When I was pregnant, I was determined to use Sign Language with David when he was born. Jake and I went to a book reading on Baby Sign and I was all gung-ho about it. Somewhere along the line, I was told it's best not to start until babies are six months old. So I didn't start right away. By the time he turned six month old, we had serious sleep problems, we started introducing solids and there was way too much going on for me to think about Sign Language.

A few months ago, I decided to stop feeling so disappointed in myself and start signing little by little. As opposed to the typical fist signs like "more", "change", and "food," I picked "show me." David often walked into the kitchen and screamed and when I didn't go see, he'd come to the living room and scream until I got up and walked with him back to the kitchen. Each time, he came into the living room, I'd sign "show me" and I walked back with him. He didn't seem to pay much attention, but I kept doing it anyhow. It wasn't out of determination as much as boredom. Gave me something to do on the way to the kitchen and distracted him slightly so he wouldn't scream as much.

Two weeks ago, he did the same screaming for something routine but this time he signed. I thought I was hallucinating and he didn't do it again that day. But he did the next day. This time, it was so clear, I was sure he was actually signing it. Over the last week, he has become proficient in signing "show me" and uses it constantly. He also started using "milk" which is a welcome replacement to the previous "let me pull your shirt enough for you to lift it."

Signing with David is so much fun. Now, when he wakes up grouchy from his nap, I sign "show me" which makes him stop and think about what's on his mind. Such joy. Now that we've started communicating, I have moved on to "help me", "please" and "thank you." Let's see if we make progress.