I guess it's true... if you don't use it, you really do lose it. I find it interesting that Nate used to sign some ASL signs - like PLAY - more accurately at 16 months, when we were actively signing, than he does now at 23 months. And then there are other signs - like TURTLE - that he was never able to manage when he was younger because they require both hands and some intricate movements. He likes signing TURTLE now just for fun. The whole head wiggling thing provides hours - okay, seconds - of entertainment.
PLAY: Form a "Y" with both hands (think "hang ten dude") and twist. Click here for a video demonstration - by an adult.
TOYS: Form a "T" (thumb between pointer and middle finger) with both hands and twist. Click
here for a video.
TURTLE: Make a fist with your thumb on the top. Curve your other hand over the base of your thumb. Wiggle exposed thumb - like it's the head of a turtle poking out of a shell. Click
here to see what I mean.