For months and months (and months and months), we talk to our itty bitty babies in anticipation of the big day. The moment they say their first word. Sure, there are the babbles that you’re sure mean mama, dada, and in Pink’s case “all done” (you know, third kid and all, always being forgotten somewhere). But when that first real, (almost) perfectly pronounced word comes out, it’s a little miracle.
If you know my boys, it will be no huge surprise to you that they both had the same first word. “Ball.”
Of course, that’s an easy one. A single syllable, simple sounds. Sure.
Oh, but it was more than that. The word foreshadowed my future as a mom with two boys. Two very active, every-kind-of-ball-sport-loving boys. I don’t think there’s been a day since that the word hasn’t been uttered in our home.
Honestly, I figured it might even be Pink’s first real word. Goodness knows she hears it all day long, every day. “Mom, will you play football with us?” “Mom, what time is baseball practice?” “Watch out, ball!…Oops, sorry Pink.” “Mom, I hit the ball into the neighbor’s yard again.” “Mom, can we watch baseball during dinner?” (Come to think of it, she hears the words “mom” and “no” a fair amount too.)
But a few weeks ago, there was no mistaking that “ball” wasn’t going to be her first word. She pointed to the doll she drags around everywhere and said, “Baby!”
Baby.
I can’t help but wonder, is this a sign of things to come? Will my little girl spend her days playing sweet, quiet games of doll, house and school? Or will she outgrow her baby doll as soon as her brothers teach her how to swing a bat? Maybe she’ll be somewhere in the middle with a love of all things girly and a tough side thanks to being knocked around a bit in her early days.
As time goes on, no doubt Pink’s interests will develop and evolve. But I know one thing will stay the same. I’ll always look at her and think, “Baby” as her teeny voice echoes through my head.
What was your baby’s first word? And did it play a role in the kid they became?
This post is sponsored by Disney Baby. I’ll be joining the Disney Baby blogging team next month, and look forward to sharing these kinds of stories (projects/ideas/etc) with you over there! Stay tuned for more details!
wow – I kind of feel like an awful mom since I totally cannot remember the first word… well, aside from mama, dada, and NO! I know ball was up there somewhere… but really, it isn’t a distinct memory…. oh well.
And I was kind of thinking about this today… now, if I had 2 girls instead of 2 boys, would I have had the same fodder for my blog? I wonder….
It’s funny, I clearly remember Big and Pink’s first word, but Little’s not so much. I just remember it was ball because Big’s was.
No doubt you would have fodder, it would just be a different flavor. Probably.
My 1st boy’s 1st word was Duck…..he should have gone to Univ. of Oregon, yet came close. #2’s was Ball….and yep, to this day a ball plays an important role in his daily life, whether it be a soccer ball, golf ball, basketball, etc….
No surprise that ball was a favorite in your house too! And look how far it’s taken him.
Strangely, but maybe not so much, my little guys first word was his sisters name! It makes sense…since he heard it so much. Callia stop, Callia don’t, Callia be careful!
That’s hilarious!