The Deaf Squawk

It happened today – Lu used the Deaf squawk to get Daddy’s attention. It was only a matter of time before she copied big bro but with her speech problems I wasn’t sure she would be able to master the exact intonation that she would need to get Chris’s attention.  Then today, sitting at the restaurant after church, she did it. 

She was trying to get his attention with a small wave because he was controlling the gold fish dispensary. She waved once, then twice, then she tried to pat his arm but her little hand was just out of reach. She looked at me, looked at him and then did a perfectly toned squawk. And guess what? He looked.  Of course this was to her amazement and amusement (and ours) so she had to try out a few more squawks just to make sure it worked again – and it did. 

Both of my kids have never had a problem figuring out that Daddy can’t hear. It must be something innate because they both do the wave and/or walk over to tap him. I don’t do the squawk.  It is something that Eph started when he was young. I don’t exactly remember when he perfected the squawk but he does it perfectly. 

Almost all Deaf people have some level of hearing and tones that they can hear.  Chris’s is a higher pitch but a very specific tone.  If you get just the right pitch for the right length of time, he will turn and look.  It takes skill to do it and it seems Lu has figured it out.  I am proud of my little CODA (child of deaf adult), she is well on her way of mastering her biculture life.

Now, we just have to teach her when and where the squawk is appropriate.  It’s possible Eph will show her that too.