Entertaining a Toddler

I was day-dreaming in the middle of church today. Oops! Uh... I mean... while lost in concentration on some deeply important religious topic, I stumbled across a few memories of Smarty currently on the endangered recollections list. (my memory-recall system is ridiculously fallible)

Before Sweety was born, Smarty was my family's first grand kid and therefore solely responsible for the attentions of my parents and brothers. He didn't utter much then, but his laughter was so musical, we'd all do just about anything to inspire it out of him.

I remember hours and hours of my whole family, 7 grown adults, performing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" and "Jesus Wants Me for a Sun-BEAM!" (The word sunbeam is repeated a dozen or so times, and the last syllable requires the singer to leap to their feet with arms encircling their face) Ah, nothing turns 20-something men to mush like a toddler nephew. Thanks guys. (I wish had footage of my father, the clear star of such recitals. )

Another item on the list: When Smarty was still primarily signing, he would request, with pleading, puppy-dog eyes, the following routine from everyone we'd meet: Smarty's victim would have to place palms together in the traditional prayer sign and while doing their best angel impersonation say, "Good little piggies!" Then while rubbing one index finger across the other, grimace and growl, "Naughty, naughty little piggies!" (We blame Dad for making it up while reading this book, which we love)

If the victim passed, they were rewarded with giggles galore, and endeared to Smarty forever. Or at least until the re-test. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were subjected to constant testing. Thankfully no one was driven quite crazy. Thanks to all who put up with that phase. Needless to say we are lucky to be surrounded by two great families.