It’s become increasingly clear that The Boy is losing his vocabulary. To every question, statement, BREATH, I receive the same response. “No.” Occasionally it’s a very flat, matter-of-fact, “No.” Other times, it’s a squeel and a cry, “Noooo-waaaaaah!” Others, a screaming, full-out tantrum, throwing himself on the floor and rolling like an crocodile, “NOOOOOOOO-UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” While he may only use one word, the sentiment is made clear in his tone.

Our daily morning conversation goes something like this:
“Good morning, Boy!”
“No.”
“How did you sleep?”
“No.”
“May I have a kiss?”
“Nooooo-wah!”
“Are you ready to get up?”
“Nooooooooooooo-wah!”
“What would you like for breakfast?”
“NOOOOOOOO-UHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
“How about eggs?”
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
“How about blueberry waffles and strawberries?”
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOO-UHHHHHHHHHH!…..Saying yes.”

Yes, my son says, “Saying yes.” Lest we confuse his resounding NOOOOO-UHHHHH and subsequent crocodile roll and leg flailing with, I don’t know, a non-affirmative answer. How ridiculous would that be?