Communication, How?

Before I got pregnant with Mariyah, or before even thinking about it, I never paid attention to parents -especially moms- communicating with their toddlers. Why would I?

I thought it's easy and "normal".


When I got pregnant, I became more alert, trying to learn as much as I can. I found it joyful and I tried doing it myself. talking to toddlers that is.

I found it almost impossible!

Is it because Arab kids here mix between Arabic and English while talking? Is it because I'm not focusing well? I wondered. Sometimes I felt stupid. Mothers always responded to their kids. I wanted to be close to these little people and felt embarrassed asking the mother to translate whatever they said!

And then Mariyah came,

and then she grew up,

and she's talking these days!

I feel special when I understand the words she says. I find it hard to believe that some people can't understand what she's saying.

We video chat with my mom and I have to keep translating.

I translate to her older friends.

I translate to my friends.

I even -sometimes- translate to Jeeej.

I once said to Jeeej: "it's funny how I'm the only one who understand whatever she says".

He said: " you better! You're the mom".

That's so sweet :)

Some of the words she says that need translation: -In Arabic-

Ibbeee' = jug.

tatit = bed.

bego = burger.

massata = straw.

hzam = blanket.

obbokh = blow.

bostan = dress.

tabooo = soap.

and many other words...

But the sweetest word that I love to hear over and over again is BITATA = Potato :)

I like it how she responds to my requests.

Like collecting her lego blocks into the bag.

Throwing stuff in the trash can.

That's really SWEET, SWEET, SWEEEET!