Figures of Speech

Dave and I are in a contest to see who can get Eva to say their name first. Every chance we get you hear one of us egging her on: "Can you say dada?" Then the other will chime in: "Eva, say ma-ma"! We over-enunciate with all the intensity of a speech therapist. Eva must think we're crazy. She's humoring both of us whether she knows it or not. When she's playing she frequently makes "dada" sounds, though she's usually just babbling to herself. Then sometimes when she's upset, she utters a mournful "ma-mwa" cry. Dave thinks she's subconsciously calling for Daddy when she wants to play and Mommy when she wants comfort.