Minte Signs

Because of the language difference and because Min's still a baby, we are encouraging and trying to teach him sign language. Or at least simple signs that will help us understand what he needs. He is so smart and has caught on so quickly!!!!!

First of all, he points. This is pretty normal with toddlers, but we are really happy he does this, as we can understand what he's babbling about or thinking about. He points where he wants to go or whenever he sees a cat or animal he wants to share with you.

He also says please. This usually follows his pointing. For example, first he'll point to the ground and then rub his tummy,(the sign for please). This means he would like to get down please. Or he'll pretend to push the tray off his seat and look at us and sign please, or he might point to the door and say please to ask to go outside. We began teaching him this sign back in Ethiopia.When we were at the guest house, he would push blocks off the bed and then fuss until someone picked them up. So Mom had us tell him to say please and then take his hand and rub his own belly. He caught on pretty fast that that got him things!!!!

Minte has also caught on to "more". He touches his fingers together when he wants more food. Sometimes he teases, and will sign more, and turn away when we go to feed him!!!

If he doesn't want to do something or he doesn't want "more", he will shake his head violently!!!! It is so cute, though rather annoying for Mom when she's trying to feed him. He uses no pretty correctly. Sometimes he'll reach out for something after he's said no, but I don't know whether he's teasing or what!!! :-)

Mom is also in the midst of teaching him "cat". He LOVES the cats. From a distance. Or at least when they aren't licking his toes, or in his face. He likes to go by himself, chase a cat until it finally is still, touch or hit it, and then squeal and run to tell us he touched the kitty!  One of the first days Mom was using this sign, she pointed to a cat in a book and pinched at her cheeks,( the sign for cats. Think of it as showing whiskers!) Minte got VERY excited and quickly pinched his cheeks and pointed to a grandma on a book!!!! But I think he's starting to get the idea now. Today I was holding him outside and he saw a kitty. He quickly got my attention, pointed to the kitty, made the sign for kitty, and then pointed at it again!!! I was so excited!!!!

Minte also has created his own sign for doggy. He puckers his lips and blows out sharply making a whooshing sound. (barking!) Usually when he sees Woody he starts going crazy, pointing, blowing, pointing, blowing, and in the meantime making sure he doesn't get too close!!! Lately our screensaver on the computer has been on during supper. That is not good! Every time a picture of Woody comes up, Minte starts going frantic, and spits his food all over in his eagerness to share his news with everyone!!!

Minte also signs "bye-bye", but he connects this more to the cats. If we say bye-bye to him, his eyes get big and they turn to the slider door to see the kitties. But sometimes he gets it, and will wave bye-bye when we leave or "hi" (same motion), when we come home.

Dad has also taught him to blow kisses! It is very sweet!

I think I've shared all his signs. We are working on drink and food. Right now he just points or reaches!