"Naw"

This word does not mean what you think it means. To Eli, it means "No." I tried to do everything in my power to use other words besides no when correcting him.
Words such as: Don't touch, Not for Eli, Yucky, Dangerous, Stop! Eli, followed by don't do that, etc. Anything to prevent this word from becoming his favorite.

So, a few days ago, I was getting him dressed and asked him if I could get his shirt on. He said something that sounded kinda like the word no. I didn't really pay too much attention at the time, but thought to myself "Hmm, did he just say no?". So I made it a point to ask him to do something he didn't want to do to see if he would say it again. Sure enough, he did. Huh?!

Last night I told JR, I swear I think Eli is telling me no when he doesn't want to do something. JR was very skeptical.

All day today I have been asking Eli questions. Can I put your shirt on? Naw! Can Mommy put your shoes on? Naw! Can Mommy have a kiss? Naw! A hug? Naw! I am not kidding! So JR gets home from work tonight and asks Eli to come over to give him a hug. Eli says "Naw" and plops down on the floor. My eyes lit up and I said "That is Eli's no!". Still a little skeptical, he asked him again "Naw!" This is so funny as I'm writing this. JR was a little surprised I think.

When I think about it, it's amazing this is the next word he chooses to use. The only other things he says is Dada and Mama (he doesn't call us dada or mama but he babbles these phases all the time) and his first word I believe was "Meow". He says it every time he sees a cat. Charlie and Jade especially. He says it if he sees them in a book. He also says it when he sees my license plate (I have a cat and dog on my license plate for the Humane Society, AZ plates still). It's hilarious! He has also started to get the hang of saying "Moo". He even points to the cow on his little milk container, and tries to say it.

Well, maybe more words will follow and this one will only be a favorite for a few days. I hope.