Listen in on Joe's World

Joe, as EX is affectionately known, has been with us for 9 months - can you believe it? Back then she communicated so much with signs, and later few words. Now, however, she's as talkative as the rest of the bunch. It seems her vocabulary grows by the minute. To preserve a few of the fun way she says things, here's a sampling of her verbiage (her most popular phrases, which she recites relentlessly):


Bob! Hey Bob! (Translation: Baba....Dad....Jim)

What are doing?

Are you a peek a kum? (We answer, "No I am NOT a piece of gum. I HAVE a piece of gum.")

What time 'sit? (Why does she want to know?!)

May go to China eep? (Let's go out for Chinese)

We can go today? (pause) Tomorrow? (pause, but not so long of a pause) Maybe Lay-ler? (no pause) Yes or No?

I can't hear you. (We repeat, No)

I can't hear you! (Again, No, a little lounder)

I can't hear you! (Oh....we get it. She CAN hear us. Not the answer she was looking for.)

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At mealtime:
De-ah Lawd, bless this day 'an nuh-ish it, to my body, Je name, amen. (Is she consciously thinking, "Nevermind blessing the food, Lord, just the day. And these other folks don't need nourishment for their bodies. Just mine. I was the orpan, remember?)

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"Emmy Xiang, it's time to ________."

Yes-see ma'am. (And a minute later.....)

I need HAY-ELP. (Did I mention that she's southern - born and bred? Born in the South of China and bred in the glorious South of the USA)

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Some of her favorite foods:

Doop (Translation : soup)

Pah-dah (pasta)

Grakes (you guessed it, grapes)

Peesh (peach)

Cookie-mouse (also her favorite book)

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And a few more favorites:

Oh! Shar-ree. Please do por-goo me? (That's an apology and request for forgiveness, in case you couldn't decifer it).

Neh-mind (her answer to "What did you need, Emmy Xiang?" or if one doesn't respond as timely as one should)

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Life with Joe. It's always an adventure!