It's been a bit of laziness that's mostly responsible for me not teaching the kids any sign language when they've been too young to talk properly. There was also that nagging doubt that they'd just gesture wildly at me every time they wanted more ice cream instead of just asking. Alex did great without it; anyone who knows her knows that talking is her main thing, so it was never a surprise that she could always convey her needs in a concise fashion.
Gabey, on the other hand, has decided that words are for Alex, and that he can get by just find with the wild gestures, mainly frantic pointing. He knows a few key words, but it rarely helps me to know that he wants Diesel or a random "that". "That" or "this" is all I hear most of the time. Pointing to a cup (sometimes called a "bup"), pointing to whatever Alex has, pointing to forbidden things like the cat water bowl or a hot pan - works for him. Too well, I'm sure, but he's a boy, and I'll just allow the grunts and gestures because they're bound to be around for a long time.
His new-found love of Oreos has brought on a whole new communication skill, though. Mostly, it's frantic excited noises, waving in the Oreos' direction, and "THAT, THAT, THAT!!!!!!!!!!!". Then, pointing to himself, as if there was any doubt who he wanted the Oreos for. Then pointing to his gaping maw, as if to say "Put it right there. I don't have to hold it, I just HAVE TO EAT IT." He goes from fairly insistent to crazed Cookie Monster minus the fur and sophistication of my favorite Sesame Street character. It's compelling. He always gets one Oreo. There is no other thing he wants more, so I'm thinking he needs to work on his words for that, but for now, the cave-baby approach will do.
