Waiting for words

Ok, I know what you are going to say, "Monica, you have a lot to say".  The saying goes "Like mother like daughter".  I know that once a child starts talking, there is no off button.  I get that a child will need to talk about the world around him or her since they have been unable to do so all their previous life.  I know about the development of self-esteem, identity and sense of autonomy that coincide with the emersion of language for young children.  I expect the debates, the meandering nonstop verbal dialogues and the strong expression of emotions that all occur because they are physically equipped with speech.

With that said, I have been waiting since before Molly was born to hear her first words. Bring it on!!  I called home several days ago  from a work conference to check in on my sweet baby.  I talked to her for a few minutes as I always do when I am away from home for any length of time.  I asked her about her day, told her about mine and sang her a song.  I was overjoyed, probably and understatement, when I heard my first intentional "ma ma" on the other end of the line in response.  Those words could not be any sweeter or more profound.  I will forever savor those syllables.