I could ask for a more complex, passionate child. I'm in love. My wildest, most artistic dreams came to life the day he was born.

I'm linking up at Mingle Monday with Meg over here.

Observations on Snacks.

My dear son, bless his tiny black heart, has really taken off in his talking ability. We were worried a little for a while. Now we just wish he would shut up every once in a while. His ability to repeat one word over and over and over is incredible. The one that is haunting me in my sleep lately is "NACKS!!" or snacks, because he is a black hole that will only be filled with chocolate. So he yells nacks!nacks!nacks!nacks! roughly 6000 times a day. I'm not even kidding. And I offer him everything. I have been known to make elaborate meals with multiple options, only to hear, "NO! NACKS!"

In desperation, I have been known to throw chocolate at him.

Go ahead, judge me. I know, I'm doing it all wrong. I'm giving into the terrorist's demands. I am feeding the bad behavior. I am also losing my sanity. Seriously.

Luckily, he does eat other food, too. He actually ate peas last night. I've made peas for him so many times, and not only did he eat them, he actually liked them. Victory.

But, DEAR GOD, I wish he would just give the nacks a break.

PS- Other words he knows: hair, kiss, hugs, ambulance, phone, bed, trees, grass, light, balls, plate, cup (but still not water???), blocks, games, toys, run, shoes, socks, pants, shirt, hat, coat.