Toes is to a point now where she can mimic just about every word or short phrase we utter. Often with alarmingly accurate tonal skill.
It means her processor is mapped extraordinarily well. And it means Toes is learning how to use what she hears to create accurate speech. This is good stuff.
But, it also means it is *really* time to start watching what we say.
Toes's favorite downtime activity right now is watching Dora the Explorer videos. The Map character is not a favorite of Dad to Toes and mine. Whenever he comes on, we sing along, exaggerating the whiney and loud tone he uses when he says "The Map!"
Now, whenever Toes sees The Map, she doesn't just say "the map!" She says "THE MAAAAAAAP!" with an annoyed tone to her voice.
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Lesson #1. Don't verbally satirize toddler TV show characters, no matter how annoying they may be.
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This morning, Dad to Toes was trying to get Toes ready for daycare. She was in a typical toddler mood and was pointing out everything he was doing out of whack from her normal routine.
After a long list of complaints, Toes launched into a tirade that was incomprehensible.
Dad to Toes, trying to identify his latest infraction, said "Now what did I do wrong?!" in an annoyed (and, quite frankly, annoying) tone.
This is a phrase Toes had never heard before.
But, right on cue, she said "What did I do wrong?!" In the exact same annoyed (and, quite frankly, annoying) tone that Dad to Toes used.
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Lesson #2. Don't say anything - or use any tone - you would not want to hear thrown back to you by a toddler. Even if said toddler is deaf.
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and, for safe measure....
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Lesson #3. No matter how funny you find your deaf toddler sassing your spouse with the same words and tone he or she uses, do not.... DO NOT.... laugh uncontrollably from the next room.
At least not while said toddler still has his/her processor on.
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Because, that is just *not* the kind of message you want to send.
Hmmm.... or is it? ;)
