Man of Few Words

Santiago is a man of few words, literally. But what he has he uses well.

There is more which is pronounced "mo" with a very long o. He uses this when he wants more of his favorite foods, yogurt, Spanish rice, pineapple. He also uses it when he wants more music. Watching the mariachi band with saucer eyes, he points his index figure to other palm (sign for more) and says, "mo, mo, mo" at the end of each song. He also asks Mom for more singing when she sings "Fuzzy was He" while he's getting his hair washed.

Up is a often used word. Rarely is it used once. It is usually "up, up, up." Being an observer Santiago likes to be up high were he can see things. Mom keeps a chair in the kitchen so that Santiago can see meal preparations. Santiago now does a lot to help with making breakfast. He adds raisins to the cereal and even can pour milk into the cereal bowls. Being up is also a form of protection and Santiago will demand "up" when he needs a little security in a new place though he is really good about visiting and checking out new places.

Santiago can say "Mom" and "Mommy." Used for Cassie, these are saved for times when Mom returns from being away or when Santiago sees Mom after waking up. Mom also means a loved one so Dad, Grandparents and even his good friend's mom are all called "Mom."

Santiago can verbalize his reactions to food with yummy. Water is yummy. Rice is yummy. Milk is yummy. Yuck is saved mostly for non food things after Mom tells Santiago not to eat soap or sand. Then Santiago smiles, shakes his head, says "yuck" and eats more.

"Ba" is with different intonations is ball, bus, bubbles. "Poo" means "pool."

No is now in use and is pronounced with a very long o. "Nooooo." It is said with a sweetness of tone that seems better fitted for another word. Mom bought Santiago some hardsoled shoes to transition away from the beloved Robezzes. Each time we leave the house and put on our shoes, Mom asked Santiago to get his new shoes. Santiago takes them out of the box and examines them. Mom says, "Let's put on your new shoes, Santiago." "Nooooo," says Santiago. When Santiago does not want to do something No is followed by emphatically waving goodbye and shaking his head.