On a good day, I would say that I understand her 40% of the time. During this time, she has so much pride in what she is saying and getting the right reaction from me.
But the other 60%, I absolutely have no idea what Rachel is saying. I feel like I am talking to a non English speaking tourist thinking that their English is just fine. I am the one with the problem.
As I would listen, typically, I would just do the polite head nod, smile warmly (as I can occasionally fake that). This only works for so long for Rachel as she keep repeating her self, shouts and then finally, the eye roll.
Daily, her verbal skills are improving and right on track but I was spoiled with Laurel who was clear as a bell right before she turned two. Oh course, I pushed my luck, amusing myself by asking her to say bigger and bigger words like riboflavin and literature. (Ching did it too!) Now, our greed is biting us in the ass. And Rachel seems to know that we are the ones who are stupid in this situation and she is taking her sweet time.
Sometimes I make up what she is saying and repeat it back to her...like it's a game and I am going to get lucky. I also do this while trying to convince her that my words are what she should say---"No Rachel, you said you wanted a nap, not a snack."
As I listen to her quietly talking to herself, I start to doubt my abilities. What if she is saying something utterly brilliant? And her brilliance is being covered up by my blathering guesses?
Currently all I can do is try my best while listening for key words or phrases. Everyday, I am listening for "potty", "I want a hair cut/school picture!" or "Can I make you dinner?" Okay, with that last one, I am, again, pushing my luck.
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