It took Isaac a very long time to learn to say "yes." "No" was one of his first words, spoken for the first time when he was about 2 1/2, just when we were starting to despair that he would ever talk. And then a few more words came, and a few more. (Somewhere we have a list of those first precious words). But "yes"? It was more elusive.
Finally we started hearing it. "Isaac, do you want some more blueberries?" "Yes," he'd say, very precisely, almost in a whisper. "Do you want to go outside?" "Yes."
And now, all of a sudden, it's "yeah."
Under normal circumstances, we'd try to discourage the colloquial (some would say vulgar) "yeah" for the proper "yes." But to us, "yeah" has another, more potent meaning. Isaac worked for "yes." He mastered it as part of his therapies and as a result of our endless encouragement.
But "yeah?" He picked it up socially. We don't know from where--here at home? At school? It doesn't matter. He learned it from other people.
More and more, Isaac is listening to what people are saying, and adding it to his repertoire. He's seeing what other kids are doing, and wanting to try. He's opening himself up to the world.
So here's what I have to say about this latest development: yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!!!
(Oh, and also "woo-hoo.")
I agree--woo hoo for Isaac.
I know exactly what you mean about the social "pick-ups" and it is fascinating to watch and see what sticks and what doesn't. I wonder if it is like this for all parents or only for parents of kids with speech issues? My son has started to say "Matter of fact," and "Last but not least," and it never ceases to make me smile. Especially when I consider where we started.
Hooray for you, Isaac!
Posted by: kristen | December 06, 2007 at 04:37 AM
Or, in the words of Gretchen Wilson ("Redneck Woman")? "HELL YEAH!" And a double Woo-Hoo from the east coast for your sweet boy. xo
Posted by: Niksmom | December 06, 2007 at 04:39 AM
Rock on, Isaac! As my high school students would say, "You're hella sav! That is so SICK!"
(Let's hope he doesn't go THERE!)
Posted by: drama mama | December 06, 2007 at 05:45 AM
Congrats! That is awesome!
I know that with my son, Mikey, any sound that seems like a word is enough to make me cheer and smile.
Mikey is also a great imitator so we hear bits and pieces of words we say around him. And, I admit with some embarrassment, we've even said a couple off-color words on purpose just to see if he'd say them. Luckily, he has been selective in that area. :-)
Posted by: Daddy Dan | December 07, 2007 at 07:51 AM
That's fantastic, Susan, and you're right to celebrate! I'm so excited!
Posted by: Jordan | December 07, 2007 at 07:35 PM