Motto, motto, Banzai!! (More, more, Hurray!)

It started with just a mere coincidence. I was putting his diaper on after his bath, and he was in a good mood. As he was laying down, he was being goofy and he threw his hands up in the air above his head. (not much above his head, with his short arms and big head...) He really stretched high and scrunched his face. It was funny and looked like he was cheering, so I said "Banzai!" (which is like "hurray!" in Japanese) At that moment, something clicked in his little brain! I saw it in his face. He was sort of staring at me. So I said... "Banzai!" again. And he threw up his arms in response. I was ecstatic! I cheered and congratulated him and totally rejoiced. We have been teaching him sign language for more basic things like "more", "eat", "potty", etc. It was seeming sort of futile. This was a major development! I quickly got him dressed and took him to Papa. I said, "Papa, look at what he can do!" I sat Yuta down, and said "Banzai!"... and sure enough, he gave a big scrunchy smile and threw up his hands! So much for the calm bed time routine... we were all rejoicing and laughing and blowing up his ego like crazy! He got it. I told Papa, it won't be long before he'll do some of the other signs, I'm sure!

Next morning, I was feeding him breakfast and tried to emphasize "motto". (which means "more" in Japanese. The sign is tapping the finger tips together) I did it myself and then held his hands to do the same gesture. I saw that look on his face again. I had a feeling he got it. So I gave him a bite, and waited for him to swallow. He opened his mouth for the next bite, and instead of giving it to him right away, I asked "motto"? He sort of stared and then slowly put his hands together. I shouted "yes!!! That's it! Good job! 'Motto!' That's great!" (positive reinforcement??) And I gave him what he wanted. It's not the cleanest sign, but the message was clearly received. He totally got it that day, and he has done it ever since. He also realizes that he will get more than just "food". I think he's a little confused in that he thinks the sign stands for "give me"... but that's okay. It's a huge effort at communicating. He doesn't yell anymore when he wants food. He will just put his hands together. BANZAI!!

By the way, sign language is a new craze for moms. Since babies can't really talk for a while, sign language cuts down the frustration of them trying to communicate and us trying to understand. They say they can learn it as early as 9 months old, and this is proof that it's possible!!!