Unlike, his older brother, James is a man of few words. His most favorite probably being "Mo-mmy! or "Ma-mmy!" However, all too often, these loud and persistent yells have nothing to do with me. He actually uses "Mammy" for a variety of reasons. Generally, it is to get the attention of the person closest to him, so they can help him retrieve whatever has caught his attention. As you can imagine this can get a little confusing.
My favorite was the day Robyn brought James into her work to get some lunch. "Ah, he is so cute! Is that your baby?" they asked. "No, he's my...." and before she could even finish the sentence James yells, "Ma-mmy!" as he points to the next thing he wanted off her plate. His timing was perfect and, needless to say, I think at least one or two people believed him over her.
Other frequent phrases are: "Da-ddy!" "Whasat (what's that)!?" "Peeeeeese" and his new favorite, "Why?" But we know there are tons of words and phrases that he is perfectly capable of using...he simply feels no need to use them. How do we know? Maybe it was his prefect pronunciation of the word "lollipop" when he spotted them at the bank a few months ago...or when he shouted, "I don't want to....Mommy, I don't want to!" yesterday at them pool...or when Aunt Robyn didn't accept the loving gift of Jake's dirty sock to chew on (even when James snuggled up to her and demonstrated exactly how to do it with the other one) and he shoved it in her face and demanded her to, "Do it!" Ah yes, this boy can talk...he just doesn't need or want to.
But his lack of works should not be confused with him being a quiet child. When it is just the family, there is always sound coming from this boy (and if there isn't, he is doing something naughty/highly dangerous and you must find him immediately). He loves to sing!!! For weeks he would sing the same thing over and over, and I just couldn't quite make it out. Then it hit me, it was the ABCs. Now he has expanded his arsenal to include a very clear "Eee-eye-Eee-eye-Oh," what I believe to be "Twinkle Twinkle," and an infinite array of made up melodies and percussion rhythms to accompany his day.
He is also very good at communicating in sounds. Rather than call something by it's name, he will provide you with a very realistic sound effects. This includes, but is not limited to, cows, horses, snakes, dinosaurs, lions, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors.
During his more quiet moments, he relies on very clear and effective gestures to get what needs/wants. There is a lot of serious slow nodding going on at this house. But my favorite it when he points to the thing he wants and then points to himself. He will repeat this with more and more force (sometimes looking like he is stabbing himself in the stomach) until her get what he wants.
James may not feel like talking like a "big" boy, but he is constantly trying to prove his independence and "toughness." He insists on coming down the stairs like a grownup. I nearly have a heart attach watching him clutch each banister post in order to maintain his balance for each giant step. Most days I don't think Jake even walk down the stairs, but James refuses to do it any other way.
He is always looking for the next risk or challenge, and already has three scars on his face to prove it. And did I mention, he is fast! Whether it is climbing up something tall, balancing on something unstable, or trying to assemble something complicated, James is constantly moving, exploring, and trying to manipulate the world around him. I love his inquisitive, daring, and sometimes impulsive nature.
He is almost always happy, but is also tough as nails with a fiery temper. He hates the word "no" and Arthur and I have learned watch out for flying toys after we use it.
But he is also extremely warm and cuddly. Nothing is better than a hug from James and he gives the sweetest kisses. And who could forget that smile? A smile from James is like warm rays of sun right on your heart.
