Dr. No

Sad milestone this past weekend: Simon has learned to use the N-word.  Despite all of our best efforts not to say it around him, after 18 months he's finally figured it out.  I don't know where he learned that word... he must have picked it up from some older kids on the playground.

He says it very clearly, too - not like some of his other words that only make sense in context (if at all).  He has sort of a weird accent to it though... he says it more like "newww", dragging out the 'o'.  And he always has a sly little smile as he says it, like he's doing it on purpose because he knows it'll get a rise out of us.

Fortunately he still doesn't use it as an angry tantrum word, it's just an answer to a question.  If he really wants us to stop something (like tickling, feeding him broccoli or putting him to bed) he'll say "Alldonealldonealldone!".  He reserves "No" for when we ask him questions about if he needs or wants to do something in particular.  But it is now quickly becoming his preferred answer for every option to every question, and we keep having conversations with him that go like this:


Parent: [holding Simon and looking in fridge] Do you want melon for breakfast?
Simon: Nooo. [points in fridge]
Parent: Ok, how about a pancake?
Simon: Nooo. [points in fridge]
Parent: What are you pointing at?  You want eggs?
Simon: Nooo. [points in fridge]
Parent: Cold milk?
Simon: Nooo. [points in fridge]
Parent: Um, leftover soup?
Simon: Nooo. [points in fridge]
Parent: This? [picks up half-eaten package of stinky cheese]
Simon: [happy squeal and nod yes as he grabs the box]
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Parent: Hey Simon, let's read a book!
Simon: Nooo. [stands there waiting for more suggestions]
Parent: Are you sure? You love reading books!
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: You're getting tired and it's close to naptime... let's sit together and read a book.
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: Mr. Brown Can Moo?
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: Where's Spot?
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: Barnyard Dance?
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: Ok, I guess you're serious about no books.  Let's play with blocks instead!
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: What do you want to do?
Simon: [Runs over and grabs Mr. Brown, Spot, and Barnyard Dance off the floor, then holds them out with a big smile] Book!
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Parent: [holding up two pairs of pajamas] Do you want to wear the football pajamas or the striped bear pajamas tonight?
Simon: [blank stare]
Parent: Football pajamas?
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: Ok, bear pajamas! Great choi-
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: Right. Do you want either of these pajamas?
Simon: [happy nod yes]
Parent: Bear pajamas it is!!
Simon: Nooo.
Parent: Yes.
Simon: [signs thank you, waves goodbye to his toes as the PJs go on]