It's all about NeeNee and Pop

Lately, it seems like so many of my conversations with Inara revolve around Grandma NeeNee and Pop. When they were here last month, Inara picked up two sayings: wubba wubba and yippee skippy. Every time I use these sayings, Inara gets a big smile and says "Pop" for wubba wubba and "NeeNee" for yippe skippy. It's so funny that she instantly associates these sayings with my parents. This past week she has started watching the cartoon Backyardigans, and as soon as the theme song comes on, she giggles and says "PayPee" (Spanky). When my brother was here, he played a couple episodes for her on his laptop and now she loves the show. The second she hears the theme song, she gets all excited and calls out PayPee. It's hilarious.

Lately, she's become obsessed with finding airplanes in the sky. It's a game we play when in the car: lets look for cows, horses, dogs, bicycles, birds and airplanes. She must have super sonic hearing because even indoors she can hear the airplanes outside and yells out "airpane." I figured why not start telling her about flying and airplanes, so I've been telling her that mommy, daddy, and Inara are going in an airplane to see NeeNee, Pop and PayPee soon. She totally gets it because the other night I was putting her to bed, and I asked her what are we going to do in the morning, trying to get her to say go to My Gym. Instead, she said "airpane NeeNee Pop." I asked, "Do you want to go on an airplane to see NeeNee and Pop tomorrow?" She responded with an exuberant "Yeah!" I couldn't stop laughing because one she understands that we're going on an airplane to see the family but also because she misses my parents and brother. When I ask her if she misses NeeNee, Pop and PayPee, she gets a big sulking lip and closes her eyes. That's her way of show sadness.

I'm telling you she's getting way too smart for her age. The other morning I was reading email on my laptop when she came over, pointed and said, "Pop pewper." I was shocked. I asked, "Do you want to talk to Pop on mommy's computer?" "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah," she said with an vigorous head shake. I had to reward that, so I called my parents' house, but nobody was home. I called Pop on his cell, and he told me they were all out and about, so we'd have to skype later in the afternoon. I, of course, had to try to explain that to a 20 month old. It ended with a lot of sobbing and whining. When she woke from her nap that day, the first thing she wanted, even before snacks, was to call NeeNee and Pop on pewper. She was so excited to skype with them that afternoon. When she talks to them on the webcam, she leans in and gives kisses and obligingly performs for them. I know my parents love it.

As I've mentioned before, I can never go to the bathroom without an audience. This morning she came into the bathroom, gave me her usual "Hi Mommy," then went to the guest room door and said "NeeNee Pop." I asked her if NeeNee and Pop slept in the guest room. "Yeah," she said and then opened the door. When there was nobody inside, she came out with a sad expression and asked, "NeeNee? Pop?" I felt so sad because she looked thoroughly disappointed to see the room empty. I explained that we would see NeeNee and Pop soon when we go on an airplane and see them in OC, and we can play in Pop's pool. She seemed to approve this explanation and went on her merry way.

Although my family may live hundreds of miles away, Inara sure does know and love her NeeNee, Pop, PayPee and everyone else I talk about back in CA. This summer will be a blast for her to get to see everyone she asks about every day. Only 2 months left til we go in an aipane and see you all. Love you guys. Have a great Memorial Day weekend.