A.K.A.

 At exactly three and a half years of age (today!), our Little Pip still doesn't know her name. I keep an extra-tight grasp on her in public places, because if she were to wander off to be found by, hopefully, a morally upright individual, this is how the conversation would proceed.

   M.U.I.: "Oh, hello, little lamb. You've lost your mommy?" (For some reason, I assume M.U.I.'s will say "mommy" instead of "mama") "What's your name?" 

Piper Joy: "Pippi"

M.U.I.:"And what's your last name, sweetie?"

Piper Joy: "Pippi Long'tockin'." 

 

M.U.I.: Beginning to think she's pulling a leg, "What's your other name?" 

Piper Joy: "Tuhguhplum." [sugarplum] 

 

M.U.I.: "But what is your full name, darling?" 

 

Piper Joy: "Luddy Duddy." [lovey dovey] 

 

M.U.I.: At wit's end, "Do you have any other names, honey?" 

 

Piper Joy: "Yets. Nut Bee-ah-ee." (nut berry) 

 

M.U.I. Hopelessly asking anyway, "Is that ALL of your names?" 

 

Piper Joy: "Yets."

So, we don't intend to lose her. Ever. John and I have tested Pip many times on this front and made weak attempts to teach her the proper response to the time-honored question, "What's your name?" but, so far, nothing but the above has stuck, so Pippi Long'tockin' she remains. I almost posted this clip last January. Of course, I now see that it's the probable genesis of our current problem, but, at the time, her sweetness compelled me. "No, hoo gooten!" (I apologize for the baby talk. I hate to hear my voice. Blech.)

   

 Nearly a year later, Pip's pronunciation of her names is much clearer, so M.U.I.'s will know exactly what she's saying to flummox them. ____________________________________________________________



      



Also, if you think of it today or before sunrise tomorrow morning, send up a quick prayer for the Sugarplum. She has an early appointment at the hospital for a "better safe than sorry" biopsy for a likely benign mass. Don't worry, though. Today, Millie's making a anesthesia mask for 'Tinker, too, so that he and Pip can fall asleep together. (Lucky skunk.)