It now seems to me that the stereotypically male trait of avoiding verbalization in favor of grunts or gestures seems deeply rooted. Corwin does this quite frequently, where he’ll make some gesture instead of speaking. If I miss the gesture (which can consist of something like setting out a box of cereal in response to the question “what do you want for breakfast?”) and seek clarification, Corwin tends to just grunt or make an exasperated “unnnnnh” sound.
Charles is now, at the ripe old age of three, is doing the same thing. In a sense, he couldn’t do it earlier because one has to acquire language before one can choose to not use it. In this case, Charles wanted to watch his “choo-choo train” (Thomas the Tank Engine) DVD but he refused to say which one he wanted. He was willing to let Mom enumerate them and hold up the appropriate number of fingers to indicate his choice. It’s nice to know he understands small numbers but it would still be easier for everyone if he’d just speak.