Baby Sign Language: It Worked For Us!

Time to eat, Mom!

When you're a first-time mom, you come across a lot of must-tries that turn out to be disasters, a load of pishposh, or simply just a waste of time. Baby sign language is not one of those. Baby sign language, you say? Sounds like voodoo. But, for us, it worked! We are so glad we read about it, tried it, and kept at it! I have a lot of fond memories of Ella signing (I shared one in a previous post) and sometimes, when she nurses, she'll still sign "I love you" and we'll touch hands (sort of an "I love you"-five), our little ritual and secret language. I look forward to the memories I'll make with Jacob. He'll be six months old next week and we'll begin signing with him soon (although I've already begun signing, "I love you," out of habit. I wonder what his first word will be. 

(Click on for 5 reasons we love Baby Sign Language and 5 quick tips for getting started, after the jump)

Before I Go

"Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning, you greet me." I haven't sung this in a while. E signs "baby" and says, "Ba?" Yes, darling, do you remember?

She climbs onto me and rests her head on my arm so that I have to cradle her, so I can rock her. She's getting heavy. "Baby," she signs again. 

Most days, she resists the nap and the lullaby that precedes it. She's discovering toddlerhood; she's just learned to walk, but she wants to run. She's starting to forget to reach for my hand. She refuses it when I offer it.

But, today, she's asking for a song. This song. When I start a different tune, she signs "baby." When I stop singing, two little hands come together with fingers closed: "Again. Again." Perhaps she senses that today is different and I won't be there when she wakes up. Work will take me away from her for today. I'll be back tonight, but that's a few hours later than she's used to—than I'm used to. 

Maybe as long as I'm singing, we can both pretend she's still a baby. Maybe if she were still a baby, I wouldn't have the heart to leave. 

"Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever." But not today while I'm away from you. Just for today, stay exactly as you are, not a millimeter taller. Don't learn a new word. Don't walk any faster. Don't be a minute older than you are right now. (Later that night, I see the tiny tips of two new bottom teeth. So willful, this child.)

I keep singing, nursing and rocking her. She doesn't fall asleep. I don't mind.

(Originally posted on Hi!, a wonderful writer's community. )