What Is the Funny Story Behind Baby's First Word?

On my birthday, my husband bought me a colorful bouquet of balloons, which our baby loved to watch float in her room. Later that month, our daughter's first word was "balloon." It was cute, but a strange first word!
Jennifer, Boston, Massachusetts

Although my husband and I were amused, most people were horrified by our daughter's first word -- six, which unfortunately sounded like "sex." Nevertheless, she enthusiastically shouted it everywhere she went for the next few weeks. It was a long month!
Tina, San Diego, California

Our son was an active infant so my husband and I nicknamed him "Wiggles." One day when he was 8 months old he pointed to himself with a big grin and said, "Wiggles." It was the sweetest thing.
Samantha, Montclair, New Jersey

One morning, my husband and I smelled an awful odor creeping up from my daughter's diaper. "It's your turn," he said. Just then, the baby smiled, looked up, and said, "Dada." Our daughter has great timing!
Amy, Aurora, Illinois

My husband and I were thrilled by every tiny milestone our first child achieved. When she'd do a new "trick," we would respond with an enthusiastic "Wow!" Needless to say, that was her first word.
Laurie, Trenton, New Jersey

My son's first word was "Molly" -- the name of our sweet-natured golden retriever.
Cara, Newport, Rhode Island

One day, while I was shopping for new tires, my daughter kept making a strange humming sound. I didn't know what she was doing, but by the time we were done, she was saying "Mama" like a pro. I was so proud.
Erin, Carlyle, Pennsylvania

Whenever my son dropped a toy or his spoon, I'd say "Uh-oh." One day he dropped his teddy bear. He stopped, looked up at me, and said his first word: "Uh-oh!"
Sue, Sandusky, Ohio

Originally published in American Baby magazine, September 2006.

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