Prior to parenthood I would hear parents claiming boys were different from girls right from the very beginning. This was information I disregarded. Not because I believed it as true or false, but because I had no basis and, frankly, no interest.
Now that I am a mommy to two boys and an aunt to two nieces I can say with some certainty that it is true. My sons are two totally different boys, yet they are both very much boy. They are filled with adrenaline and energy that can not be rivaled. They are into everything, at all times, and give a devilish grin when they know they are not supposed to be doing whatever it is they are about to do. I can assure you I have not raised my sons to love tractors and dirt anymore than my sister has made her oldest daughter only wear dresses because "pants are for boys." They are just wired this way. Sure, society plays a part in this development, but Ryder has not learned to scale furniture by watching me!
When I gave birth to two sons, I expected to be squirted in the face when changing diapers and may have pictured a future of soccer games or baseball games. I imagined tree climbing and perhaps, but hopefully not, a trip to the ER. It occurred to me they could be like their Uncle Mat and have a fondness for the martial arts. And, yes, I thought maybe there is a rock star in bloom.
But, it did not dawn on me that I would spend an afternoon in a parking lot pointing out trucks and buses and airplanes and that this would be a fun game. I did not expect to drive around a construction zone pointing out tractors and cranes. I had no idea I needed to brush up on my vocabulary on the vehicles at a construction zone. I currently call them all tractors (which are also on farms) and it won't be long before my boys are correcting me.
I have since learned, turning your back for a second means a dumped box of confectioners sugar (which is no easy task to clean up.) And, an object full of buttons, be it a remote control, a phone, a computer or a camera means an abrupt channel changing, a false 911 call, a broken letter on your computer (in this case an I) and a bunch of pictures of the floor. Raising sons means life is a touch and feel book, just like "That's not my Truck," and finding half-eaten banana's hidden in your pantry. It means jumping in puddles and playing in and then eating dirt. I have learned that raising sons means nothing is safe from destruction, nothing is impossible to open, furniture may be rearranged, and shelves and window sills are not too high to jump from. Yes, raising sons means learning all too quickly why they say "Boys will be Boys."
But, still, when you get a moment to think about your boys, you realize beneath the dirt is what will become a man. They love to stop for hugs, and laugh in delight, and fun is just par for the course. When they look at you with puppy dog eyes and remind you that despite being a bit of a menace they have a soft side too, you simply want to melt. Yes, Boys will be boys, but that is a very good thing.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Happy 21 months!
Dear Chase and Ryder,
Well it is apparent, time is not slowing down for anything. In fact, it continues to pass by even quicker. Neither of you are slowing down either, in fact you are just getting quicker as well. It is amazing how a few short weeks, sometimes days, can allow for so many changes.
Chase, you often speak in simple sentences, offering up a "me no like," or a "Chase's turn" as often as possible. You continue to repeat everything we say and have slowly been forcing us to learn a language that has pleas and commands in just a few words. "seeeeeek" with the long, emphasized E, is your way of asking us to play hide and seek, which is me hiding behind an object and then jumping out. You insist on things being repeated, endlessly. The turtle on Barney gets a "more turtle" before he is even off the screen, and here I am rewinding for the umpteenth time. "more monkey," more tractors, more cranes, more construction, most of which I couldn't reproduce if I wanted to. I, unfortunately, have yet to hear more peas or more kisses (though salad and tickles have made the list.)
Ryder, you have begun to use more words, though some things I am still trying to figure out. Ryder, I have not fully learned your language yet. I believe pip is crib and i know hiyan is hide and seek but that was not an easy thing to learn. Be patient with us my boy, we will figure it all out together. You have, however, started using the word "puter" an improvement from the previous title "fwa." Interestingly, and it may or may not be a coincidence, but since you started using words you seem to pick up the guitar less. Is it that you can only focus on one thing at a time? Was the guitar your way of getting out the frustration of words? Who knows. Much to our delight you have both added an almost regular thank you into your vocabulary. It is not perfectly consistent, but what ever is? You both say it, along with please, and that is really great!!
Chase, you can also count to ten, which you do randomly, but often enough that we know you can. Ryder, I am pretty sure you can as well, but in your little Ryder way you have not really let on that you are able to. But, you chime in when you feel like it, giving us the sense that you can.
You continue to teethe, which means hands in mouths and shirts full of drool. Chase you are getting a lot of teeth at once here, which makes sense since you had so few before. Ryder, you are getting what you have left the four teeth (2 top, 2 bottom) to the left and right of your four middle teeth.
You have been peeing on the potty on random occasion. The great celebration that becomes of each successful pee is not motivation enough to keep doing it. Ryder, you still prefer to pee on the floor, a habit daddy and I are trying to break. Chase, for a while there you were not very comfortable sitting on the potty. You always sat down all stiff, almost as if there were pins on the seat. I knew you would never pee so tensed up so I told you simply to relax. You looked at me, doe-eyed, and repeated, "relax!." which made me laugh. I said, "that's right buddy, just relax there." I handed you your step stool with the Chase puzzle, I said, "relax, do your puzzle." You grinned, "relax!" you said, then started playing with the pieces. Amazingly, you did relax, enjoyed sitting there for a few moments despite the fact that you never peed. You will often use the word relax now, whether it is when you sit on the potty, or when we ask you too. (http://tovskytwins.blogspot
We celebrated Aunt Carri's birthday this month, and also Madden's first birthday. We practiced singing happy birthday before both events and you are slowly learning to fill in the right name at the right time. Your version of the song is something like...."happy, you, carri" or "happy, you, madden." All of these birthday's meant a lot of cake. You were happy about that.
We got you both new shoes this month. And, thank goodness we did. Not my proudest parenting moment, but your shoes were so small Ryder you have a bruise on your toe. I am so sorry. I figured it was time, but did not realize the extent. I should have listened when Chase said "too tight."
You do still love Barney, and school buses, and tractors. One of the first things you ask for in the morning is Barney and we often watch it in bed while mommy gets ready. Every time someone comes to visit, Mom-Mom Jill, Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop, their greeting is often "Barney." I suppose you are hoping they will allow you to watch after daddy and I have said no.
You have the cutest thing you do. Before drinking you will click you cup and say cheers. It is hilarious. You do it with each other and with mommy and daddy.
We sing songs all day long. When we are playing, at dinner time, whenever. I sing more nursery rhymes than I actually know, so sometimes I make them up. You do not seem to mind and lately you have requested songs. Your favorites for the time being are "Hello" from Miss Marilyn's music class, Raindrops both on your head and the Barney song, unfortunately I do not know the words to raindrops on your head, and you also like the 5 Monkeys in a tree (teasing mr. alligator.) You ask for this by saying SNAP (like the alligator does) and clapping your hands real loud.
We took you for your first Hibachi experience at our favorite local restaurant (Oishi.) We were very excited for this outing. We had talked about it a long time and only decided you were ready after friends with kids the same age said they had been and the kids loved it. On the drive we talked it up...the silly hat, the food cooked right in front, the noise, the flames. We called it a show and we were all excited. Strapped into your seats you were seemingly excited. The table next to us had begun and you were watching with close eye. Your eyes opened wide when the fire rose, and after you both exclaimed "more hot." The chef played drums with his knives and you liked it and then they sang happy birthday which made you light up. Suddenly, there was a short silence followed by a startling bang of the spatula on the grill which made an ear piercing noise. Chase you jumped out of your seat in absolute hysterics and were unable to be calmed. We had to leave the restaurant, you proclaiming "no show, too loud, no show too loud" over and over. Unfortunately, Ryder really enjoyed it and was saying "moy show, moy show." We will have to take Ryder on a separate occasion. Chase, you still, a few days later, say no show, no show. I guess we are not surprised. You have always had a tendency to get startled by things. The vacuum cleaner used to send you jumping, as did the coffee grinder. You have gotten used to both of those things, as I suppose you will the hibachi show. We will try again, just not anytime too soon.
Chase, you are extremely observant, as you have been since day one. You notice everything that goes on around you and can talk about it at a later time. I am often amazed at what you remember.
You love to say hello and goodbye to everyone...and to everything. Chase in particular will say goodbye to every toy in the room, goodbye to Barney, goodbye to whatever he sees. It's cute.
Mom-mom and pop-pop got you your wagon. This was a belated 1st birthday gift presented to you as the weather is beginning to break. You absolutely love it! It is fun to take you for rides in it even when you claim "more fast, more fast."
You both love to "drive." This is what we call sitting in the front seat of the car (engine off) playing with the wheel and the dashboard. This all started because in order to not have you running in parking lots I would put you in the car and then strap you into your seats one at a time. As a result you have learned to "drive" and want to do it every time we get in the car. Sometimes I let you...other times I do not. It is cute to watch, especially how excited you get. This, I am sure, is practice to what is to come in 14 years.
Yes, it has been a fun month and we are looking forward to the warmer weather that is approaching.
Well it is apparent, time is not slowing down for anything. In fact, it continues to pass by even quicker. Neither of you are slowing down either, in fact you are just getting quicker as well. It is amazing how a few short weeks, sometimes days, can allow for so many changes.
Chase, you often speak in simple sentences, offering up a "me no like," or a "Chase's turn" as often as possible. You continue to repeat everything we say and have slowly been forcing us to learn a language that has pleas and commands in just a few words. "seeeeeek" with the long, emphasized E, is your way of asking us to play hide and seek, which is me hiding behind an object and then jumping out. You insist on things being repeated, endlessly. The turtle on Barney gets a "more turtle" before he is even off the screen, and here I am rewinding for the umpteenth time. "more monkey," more tractors, more cranes, more construction, most of which I couldn't reproduce if I wanted to. I, unfortunately, have yet to hear more peas or more kisses (though salad and tickles have made the list.)
Ryder, you have begun to use more words, though some things I am still trying to figure out. Ryder, I have not fully learned your language yet. I believe pip is crib and i know hiyan is hide and seek but that was not an easy thing to learn. Be patient with us my boy, we will figure it all out together. You have, however, started using the word "puter" an improvement from the previous title "fwa." Interestingly, and it may or may not be a coincidence, but since you started using words you seem to pick up the guitar less. Is it that you can only focus on one thing at a time? Was the guitar your way of getting out the frustration of words? Who knows. Much to our delight you have both added an almost regular thank you into your vocabulary. It is not perfectly consistent, but what ever is? You both say it, along with please, and that is really great!!
Chase, you can also count to ten, which you do randomly, but often enough that we know you can. Ryder, I am pretty sure you can as well, but in your little Ryder way you have not really let on that you are able to. But, you chime in when you feel like it, giving us the sense that you can.
You continue to teethe, which means hands in mouths and shirts full of drool. Chase you are getting a lot of teeth at once here, which makes sense since you had so few before. Ryder, you are getting what you have left the four teeth (2 top, 2 bottom) to the left and right of your four middle teeth.
You have been peeing on the potty on random occasion. The great celebration that becomes of each successful pee is not motivation enough to keep doing it. Ryder, you still prefer to pee on the floor, a habit daddy and I are trying to break. Chase, for a while there you were not very comfortable sitting on the potty. You always sat down all stiff, almost as if there were pins on the seat. I knew you would never pee so tensed up so I told you simply to relax. You looked at me, doe-eyed, and repeated, "relax!." which made me laugh. I said, "that's right buddy, just relax there." I handed you your step stool with the Chase puzzle, I said, "relax, do your puzzle." You grinned, "relax!" you said, then started playing with the pieces. Amazingly, you did relax, enjoyed sitting there for a few moments despite the fact that you never peed. You will often use the word relax now, whether it is when you sit on the potty, or when we ask you too. (http://tovskytwins.blogspot
We celebrated Aunt Carri's birthday this month, and also Madden's first birthday. We practiced singing happy birthday before both events and you are slowly learning to fill in the right name at the right time. Your version of the song is something like...."happy, you, carri" or "happy, you, madden." All of these birthday's meant a lot of cake. You were happy about that.
We got you both new shoes this month. And, thank goodness we did. Not my proudest parenting moment, but your shoes were so small Ryder you have a bruise on your toe. I am so sorry. I figured it was time, but did not realize the extent. I should have listened when Chase said "too tight."
You do still love Barney, and school buses, and tractors. One of the first things you ask for in the morning is Barney and we often watch it in bed while mommy gets ready. Every time someone comes to visit, Mom-Mom Jill, Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop, their greeting is often "Barney." I suppose you are hoping they will allow you to watch after daddy and I have said no.
You have the cutest thing you do. Before drinking you will click you cup and say cheers. It is hilarious. You do it with each other and with mommy and daddy.
We sing songs all day long. When we are playing, at dinner time, whenever. I sing more nursery rhymes than I actually know, so sometimes I make them up. You do not seem to mind and lately you have requested songs. Your favorites for the time being are "Hello" from Miss Marilyn's music class, Raindrops both on your head and the Barney song, unfortunately I do not know the words to raindrops on your head, and you also like the 5 Monkeys in a tree (teasing mr. alligator.) You ask for this by saying SNAP (like the alligator does) and clapping your hands real loud.
We took you for your first Hibachi experience at our favorite local restaurant (Oishi.) We were very excited for this outing. We had talked about it a long time and only decided you were ready after friends with kids the same age said they had been and the kids loved it. On the drive we talked it up...the silly hat, the food cooked right in front, the noise, the flames. We called it a show and we were all excited. Strapped into your seats you were seemingly excited. The table next to us had begun and you were watching with close eye. Your eyes opened wide when the fire rose, and after you both exclaimed "more hot." The chef played drums with his knives and you liked it and then they sang happy birthday which made you light up. Suddenly, there was a short silence followed by a startling bang of the spatula on the grill which made an ear piercing noise. Chase you jumped out of your seat in absolute hysterics and were unable to be calmed. We had to leave the restaurant, you proclaiming "no show, too loud, no show too loud" over and over. Unfortunately, Ryder really enjoyed it and was saying "moy show, moy show." We will have to take Ryder on a separate occasion. Chase, you still, a few days later, say no show, no show. I guess we are not surprised. You have always had a tendency to get startled by things. The vacuum cleaner used to send you jumping, as did the coffee grinder. You have gotten used to both of those things, as I suppose you will the hibachi show. We will try again, just not anytime too soon.
Chase, you are extremely observant, as you have been since day one. You notice everything that goes on around you and can talk about it at a later time. I am often amazed at what you remember.
You love to say hello and goodbye to everyone...and to everything. Chase in particular will say goodbye to every toy in the room, goodbye to Barney, goodbye to whatever he sees. It's cute.
Mom-mom and pop-pop got you your wagon. This was a belated 1st birthday gift presented to you as the weather is beginning to break. You absolutely love it! It is fun to take you for rides in it even when you claim "more fast, more fast."
You both love to "drive." This is what we call sitting in the front seat of the car (engine off) playing with the wheel and the dashboard. This all started because in order to not have you running in parking lots I would put you in the car and then strap you into your seats one at a time. As a result you have learned to "drive" and want to do it every time we get in the car. Sometimes I let you...other times I do not. It is cute to watch, especially how excited you get. This, I am sure, is practice to what is to come in 14 years.
Yes, it has been a fun month and we are looking forward to the warmer weather that is approaching.
"Please, can we drive?"
You continue to delight not only us, but everyone who knows you. You continue to develop your sense of humor and it is fun to see how silly you can actually be. You are in to everything, all of the time, but we are getting used to it!!! We continue to be so very proud of you, and we love you, every day, beyond measure.
I love you,
Mommy
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Naptime Cuddle
When we have babies we tend to wish away moments in hopes of greater interaction. We long for the first smile, the first laugh, the first conversation. We find ourselves impatiently waiting to do things with them, the "things" being different for all. What we find however, is that the babies get bigger, quickly. They laugh, smile, walk, talk, and suddenly we become soccer moms. As these milestones happen we then find ourselves just wanting to snuggle with our baby again. If your toddler is like mine, snuggles are few and far between.
Yesterday I had the good fortune of returning to the baby days as my rambunctious toddler settled into my arms for a long snuggle.
Ryder woke up mid-nap. His tent was not closed and he dropped his blanket out of the crib causing an episode of tears that brought me right to his room. I picked up the blanket, and him, and he cuddled himself right onto my shoulder. I decided to take advantage.
I laid down on my couch, Ryder resting on me. And so we stayed for an hour and a half, his little snore just below my ear.
Yes, the baby who rests on you is something we all miss as they grow. I imagine we crave it even after we no longer want more children. If you can sneak the opportunity to have 25 pounds sleep on you, I highly recommend it.
The real challenge: I was watching a dvr'd episode of Two and a Half Men, which is hilarious, and I did not want to laugh and wake my boy.
Yesterday I had the good fortune of returning to the baby days as my rambunctious toddler settled into my arms for a long snuggle.
Ryder woke up mid-nap. His tent was not closed and he dropped his blanket out of the crib causing an episode of tears that brought me right to his room. I picked up the blanket, and him, and he cuddled himself right onto my shoulder. I decided to take advantage.
I laid down on my couch, Ryder resting on me. And so we stayed for an hour and a half, his little snore just below my ear.
Yes, the baby who rests on you is something we all miss as they grow. I imagine we crave it even after we no longer want more children. If you can sneak the opportunity to have 25 pounds sleep on you, I highly recommend it.
The real challenge: I was watching a dvr'd episode of Two and a Half Men, which is hilarious, and I did not want to laugh and wake my boy.
Un-Roller Coasters
Though we were in Hershey this weekend, the park itself was closed. It is eerie, and interesting to see the coasters looming above you, quiet, without movement. They seemed rather large, and almost intimidating, though I do love coasters.
Here are pictures that barely capture what it was like.
Here are pictures that barely capture what it was like.
Girls Weekend
I read a friend's blog who wrote "I am no longer a complete person without them {her kids.}" Then she went on to say " I like to think I have a few more layers, but I can imagine how one-dimensional my life seems through the lens of this blog."
She's right. None of us believe we are one dimensional, and I suppose it does us some good to try to be as multi-dimensional as time will allow, but we are certainly not complete without our kids. Our children who dictate our where's and our when's, have morphed themselves so deeply into our "selves" that we become only a part of who we once were.
This past weekend I had a girls weekend at the Hershey Hotel. Jenn, Rachel and I decided to put our responsibilities as mommies (and in Jenn's case, VP of Loan Servicing) on hold for a whole 48 hours and just spend time being us, together. We felt (and luckily our husband's agreed) that this was not only much needed, but much deserved. We had a fantastic time. We were not on a schedule (aside from the 4:30pm Friday massages) and we had very few plans. We just did our thing. We woke up in the morning and read magazines, took our time, waited in line for breakfast, browsed in stores, got manicures. Before our trip there was minor concern from one party of how we would kill our time. I suppose when you are so used to being at the schedule of your children, used to the fact that free time means cleaning up or supermarket shopping, you wonder what on earth you would do with 48 hours to yourself. I am happy to report we had no problem passing time.
I am also happy to report that having never travelled together (which we did not realize until breakfast Saturday morning) that all 3 of us travel well together. Being good friends this does not seem weird, only sometimes the traveller in a friend can butt heads with the traveller in you.
Before we were parents, we were young adults, who led a life as selfish as possible. We did what we wanted, when we wanted, with whom we wanted. For me that meant a lot of time with friends, and lots of them, usually over dinner and drinks (lots of them, too.) It meant time with family, including my niece (since parenthood it has become niece's) and when I was with her it could be just me and her. It meant late nights, trips to coffee shops, bookstores, and the movies. It meant reading books, watching unnecessary television, and spending weekends away. And, as I write this and relish happily in those days, I do not wish to go back because now I know what would be missing....the joys parenthood has brought me!!
Yes, deep within my layers is the person I once was, with the interests and the passions and the free time. I like bringing out those parts of me, as I was fortunate enough to do this weekend. But, now, when I spend the time being me, I do not forget that the largest part of me, the part that completes me, are my kids. You can take a weekend (or longer) from the responsibilities, but you can not shed the layer that holds it all together. I am, however, already looking forward to the next girls trip.
For a posting on a similar subject, written a year and a half ago, click here.
She's right. None of us believe we are one dimensional, and I suppose it does us some good to try to be as multi-dimensional as time will allow, but we are certainly not complete without our kids. Our children who dictate our where's and our when's, have morphed themselves so deeply into our "selves" that we become only a part of who we once were.
This past weekend I had a girls weekend at the Hershey Hotel. Jenn, Rachel and I decided to put our responsibilities as mommies (and in Jenn's case, VP of Loan Servicing) on hold for a whole 48 hours and just spend time being us, together. We felt (and luckily our husband's agreed) that this was not only much needed, but much deserved. We had a fantastic time. We were not on a schedule (aside from the 4:30pm Friday massages) and we had very few plans. We just did our thing. We woke up in the morning and read magazines, took our time, waited in line for breakfast, browsed in stores, got manicures. Before our trip there was minor concern from one party of how we would kill our time. I suppose when you are so used to being at the schedule of your children, used to the fact that free time means cleaning up or supermarket shopping, you wonder what on earth you would do with 48 hours to yourself. I am happy to report we had no problem passing time.
I am also happy to report that having never travelled together (which we did not realize until breakfast Saturday morning) that all 3 of us travel well together. Being good friends this does not seem weird, only sometimes the traveller in a friend can butt heads with the traveller in you.
Before we were parents, we were young adults, who led a life as selfish as possible. We did what we wanted, when we wanted, with whom we wanted. For me that meant a lot of time with friends, and lots of them, usually over dinner and drinks (lots of them, too.) It meant time with family, including my niece (since parenthood it has become niece's) and when I was with her it could be just me and her. It meant late nights, trips to coffee shops, bookstores, and the movies. It meant reading books, watching unnecessary television, and spending weekends away. And, as I write this and relish happily in those days, I do not wish to go back because now I know what would be missing....the joys parenthood has brought me!!
Yes, deep within my layers is the person I once was, with the interests and the passions and the free time. I like bringing out those parts of me, as I was fortunate enough to do this weekend. But, now, when I spend the time being me, I do not forget that the largest part of me, the part that completes me, are my kids. You can take a weekend (or longer) from the responsibilities, but you can not shed the layer that holds it all together. I am, however, already looking forward to the next girls trip.
For a posting on a similar subject, written a year and a half ago, click here.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
1,2,3....
one, two I love you. Three, four, lets count some more. Five, Six, get your kicks. Seven, Eight, because numbers are great. Nine, Ten, numbers are your friend, let's count them all again.
I know too many rhymes for numbers, too many songs for counting. I count everything, steps, balls, toys, animals. I count these things out loud hoping eventually the boys will start counting. Today was that day. Prior to today, the only counting that was done by either kid was when they were doing something they were not supposed to be and they were imitating me (you have three seconds to sit down, one, two, three.) Today, Chase started counting. He counted 1-6 on his own and made it to ten with a little help. He did it several times just to prove it was not a fluke. Ryder did not count 1-6 but chimed in some numbers when he felt like it. I suspect, in typical Ryder fashion, that he is completely capable of counting to six, or perhaps to ten, but won't really let us know it until he feels like it.
I know too many rhymes for numbers, too many songs for counting. I count everything, steps, balls, toys, animals. I count these things out loud hoping eventually the boys will start counting. Today was that day. Prior to today, the only counting that was done by either kid was when they were doing something they were not supposed to be and they were imitating me (you have three seconds to sit down, one, two, three.) Today, Chase started counting. He counted 1-6 on his own and made it to ten with a little help. He did it several times just to prove it was not a fluke. Ryder did not count 1-6 but chimed in some numbers when he felt like it. I suspect, in typical Ryder fashion, that he is completely capable of counting to six, or perhaps to ten, but won't really let us know it until he feels like it.
Monday, March 24, 2008
No Like It
Chase has started speaking in sentences. Of course. these sentences are 3 words and sound as if he someone learning english as a second language. I suppose that is not too far from the truth.
According to Wikipedia the definition of a simple sentence is not so simple: In traditional English grammar, a predicate is one of the two main parts of a sentence (the other being the subject, which the predicate modifies). The predicate must contain a verb, and the verb requires, permits or precludes other sentence elements to complete the predicate. With that, "No like it" is a sentence so I commend my son for this, but it did start me wondering. If they are learning language from listening to us talk, and we talk with almost correct grammer almost all of the time, how in his little brain does he formulate No like it? And, if that is the simplest way to get the point across, why is it the english language has complicated things by enforcing verb conjugation?
Chase happens to be a good speaker for his age. Most of what he says is clear and we usually understand whatever point he is trying to get across. When you think about it, it is not the child learning a second language, but the parent. They know exactly what they are saying and we are trying to figure it out. No like it, that is pretty simple, but when Chase is chanting "seeeek" with delight, it takes some thinking he wants to play hide and seek. Or when Ryder shouts with pointed finger "bun" you wonder if perhaps he is talking about a kind of bread, or perhaps a toosie, before you learn he just wants to get his hands on some buttons.
Yes, it is us learning the second language, and I am sure there is no wikepedia definition for their grammar.
According to Wikipedia the definition of a simple sentence is not so simple: In traditional English grammar, a predicate is one of the two main parts of a sentence (the other being the subject, which the predicate modifies). The predicate must contain a verb, and the verb requires, permits or precludes other sentence elements to complete the predicate. With that, "No like it" is a sentence so I commend my son for this, but it did start me wondering. If they are learning language from listening to us talk, and we talk with almost correct grammer almost all of the time, how in his little brain does he formulate No like it? And, if that is the simplest way to get the point across, why is it the english language has complicated things by enforcing verb conjugation?
Chase happens to be a good speaker for his age. Most of what he says is clear and we usually understand whatever point he is trying to get across. When you think about it, it is not the child learning a second language, but the parent. They know exactly what they are saying and we are trying to figure it out. No like it, that is pretty simple, but when Chase is chanting "seeeek" with delight, it takes some thinking he wants to play hide and seek. Or when Ryder shouts with pointed finger "bun" you wonder if perhaps he is talking about a kind of bread, or perhaps a toosie, before you learn he just wants to get his hands on some buttons.
Yes, it is us learning the second language, and I am sure there is no wikepedia definition for their grammar.
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