Hi...Hi...Hi...Hi...Hi...

Little man has a new favorite word..."Hi"! Actually, I wouldn't say that it's a new favorite, in fact he has used it for quite a while. But, recently he has realized that he can get a response from people by using that simple little two letter word. I really have enjoyed watching him learn how to interact with all different people in all different places. What is even more funny to me is how people react to him. That being said, I think there are four different types of people when it comes to talking to a baby...

First of all, the ignorers. These are the people that act like he never said a word to them. I mean, seriously, if someone, anyone, no matter if they are 1 or 75 looks at you and says "Hi", you should respond. But, unfortunately there are some people who just chose to ignore my baby. How someone can ignore this.... I'll never know. Colt however, generally keeps trying with a continual "Hi....Hi.....Hi.....Hi...." until we walk away or the ignorer walks away.

Secondly, there are the baby talkers. These are the people that get down on his level like they are actually going to talk to him, but instead talk baby talk. I'm so not a fan of baby talk. If you're going to talk to my child, who has just said "Hi" as clear as day, then use your adult voice. He can understand that.

Third, there are those that think that just because he can say "Hi" he can speak in complete sentences. We were out at a store the other day, and Colt did his typical "Hi!" To which a lady responded, "Hi. How are you?" Then she waited about 10 seconds and asked again, "How are you?" I just politely looked at her and said, "He just mastered the whole 'Hi' thing. That's about as far as it goes right now." Don't get me wrong, my baby is smart, but he's no one-year-old Einstein.

Finally, there is the right way. These are the people who will look at my little man and respond to his greeting with a "Hi" or something, but then turn and tell me how cute he is or ask his age or anything else. Sometimes they respond to him, then smile and walk away. And that's okay too! What matters is that they have successfully greeted him, but also not expected too much. They aren't ignoring him or talking baby talk to him or asking him questions that he doesn't understand.

Now, if we could just master a few other words...