Man's best friend?

When Grace was about the same age as Sam (10 months) she was talking...oh come ON, don't look surprised...that child NEVER shuts up--even now. "Mama" "Dada" Dog" "Cat" "Bye-bye"...seriously, the list could go on and on and on...she was gibbering and jabbering, trying to talk in full sentences well before she hit her first birthday. It seems her tiny existence found the up most importance in the English language, so much so that she didn't crawl until 8-9 months of age and even put off walking until she was 15 months old. The girl had a mission....mastering the art of talking. Fast forward to baby brother...movement is crucial! He sat up at about 5 months...starting scooting shortly thereafter and now at 10 months old is a VERY speeder crawler and is pulling to stand and even attempting steps with help. We think this is great...the house is baby proofed...the gate is secured at the top of the stairs...the door to the bathroom stays closed for fear that he may unroll an ENTIRE roll of toilet paper...but...we are worried that he is not showing any interest in talking. Sure, he squeals and laughs and grunts and makes noises only he and his chattering big sister understand, he can even throw a ball quite accurately, but he doesn't talk...no "mama" or "dada"...nothing...Soooooo, I started baby sign with him. He likes it and seems to be starting to understand what each individual sign means. He smiles at me like "Yeah...that's exactly what I wanted...HOW did you know?" We do the sign for "eat" and "more" and "milk" and "all finished" (which I think he signed to me last night after dinner) ANYWAY...did I mention that he throws a ball?? Yeah, I did...the kid can throw a ball...far...and Harry, our 7 year old idiot dog, thinks this is GREAT! He and Sam have developed quite a relationship and Harry is pleased as punch to have someone...ANYone...pay attention to him. Even if it is a non-verbal 10 month old. Sam has also started to FEED Harry...directly from the highchair...throwing food off the highchair INTO Harry's open mouth...Sam squeals with laughter and Harry gobbles it up and asks for more. A boy and his dog...pretty cute...and it seems that Harry has coaxed our baby boy into one more milestone...yes, that's it folks...Sam's first word?? "Harry"....