When Donovan was first born, his pediatrician said he was “tongue-tied.” Meaning: his frenulum (the thingy that attaches under your tongue to the bottom of your mouth) was further forward than it should be.  He reassured us that it was no big deal and said many lactation consultants insist that you snip it (because babies that are tongue-tied can have problems nursing).  He told us not to, so we didn’t.  And yes, Donovan had trouble latching on for about a month, but that was the only evidence of this slight imperfection. 

Until I noticed a baby at daycare that was sticking their tongue out.  I watched this baby in amazement (and honestly, slight disgust) as it’s tongue stuck in and out of it’s mouth, trying to lick at, what? The air? Seeing a baby stick their tongue out like this was so foreign to me–until I realized that it struck me as being so odd because my own baby never stuck his tongue out. Ever.  Will he be able to?  Will he ever do simple things like lick an ice cream cone?  Or will we need to get his frenulum snipped?

Turns out he’ll be able to lick an ice cream cone!  He’s always been able to stick it out, but just didn’t know how.  One of the teachers at daycare was playfully sticking her tongue out at him and he thought it was hilarious and realized he could do it too.  We were so happy to see him do this… probably just as excited as when he rolled over for the first time, it was that momentous. 

No snipping needed.  But now comes teaching him to keep it in his mouth 99% of the time….. I’m starting to understand why our pediatrician told us not to encourage this kind of behavior……