Vonnahme family blog

A while ago Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Beth figured out that “Hnh” was Lily’s main affirmative word, like “yeah” or “uh-huh.” The interesting thing to me is that Beren used to say the same syllable. Their language development has been so different it’s surprising they both settled on that one.

We miss those early idiosyncratic grunts and words so here’s a partial list for nostalgia’s sake:

Beren:

• MMMmmmMMMmmmMMMmmmMMM = enthusiastic affirmative
• Djeuah. = mild or serious affirmative
• GrrrDADA, GrrrMAMA = Grandpa and Grandma
• Hah, hah, HAH! = “hot!” or “candle!”
• Dump, dump, DUMP DUMP! = heavy machinery
• Ooh Na Vwuh Sa Tee = university

Liliana:

• Beebee = baby
• Baba = Beren/brother
• BLESSED BE YOURS NAME! = favorite church song

One morning last week Lily told us,

“No, Daddy should read this book. The New Baby in Momma’s tummy might be too scared*. Because it’s a scary* story.”

*”Scared” and “scary” are pronounced with initial “sc” like in “science” and a mostly silent “r”