Akins finds his "s", his manners and the a-b-c's

One of the common traits of the Liberians is not to use vowels at the end of words. When we first met Akins he always said "yeah" with the "h" left sort of hanging out there not really stated. Recently he has started saying "yes" with a very pronounced "s" it is as if he realizes it is different and is making a point to say the "s".

As quickly as he learned to say the "s" on yes he also has learned some very polite phrases. He says "thank you", "sorry" and "please may I have some...". For the most part there is appropriate use of these phrases but he will say "sorry" in an attempt to get out of things too. I guess he thinks it is the get out of jail free card for nearly any transgression. Most of the time it is so cute it works - maybe that is why he keeps doing it!

I wasn't thrilled about changing daycares at first but it seems like things are clicking in his head since going to the new school. He's been saying his ABC's a lot the past week or so and can now get up to H or I before getting a little confused. Baby steps, but hey at three that is pretty good I think.