As a life-long lover of language, one of my very favorite parts of motherhood is watching our little man figure out how to communicate. We have been compiling a list for the last two months or so, of our favorites from his own funny little vocabulary.

I never want to forget these adorable Hank words, because I know he will replace them with the “right” ones before we know it! (If only I could freeze time–I would–right now.)

Hum-mum: Grandma

Pop-pop: Grandpa

BIG Dede: Grandma Dede

BIG Pop-pop: Grandpa Gil

Boo-boosh: brothers

KK: Kaden

Hiyah: Brecken

Cam: Camden

Dig-Dig: Excavator or skid-steer

Beep-Beep: Dump truck

Co-Co: Roscoe (or any dog)

Yesh: yes

No Please: No, thank you

Woop: soup

Hub-bub: sandbox

Bawk-a-Bawk: popsicle

Hullo: yellow

Tep: step

Tiny home: camper

Chee-chos: Cheerios

Num-num: any food, or also any meal

Niiiigh-sch: Nice

Tuck: stuck

BIG bath: lake or pool

Boap: boat

Bee: Bear

Co-Co Bee: a stuffed dog

Wump: jump

Big up: high

HoHo: Santa Claus

And his favorite request, currently:

“Hum-mum’s house, eat, NOW, pwease?!”

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Hank is our dinner bell–

“Num-num time, boo-boosh!!”

Our entertainment–

“Watch Hank!”

Our compassionate little helper when mommy is sick–

“Is ok, mommy!”

And our reminder that even the littlest ones with the fewest words want to be part of the conversation–

“Talk Hank, too.”

May we never forget to listen to his tiny words; they carry such great meaning!

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I couldn’t be more blessed with this beautiful child, and each new day with him is a gift. Watching his world get a little bigger every day is my truest joy!