Eli never ceases to amaze me. The rate that this boy learns, whether it’s jumping from furniture to furniture or picking up new words, is just astounding. But as he learns more words and phrases, it’s become increasingly obvious that I have a few often repeated phrases. Eli has quickly become my little parrot, and I’m realizing that these phrases are probably pretty annoying to everyone around me. Just hearing Eli repeat it back to me, makes me annoyed at myself for saying these phrases so often.
Probably the most repeated phrase is “There you go” or sometimes “Here you go.” As in, do you want a cracker? Here you go. Can you pick up that book? There you go! And it doesn’t stop there. I’ve noticed that I say it ALL THE TIME and I’m really trying to cut back. I’ll catch myself mid-sentence, stutter over my words and scramble for another phrase to fill the awkward silence. Usually I replace it with something like “There yo…er…ah…umm…frick…double frick…good job!”
Other Often Repeated Phrases Include:
Got it! (as in a goldfish
Ye-ah (as in do you want to read a book,
Outside (as in take me outside. RIGHT. NOW.)
Fortunately Eli has yet to repeat any naughty phrases, other than the occasional slip when he says sit or truck. But since I’m much more aware of what I say when I’m around him, I know that before too long he’s going to pick up on one or more of mine or Dad-oo’s poor choice in words.
Soon to be Repeated Phrases That I Wish Eli Wouldn’t Repeat:
Mother-f’er – this version or the full version
Wiener
Crap
Damn
And of course, the ever popular Douche, in it’s many, many forms
I think everyone should have to spend some time around a toddler, at least once a week. It really makes you pay attention to what you are saying, makes you realize what your annoying catch phrases are (much like my annoyance at the overuse of the literally) and makes you realize how much of a sailor mouth you really have.
