her one word sentence

Adelaide - in her summer explosion of words - has just started stringing words together. Mostly they're of the two-word variety,such as "Mama do", or more likely, "ME do!" (with a foot stomp or two for emphasis). But last week we heard her first sentence of sorts, and it couldn't have brought a bigger smile to all of us. We had just arrived home, tired and happily spent from a long day at the beach. Everyone was scattered about the house and busy with their 'work' - we were each alone, but together - a rare, quiet and blissful moment of peaceful transition for all of us. Calvin was on the sunporch making an elaborate set-up of surfers and sea creatures with Playmobil. Ezra was digging through the recycling bin for some cardboard to make yet another cardboard fiddle to add to his collection. And I had just sat down on the couch with some embroidery in hand. I watched as Adelaide walked up to Calvin, watched him for a minute (hands clutched behind her back, and rocking on her heels), and then asked him, 'chamakin?'. When Calvin answered her with the plans for his surf set up, I realized she had said, "Whatcha Makin?" - What are you making? She then moved onto Ezra, who gave his answer without pause from his work, and then to me with the same. She sat with me for a few minutes, lending a hand pulling the embroidery floss as she loves to do, and then she crawled down off the couch and marched (yes, marched) to the art cabinet. A minute later, she was at the drawing table with a piece of paper, some markers and a glue stick, about to embark on something. I gave her a moment to get settled and asked, "What are you doing, Adelaide?" She answered, 'Makin'".

"Chamakin?" Love that.

Comments

[Missy K]

That entry brought the biggest smile to my face!

[amy]

oh that is just the sweetest thing!
But, what are you making in that picture? looks beautiful!

[heather]

she could be no cuter, really. what a blessing.

[susie]

Oh how sweet! Just brought back memories of my 5 kiddos when they were small. They were always makin' stuff! I sure miss those years when they were all little (my oldest is 20 and my youngest is 10, now). I am reminded to still encourage my kids to make stuff, for it's what they will be able to enjoy for the rest of their lives. Your little girl is precious!

[Eren]

He, he...too cute. A little kin to our "achat, mama?"...what's that, mama? So, "chamakin" in your embroidery hoop there? Looks fun.

[earthchick]

Oh! So sweet! I got chills and a smile reading this. :)

What a testament to your nurture of creativity in your family.

[Crisanne]

So sweet! I LOVE toddler-speak.

[bigbucketgirl]

WOW! I love that. I love your description of her hands and how she was standing. Bless her!

[Lisa L.]

what a wonderful memory! Way to go Adelaide.

[annette]

Awww, tears to me eyes! She's "makin" too now! Ya know, Sydney loves the glue stick too (just spreadin' it all over, not stickin' too much on top).

[Julia]

I love how Calvin understood right away what she was asking.

[Bluebirdbaby]

That's so sweet! It's amazing to watch them grow and learn.

And Ezra's cardboard fiddles?? Will we be catching a glimpse of these anytime soon? They sound so fun!

[Jen]

Very sweet.

[Kelly]

such a sweet memory to hold onto!

[TumTum]

sheesh, i love it!

[Natalie]

Lovely.

[Anna]

This is so very beautifully written, Amanda. You are really gifted. Your style is so unique and totally yours. Thank you for sharing it almost every day with us!

[Stefani]

Completely perfect, that those should be the words she strings together. I think that your children will treasure so many of your photos, Amanda, but this one, of your hands and hers at work together, that one is really a special memory. It says so much about your family and your mothering. Beautiful.

[shanna murray]

oh my, what a smile you and your family brought to my face this morning!

chamakin, amanda?

[sarah]

why am i not surprised that this is the first sentence of a little one growing up in your creative home? it's absolutely perfect.

[mia]

<3

mia

[mia]

<3

mia

[mia]

As you can see (above), I just loved that a lot. Sorry about double commenting!

mia

[Devida Bushrod]

Lovely story and one of those heartwarming moments as a Mum
Dee
x

[Visty]

Oh, it's perfect!!!

[dianne]

Love the story, and my favorite part is the fact that both boys knew exactly what she was saying. My 4 year old is recently adopted from China and has many speech issues related to cleft palate, but our 6 year old knows EVERYTHING she says word for word. Sibling love/empathy just blows my mind . . .

[Lisa Clarke]

Oh, too precious.

[DML]

This brought a big smile to my face: she sounds so much like my daughter, especially the way I picture her standing, then marching off with determination... Take care

[amanda]

That is such a sweet story. What an utterly appropriate first sentence :)

I think it's so wonderful that your children are growing up to believe in their ability to create (make) their world. As much as I am a fan of the the arts and crafts, it really applies to that and so much more doesn't it? No matter what your children pursue in life they will have that foundation of faith in their own ideas and dreams. This is so encouraging to me as a future unschooling mother!

thank you for taking the time and the energy to share your stories here. Your blog helps me articulate the dream I have for my own family and inspires me to live by my true priorities. cheers to you!!

[julia]

how perfect! of course her first sentence would be about making and crafting!

and what a wonderful description of the moment too. lovely. you are too blessed.

[Grace]

oh ... sob.

[brigette]

She's the cutest. Actually, your whole family is pretty remarkable. :-)

[Sharon]

That is SO sweet! I love that her response is "Makin!" That defines it with you guys! So simple and wonderful.

[Frank]

For most biological children you can tell who the parents are by their hair color, eye color, etc. For Adelaide you can tell who her parents are because she's a 'maker'. Too cute!

[Katherine]

Aw, that's so sweet. And what else would she be doing but 'makin'?

[Dawn]

Our daughter's first sentence was...'Poppy's Home!' with a huge, huge emphathis on Poppy's pronounced...POP....PEE'S. It never ceased to totally crack us up. She definately loves her Poppy. I love this post. xo

[erin]

i am teary - that is so sweet.

[tara pollard pakosta]

that is a precious moment never to be forgotten ! LOVE your stories!!!!!!
tara

[JaimeLeigh]

That is so precious! What a sweetie. Love that!

[luckybeans]

Oh sweet bliss. What precious moments you let us glimpse.

[Melissa!]

Ah, you just threw me back 8 years w/ my girls...and you left me w/ warm feeling inside! :)

[Jessie]

Amanda,
This brought tears to my eyes. How lovely. I can just imagine what is going on her little mind as to what she wanted to create.

[Valerie]

She is delicious. Isn't she at a great age? My youngest is right there with A, it's my favorite age. Thank you for sharing.

[m]

I love this so much. What a testament to your family!

[Gail]

I love it!

[Mary-Heather]

I just love this! I love her sentence, and her response to your question - she was "makin'." That's wonderful.

[Kandy]

Wow, that almost made me cry. This is the 1st I've posted, but I've been reading your blog since November. I have a 4 month old baby girl, and your site really inspires me. Thank you so much for sharing the tiny details of your life and your wonderful family!

[tracy]

perfect :)

[vickie]

adorable story, really enjoyed that. i love the first sentences.

[joleen]

Aww, this makes my heart sing!