July 19, 2000 - Wednesday
I've noticed that I haven't been very good about talking to Harry while we're alone together. I often remind myself I ought to just keep a running commentary of whatever I'm doing so Harry hears me talking, hears the words even though he doesn't understand them yet, and hears sounds to try and duplicate. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem to come naturally. I enjoy being with Harry and doing things with him, but I find I have to work myself up to get rolling in a one-sided conversation and I just don't seem to do it every day. I've never been very good at small talk and am fundamentally a fairly quiet person. I suppose I can hold my own if a situation demands it - or at least if I'm aware that the situation demands it - but I don't gravitate to chitchatting all that much. When I'm with Harry I tend to watch him play, show him and hand him toys, and other such things. When I do talk to him it's usually with silly noises or vocalizing sounds rather than actual sentences or even words.

During his previous months, I thought just making noises was enough to get him started, and maybe it was. He certainly seemed to like it. But now that he's more aware of what he sees and hears and I think he needs to hear words. Fortunately, I know his mother does a better job of chatting with him.


Comments, opinions?