Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs

I have said before that Sam (so far) is not really a verbal toddler. He seems to prefer using his own type of sign language to get his points across. A quick tutorial in communicating with Sam:

If you are peacefully enjoying a book or TV show, and are suddenly hit in the arm with an empty bowl, Sam is hungry.

If you are peacefully enjoying a book or TV show, and are suddenly hit in the face with an empty cup, Sam is thirsty.

If Sam suddenly starts running in place, grunting and grimacing, he is dancing.

If Sam walks up to you, hands out, palms up, something is lost.

If Sam stretches out his feet in his highchair so he can push against the footrest and stiffens like a board, he is full.

If Sam puts his pacifier in his mouth, holds his blankie to his face, and looks pitiful, he is tired.

If you are on the computer and Sam knocks the keyboard to the floor, he wants attention.

If Sam comes running with the TiVo remote in his hand, looking panicked, he has just erased all of our recorded shows.

If Sam holds his hands in the air, wiggling his fingers, and wrinkles his nose, he has found something gross.

If Sam shakes his head no, he is saying yes.

If Sam is standing next to your bed, in the dark, holding an empty pop can, he is ready to get up.

If Sam is holding his nose, he is looking at a picture of a skunk.


Armed with this information, one could easily care for Sam for at least an hour or two.