3% of 25 minutes is about 45 seconds—and that's being generous

While I was on my way home from work, Karen and Rich were on their way out of Target. They called me on the bus, and Rich soon wanted to chat with me. And—no joke—he talked to me for 25 minutes straight! I was exhausted by the end of it. Can you imagine holding a 25 minute conversation with a 21-month-old who can’t speak in sentences? He just jabbered and jabbered and jabbered. And he knew when I wasn’t paying attention because I’d go silent for a few seconds. He’d get me back in by yelling “Daddy? Daddy?” and I’d ask him more questions and then he’d just jabber some more. Longest conversation I’ve had with any one person in a while and I understood about 3% of it. Rich loves to practice talking. He is so much fun.

The toddler speaks

Rich is picking up new words and phrases at a very rapid rate. Several times a day I ask him to say something and he gives it a try. Here’s an exchange that happened this afternoon.

ME: Richie, say Grant.

RICH: ...

ME: Richie, can you say Grant?

RICH: Ken.

I think that one went well. I asked him a few more times later and he said Ken again. Here’s another one, my personal favorite for the day. It happened in the car.

ME: Richie, we’re going to Cafe Rio to get some dinner.

RICH: ...

ME: Richie, say Cafe Rio.

RICH: ...

ME: Richie, can you say Cafe Rio?

(brief pause)

RICH: Yes.

After dinner I decided to head upstairs to use the bathroom before Rich’s shower. He still sat in his highchair, so I kissed Karen and then kissed Rich and headed up. But as I gave him a kiss on the head he said, “Hi!”, which cracked me up. He usually says “Bye” if anything, so it surprised me.