I’m Raising Chewbacca

Rissa is definitely trying to work on her verbal skills. She makes some odd sounds, but it’s fun to watch  her face. When she has her mouth opened wide, ‘yelling,’ I can see her tongue moving around, affecting the sounds. She likes to get good and loud during this process!

What amazes me is my inability to imitate some of her sounds. I suppose it’s because I’ve learned my language, but it’s interesting to me. We have fun going back and forth!

Now the “ungas” and “ooos” have moved on to “haaah” and”ninini.”

I once thought I heard “mean mommy” when she was fighting a nap.

She now laughs, squeals, does a fake cough, and pants.

She grunts.

She sputters when mad.

Still working on blowing raspberries! (Lots of spray…)

But what she’s been doing now is rolling the back of her tongue! Rrrrrr~! (But it’s a tad gargled so it’s like Chewie.)  I can do it, but wasn’t expecting her to learn that yet. It’s not from hearing the phone ring (who’s phone “rings” anymore anyhow?)… maybe it’s from kitty purrs?

When I was preggo, the cats would lay against my belly and purr. We discovered that a cat purr loop (from a fantastic white noise iPhone app!) was soothing to her. And, I mimic the cats…

I need to say “mamamamamamamama” more. I want to hear it! (even if it’s accidental)

Darcy Zalewski

Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.