Nicknames

"Sweets". That was the nickname given to me by my father as a young girl. Appropriately given then as it would be now, I do love my sweets. Nicknames are mostly a good thing I think. They define a moment shared between two people or affection for the ones you love and sometimes they even help to define you.

I give nicknames to Kyle and Clayton all day long. "Pumpkin", "Squishy", "Bubba", "Sweetie", "Sack of potatoes", "Goofey Goof" all used interchangeably for both kids. But to have Kyle give a name to Clayton brought on a whole new reason to love nicknames. "Little Buddy". It's when going into Clayton's room after he's woken up from a nap and crying that Kyle uses this name. It's when he's offering him a little snack or a bite of what he's eating in an effort to share or comfort. It's when he's acting tenderly and big brotherly towards Clayton. I simply swoon with pride thinking my oldest child radiates with charm (in that brief moment anyway). My second favorite is "Claytee". He came up with that on his own. It's kind of the same mentality. He loves his little brother and simply wants to teach and nurture him (and push and pinch him). It gives me visions of the buddies they will grow to be someday.

Time can only tell the names that will be tossed around this house in the years to come. Good and bad I'm sure, but for now I'll relish in the sweet tender exchanges that I every so often get to see.

Oh and on another quick note, Kyle is learning to spell. Perhaps this is normal for 3 1/2 year olds, but I'll take the chance to brag on my brainiac and pretend he's BRILLIANT! I am proud of him though and love it when he comes up with new words that start with "B".