So far Isobel hasn’t picked up any bad swearing habits from either Anthony or I but we know our days of unfettered swears are numbered. She already copies my manner of speech and different phrases. Lately she has been saying, “OH NO” just like Mama when something goes wrong. Often when I greet her and say, “Hi, baby!” she responds with an enthusiastic “Hi, baby!” right back. She mimics everything we do.
When Anthony was a toddler his Grandma got to experience his first swear. When something would go wrong Anthony would very quietly mumble to himself, “Oh shit.”
My parents rarely swear but two things used to set my Mom off: 1. driving in traffic and 2. typing on a manual typewriter. The typewriter would especially make her swear, but thank goodness that’s not an issue anymore. I don’t remember swearing at all as a child so she must not have done it very much around me. Which is funny because, unlike my parents or anyone I grew up around, I now swear like a sailor.
I need to find some good substitute words before I pass this habit on to my impressionable toddler.
We’re currently trying to guess what Isobel’s first swear will be.
My money’s on the phrase GODDAMMIT, JUPITER!

Oh, I wonder what it will be! And when!
My grandma TAUGHT me how to swear. She thought it was hilarious to get me to say “oh shit” when something bad happened and “hot damn!” (with a clap) when something good happened. I learned it easily & used it frequently! haha
“Hot Damn!” That’s adorable.
If Isobel does any adorable swearing I’m going to record it before I teach her that swearing is wrong, so the cuteness will live on forever.
Hmmm…I’ll bet on “ah chingado!”
Ha ha ha!
“Cabrones!”
I like swearing. I always say that I love my language, all of it. Dammit I’m going to use my language to its full and beautiful potential. The only problem is being around people who don’t swear. I hate that feeling. It’s like you suddenly have to feel bad for being you. Well, those people are full of shit because I think they really want to use the whole language but are too scared. They live in fear. Unfortunately, they tend to hold the cards (ie. bosses, lecturers, parents when you were young), so we have to live in fear of them. I could (obviously) write an essay on this. But I’ll stop before you swear about that “goddamn Marie who takes up all my comment space”.
I love that! Using my language to the fullest–perfect.
Also, it’s super weird being around people who refuse to swear. I’m not talking about Grandmas or anyone older because I don’t swear around anyone like that to show respect.. I have some friends who don’t swear in front of me because I’m a girl. It’s bizarre.
I heart that goddamn marie. ;)