Thursday, December 6, 2007

LITTLE OOMPA LOGIC, ain't it great?

Over the years, as my litter of Oompas grew and matured (?) I seem to have forgotten about the fascinating simplicity of child logic.  It has entranced me since Gabe's 'grabity' - the earth's force that grabs things and pulls them down...  and Becca's front door and back door neighbors (neighbors in the front and back as compared to our next door neighbors who live on our sides). 

Logic is instinctive.  Little 1 year old Ayden doesn't speak, but I can see him thinking in his deep blue eyes.  Even Little Ryott's little brain is scheming baby schemes behind his smiling big brown eyes.  Syrus, who will be 3 on Valentine's day is more obvious.

I told him to 'throw' a can away.  The next thing I knew the can was sailing across the room and into the kitchen, landing by the stove.  Naturally I fussed at him about throwing things, until it dawned on me that I had actually told him to throw the can.  I decided to reword the command, with a 'Please put the can in the trash', and the Oompa obediently picked the can up and set it nicely in the garbage can. 

* Note to self:  choose your words carefully and literally!

When Syrus first arrived he was surrounded by a house full of towering strangers.  He was not overwhelmed though and solved the problem by addressing everyone as 'peoples'.  I corrected him when he was talking to Becca.

"That is Auntie".

The correction was duly noted and Becca is now known as 'Auntie Peoples'.

And Art, who wowed his young nephew with owl and dove calls, is known as 'Cool Guy'.

Big Zack patiently endures little hands grabbing on his legs with the casual tolerance of an old experienced uncle.  I have noticed that while he doesn't pick the little guys up, he makes an unconscious point of being within reach of their curious explorations.  He hasn't resorted to baby talk ... yet... but I imagine its just a matter of time.

Dickidoo is trying hard to get Syrus to say 'Grandpa' but for the time being its 'MoMo'  I wouldn't be surprised if the little guy can say it correctly but its so much more fun to watch Dickidoo trying to teach him the right way.

Rocky best summed up our relationship with the two older boys.

"They aren't Gabe's sons but they are my nephews."

Welcome to the House of Loompa!

These past few days have been a real test with first the Northern Oompas getting sick and now the Mountain Oompas.  Its a nasty stomach virus that takes about 48 hours to run its course.  At one point poor Kim had had all 3 boys plus herself down with it.  And just as it tapered off with them my gang got it.  Joy!

Hopefully this will guarantee a healthy holiday season.

Please Lord, cos this one really sucked!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I can just imagine the commotion at your house. Little ones can run you ragged but they are so darn cute you really love it. Enjoy your holidays and wrap your arms around those babies...love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

I know you are enjoying them....as is everyone else. My daughter Bobbi's word was "bizzer" for zipper....

Michele

Anonymous said...

I love the Oompa stories!  And Rocky is wise beyond her years - good for her!
Hope you get over the illness quick.  Sounds horrid!
Traci

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your Thursday!
Missie

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you all are having a blast!  And I do hope that this stomach bug is the end ... for us too.  Eegads, it's been nasty!

The kids sound adorable and I just love your kid logic explanations!

Anonymous said...

Oh no!  I am sorry everyone is sick!!! But otherwise it sounds like a house full of love!!!  I can't wait until Gabe gets home to you all!!!  Yay!!!!

be well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/

Anonymous said...

Have a good weekend:) little ones are so cute:)

Deb

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing that you can see/hear through them!!  Oh what innocence...wouldn't we all want to be innocent again and not so jaded by the world.  
xoxo ~Myra

Anonymous said...

I love this!  I love it when kids take things literally.  They really teach us a lot when we look at things the way they do!  I have several step-nieces and nephews, and I agree with rocky -- they are just as much nieces and nephews as if they were blood related.
Lori

Anonymous said...

Oh, I can just see them!