Somebody gave Z an extra order of "no" today. Even for things he wants to do, he says no. It's W-N-O-O, all no, all the time.

On the other hand, when I say "merci," he signs thank you. :)

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Tonight Z walked up to a tall potted plant and said, "Ahhh-buh." Was he trying to say "arbre?" I thought so, but I couldn't get him to repeat it, so it might be wishful thinking. But I'm recording it here for posterity, just in case it really was Z's first word in French. :)

Four minutes of excruciating cuteness:

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Another thing the doctor asked about at Z's checkup was his vocabulary. She seemed a little concerned that he wasn't talking much yet, saying that most children his age have 10-50 words. 50? That sounds like a lot to me. Z has about 10, if you count the signs (which the doctor did). For the record, they are ( Read more... )

When the "Animals of the World" DVD is played in French, why does the song about sea animals address the turtle and the dolphin in the familiar, but the fish formally?

Tsai’s and Hoffman’s experiences resonate for me in many ways. My first impression of Hoffman was that she was overdoing the emptiness and isolation a bit, but then I realized that she was writing about her experiences as a teenager-and as if that stage of life isn’t difficult enough, adding a new culture and language to the mess permits a certain ( Read more... )

Before it gets to be this weekend, I should write about last weekend.

Last Saturday morning I went back to the French conversation brunch in Dunwoody. This time I was one of the best speakers present, so I felt a warm little glow of happiness. Z was awake for this one, and I got to show him off ( Read more... )

Aaron and I went to a silent auction fundraiser at the UU church last night. Since it was an evening event, it was a good opportunity for Aaron to meet people. Z basked in the attention of his many admirers, and I got my face painted. :D ( Read more... )

Somehow a lot of volunteer opportunities have landed in my lap all at once. Normally I'm not so join-y, but when stuff comes up I know I can do and would enjoy--well, why not ( Read more... )

For quite a while, I've been on the mailing list of a French conversation group that meets every other week for brunch at a local restaurant. I've never made any of their meetings, largely bc pre-Z I wasn't likely to be awake at a suitable hour for brunch. But Z has made a morning person of me, so today I packed him into the car seat and we went ( Read more... )