75+

The title of this post is in reference to how many words Landon can say. I know this because I felt really unprepared at Landon's 15 month doctor appointment when his physician asked, "How many words does Landon know?" and I kind of guessed, "A dozen." After that appointment, I went home and put a sheet of paper on the fridge for me and Alan to add to every time we heard Landon say a new word. I think the doctor was highly impressed at Landon's 18 month appointment when I whipped out my list when he asked, "How many words does Landon know?"

Here are some snippets of how Landon is using his verbal skills:

Although Landon has been saying "hi" for quite some time, he has now figured out that when you say "hi" to someone it warrants a response. Here at camp, Landon sees lots and lots of people on a daily basis and he will say "hi" to each and every one. If you are walking past us and questioning to yourself, "Is that little curly haired kid talking to me?" and keep on walking without responding - yes, Landon is talking to you. He will continue to say "hi" until you say "hi" back. Landon's very social like that.

At Grandma's cabin, she has a step-stool for Landon to use while brushing his teeth. If he sees that I am brushing my teeth and wants to brush his, he will grab his stool and come right up behind me and say, "Beep, beep." Perhaps I should say "Excuse me" more often to Landon instead of "beep, beep" when I would like for him to move...

Landon also knows how to say "Giddy up." I don't know when he picked this up or in what context. He doesn't have any books that reference the aforementioned term; nor does he have a rocking horse that we have him sit on and prod him to say "Giddy up!" We first heard this when he grabbed Bentley's tail and gave it a little shake - similar to what one would do with the reins of a horse. "Giddy up," he said. I'm pretty sure I went and grabbed the Q-tips to clean out my ears to make sure I had heard him correctly. Recently, he has said it while carrying him in the Kelty backpack, but do you think he's said it while on the 4 pony rides he's been on while here at camp? Nope!

Isn't language acquisition fun?!? I definitely think so! Each and every day I am amazed at what Landon is learning to say - a definite testimony to reading to your kids early in their young lives and often.