Einstein didn't talk until he was three, you know.

So, Jonathan's still teasing us with the verbal output. We frequently hear things that sound like words, but he doesn't repeat them. Chris and I find ourselves OVER-enunciating, trying to get Jonathan to imitate us. He looks at us as though we're nuts. At times, he's clearly frustrated that we don't understand what he wants. He'll point to something across the room and start to fuss. When we ask him why he's upset, he looks at us with melting puppy-dog eyes and signs "eat" or "please" so plaintively, even when he's not pointing at food. If we don't give him what he wants, he's starting to throw full-fledged tantrums. He will fall (in slow motion) to the floor and start to wail. Other times, he'll stand with his feet apart and sob with his head thrown back. It's very sad and if he doesn't start talking soon we'll need to introduce more signs so he can tell us what's wrong.

It't not all crying and tantrums around here, though. We spent a lovely Sunday in the park. Jonathan made it up the stairs of the climbing structure all by himself! He was having a great time running around on the deck. I was chatting with another mom when all of a sudden Jonathan's head was clearly visible over the railing! One little girl, about eight years old, decided that he was the perfect plaything. She lugged Jonathan all over the place, taking him on rides down the slide and helping him back up the stairs. They both seemed to have a great time.