After seven months of diligent preparation--actually, it was one month of enthusiastic instruction, followed by six months of half-hearted repetition--I have finally taught Jackson a word in sign language. Yesterday at lunch I asked him if he wanted a refill on his cantaloupe, and he made the sign for "more." His expression was a little tentative, like he wasn't sure it was going to work, so I tried to encourage him by completely flipping out. His next sign will probably be, "whoa, mom, be cool."