In addition to the kids, we also have two black labrador retriever mut puppies. If you are unfamiliar with black labs, they have ridiculous amounts of energy. Ours also had a tendency towards nipping. Not biting hard, mind you, just playful little grabs made with their teeth.

Needless to say "playful little grabs" are not allowed when you have a toddler in the house.

So, J and I acquired the habit of shouting "No Biting". I realize that shouting at the dogs is a bad thing, but new parents tend to be rather protective. When C went through his biting phase, we used it with him as well. Apparently, there are few events more painful than when a nursing baby decides to take a bite.

Now we have to flash forward to when C was just beginning to be able to talk. He was able to say "dad" (of course), and a few other words, but that was about it. His grandmother was holding him, and when she shifted hands, she inadvertantly scratched him. It didn’t draw blood or anything but it sure surprised him.

He pointed at Nana and shouted (very clearly) "No Nana! No Biting! No! Biting! No Biting!"

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a combination of guilt, chagrin, and surprise as I saw on Nana’s face that moment. She looked at us rather helplessly, "I didn’t! I didn’t!"

Nana, if you’re reading this: yes, we knew you didn’t bite him. Really.