I've been trying to get Charlie to say, "I love you" to me by repeating it over and over. He can say it back, but he clearly doesn't know what it means. But he does seem to grasp other similar phrases, like "thank you," "excuse me," "you're welcome," and "I'm sorry."

I'm trying to beat Mrs. Bee and get the first "I love you," Although of course, parenting isn't a competition where we battle for points from our child. Just in case it is though, I'd like to win this particular event.

Help me out with some intel. When do toddlers start to say (and mean), "I love you."?