Once they start talking, you stop.

S was an early walker, early talker. Though many parents told me life would be hell once she started walking and getting into every corner of the house, I really enjoyed her walking. She became more independent and I didn't need to carry her everywhere.

Now to the talking. S started saying slightly complex two syllable words before she turned one. At her one-year appointment, A and I proudly told her doctor that S was talking quite a bit when he cautioned us about the language we use at home.

"Babies understand way more than they talk. You know what that means, right? You guys need to watch what you're saying"

and all of a sudden, A and I are polite to each other (sort of), switch TV channels when there is foul language, and bite our tongue even when we want to yell  %&^*(&*($% at each other. To be honest, A isn't the cussing type. It's his Miss.Manners butcher-wife who has a temper and needs to control it these days!!!

Thanks, S. You are teaching mommy and daddy to use their Ps and Qs for the first time ever. Babies are a good influence on their parents.