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No!

Benjamin learned a new word today. Any guesses on what it could be? Anyone?

I'll give you a hint. It's two letters and when he says it, it's usually followed by an exclamation point. It's also the title of this post.

Yep, his new favorite word is "No!" Now, he's had other ways of epressing this sentiment for months now. Usually he says "Uh-uh" or he employs the universal symbol for "no" by shaking his head. And of course there is the famous toddler way of expressing himself when he adamantly opposes something-the tantrum. Luckily, those are rare and when asked a question that begets a "no" answer, he usually just quietly says "Uh-uh" and continues on his way. Until today, that is.

He was playing with his cousin, Weston, (who is almost three), when I distinctly heard the word "no" come from their direction. It suspiciously sounded like Ben's voice, but in classic denial, I convinced myself that it was Weston. After all, Benjamin doesn't know that word, right? But then five minutes later, there was no denying it. I saw it with my own eyes when I asked Benjamin if he wanted a sandwich for lunch. His answer? A very loud and resounding "No!" And then for the rest of the afternoon he fine-tuned the delivery of his new vocabulary word and gleefully watched the reaction this small but oh-so-powerful word got him.

God help us from this point forward.

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