Introduction

In college I studied linguistics and graduated with a degree in English as a Second Language.  After marriage, I was able to use my degree immediately teaching English to international students at a local elementary school.  I’ve pretty much always found the development of language acquisition fascinating.

Having my first baby and staying at home with her was, at first, psychologically isolating and we spent many of our days just staring at each other.  Looking back, I probably should have gotten out more, made a few more friends, and scrapbooked less…{Ahem}… Anyway, that’s not the point…After emerging from my postpartum haze over a year later, I discovered a new-found joy in our rather one-sided relationship: Haley Jane was learning to talk.

I did what I had been trained to do:  I bought a journal and began observing my subject.  I took notes on her first words.  I recorded our dialogues as she attempted two word sentences.  I listed her three syllable words and clapped out the rhythm for her.  I even made a small dictionary so I could accurately translate her language (mud=more;  tickle=star;  purple milk=blueberry yogurt;  hop you?=can you help me? ect.).

The journal began to fill as Haley not only learned sentence structure, but composed sentences I could never dream of.   The journal, which I am now posting, is full of the “darndest things.” Some are crude.  Some are heart-warming.  Some have the potential to be offensive (please don’t be offended;  they’re just kids).  Some are gross.  Some are beautiful.  Some are thought-provoking, and most are honest.  Welcome to the wonderful world of my children’s language acquisition!

Click here if you want to start at the beginning (Age: 19 months)