Mungous Squail

As I'm sure you have realized, many aspects of language development have been delayed for Jazz.  One of these areas was proper annunciation after hearing a novel word. So every time we heard her struggle with a word, we got into a habit of stopping her and slowly saying the word with her one syllable at a time until she got it.  So for example, she would say "imiceimation" instead of imagination.  We would walk her through this word by saying, "i-mag-in-ation."

My brother Jake and I used to listen to Charlotte Diamond's songs and videos until they were worn out.  My mom was really excited when she could bring this childhood favorite out once again for Jazz when she was about 4 years old.  For those of who have no clue who Charlotte Diamond is, she is a child entertainer who does interactive sing-alongs on stage, video, and CD's.  Below is a clip of one of Jazzy's favorite songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWvOui0sfmc

We sang and listened to this one for hours...

And yet, she still could not pronounce, "Humungous Whale."  Instead it came out, "Mungous Squail."

So, Jake did what we had always done, which was to slowly walk her through the words.

"No, Jazzy, it's a: Hu-Mung-Ous Wh-Ale."

To which she replied in an offended tone, "No Jakie!  It's Mung-Ous Squ-Ail"  In the exact same slow manner as he done for her.  And how do you argue with that?

We still laugh about that one today.

Jazz is blessed with an abundance of personality that truly reflects the sparky and strong person that she is inside, that draws everyone into her.

Much Love!