Sign of the Times

I have to admit it. I did jump on the baby sign wagon. I bought the book. I read it. I started gesticulating early to get her used to the idea. The authors insisted that regardless of how early you start signing to them, they won't start signing back until after 12 months. And I'm thinking, yeah right, they said she wouldn't walk until then either. Four months of chasing her down later...

But sure enough, they were right. She started with "please." Nevermind that I had been signing "eat" and "drink" for months. One afternoon, taking inspiration from a friend's little one, I tried getting her to make the sign for "please" when she came to me grunting that she wanted up. One afternoon. That was all it took. Silly mommie. You're just doing the wrong signs.

In one month she now consistently does the signs for more, please, bunny, zebra, dog, and bird. This morning my Nana & Papa asked me for instructions so they can understand her when we come to visit. So here they are. With some added notations on how her versions differ from the book.

Please.
Book Version: Rub circles on tummy like you've just eaten something yummy. Say the word "please" as you do it.
Lucine's version: Wipe between one and four fingers across part of your chest as if you were trying to rid your finger of something particularly gooey. Grunt and then smile.

More.
Book Version: There are several versions for this one. The one we've chosen involves pointing your index finger into the middle of your other palm.
Luci's version: Right on target! However, she does randomly do this sign in the middle of a diaper change.

Bunny.
Book Version: First two fingers bobbing up and down. Think "Here comes Peter Cottontail."
Luci's version: This is one of her most recent and current favorite. It consists of the thumb and first finger bobbing up and down. Looks a lot like a spastic "L." How appropriate for a crazy towhead!

Dog.
Book version: Pant.
Luci's version: Gesticulate at something acroos the room, sometimes in the direction of the dog, sometimes at a picture of a wolf, and act like you're hyperventilating.

Zebra.
Book version: Run two fingers in a horizonal stripe across your chest.
Luci's version: Run one finger halfway across your chest. Often looks much like "please."

Bird.
Book version: In a simple image, do the chicken dance.
Luci's version #1: Same as above but only on one side.
Luci's version #2: Stick your fingers in your armpits and look at mom with a quizzical expression.