French as a...first language?

As I was reading a French picture book to John today, telling him the French word for each picture, it suddenly occurred to me--this is the first time John is hearing a word associated with some of these objects, and he's hearing the words in French! Of course, since Adam and I are native speakers of English and will speak it plenty around him, John should grow up speaking English just fine. But it is amazing to think that he could also grow up speaking French, or other languages, very well from a young age!

Today Adam was bombarded with dozens of new French concepts at his first day of language school (greetings, numbers, important verbs, etc.) while I, at home with Johnny, memorized French verbs and practiced conjugating them in the present tense. Language study is fun, but it is extra fun when we can put our new learning into practice just by walking out our door! I did some shopping today and was relieved to be able to talk a little with the cashiers: I didn't say much, but it is a start.

A picture for today: John, relaxing in one of our living room chairs. He is a sweet little boy, often smiling, laughing and "talking" (i.e., sputtering, gurgling and cooing); he's a real joy to our lives!