I began to publish Conversations with Jonathan on Facebook, toward the end of his pre-school experience. J's a talker, a bit of a smart-ass and always has that sparkle in his eye! On most days, I pick him up from school and we have a chat on the ride to Baba's. She lives on a mountain you know. He calls it Baba's mountain.
Jonathan has her wrapped around his little finger. Baba is his world and he is her's.
I should explain that my wife Terrie is Russian, so Baba was what she wanted to be called by our only grandchild. I'm not Russian but Terrie asked if I'd be okay with Deda instead of Bompie or Grandpa, one of the terms of endearment from my family background. For sure I'm okay with it because I also believe it important that Jonathan knows and understands his Baba's heritage. It's an important part of our happiness and celebrations.
Reactions to my conversations include descriptions like "funny" and "so cute", plus you've encouraged me to write a book. Well here we go. Conversations with Jonathan, presented in installments.
April 30, 2015
Deda: Do frogs cross the bridge?
Me: I guess so.
J: Do dem like to go shopping?
May 1, 2015
J: Deda, I want the government to meet me.
Me: No you don't.
J: Why?
Me: Because the government does weird stuff.
J: Why?
Me: Good question Jonathan. I'm afraid nobody knows the
answer.
J: Why?
May 3, 2015
J: Deda see how much money I got from the tooth fairy.
Me: Oh wow J.
J: I have lots of money do I.
Me: You sure do.
J: I think I'll buy a new house.
May 7, 2015
J: Deda, I'm almost out of lollipops.
Me: That's too bad.
J: You want to take me to the lollipop store?
Me: Sure.
J: I really want a blue one.
Me: Why's that.
J: I like a blue tongue.
May 9, 2015
Me: Jonathan you are being sassy, disrespectful and
you're not doing what you're told.
J: Deda, when you say dat you break my heart.
Me: (Muffled laughter)
May 10, 2015
J: (singing). Ba ba ba bababerann
Me: Sweet J, that's the surfer dudes.
J: Take my hand baby.
Me: Save that one for the girls.
J: Ba ba ba bababerann.
May 11, 2015
J: Deda, is it Mother's Day still?
Me: No J, it's over.
J: Is there a guy's day?
Me: Some mothers would tell you it's guy's day every day.
May 12, 2015
J: I am a robot.
Me: Careful J, watch Baba's stuff.
J: It's a Iron Man box Deda.
Me: You still have to buy careful around Baba's stuff.
J: I'm just wearing dis you know.
May 27, 2015
J: Deda, would you buy me a lawnmower. They have lawnmowers
for boys.
Me: Is that right?
J: They have engines and they start.
Me: What would you do with a lawnmower?
J: I'd go to the store.
Me: On a lawnmower?
J: They have engines you know.
May 27, 2015
J: Deda, are we going to Superstore?
Me: No, not today.
J: Why do we call it Stupid store?
Me: We're just being funny.
J: Well it is stupid in there sometimes you know.
