Saturday, June 24, 2006

Terms of Endearment...

Sweetheart, Darling, Dear, Precious, Honey, Princess, Pumpkin...these are words I never use...and never want to be called...and don't even really like hearing other people using. Actually I don't like hearing young people use these "terms of endearment", people in their sixties and older are exempt from the ickiness of these words. I do sometimes call my husband "Baby", but for whatever reason this word doesn't make me cringe like the others do. That said...others seem to not appreciate the "terms of endearment" that I have chosen for the baby in my belly. The terms little Bugger, little Critter, little Stinker have not been well-received by most. Even when I say them proudly, smiling and rubbing my belly (so obviously showing happiness)...I get the raised eyebrows. It's not like I say "The little Critter...blah blah blah" with a scornful, scowl. I apparently am pushing people's buttons with my tight maternity clothes, obsessive-love for my dog, and now not using the typical, traditional terms of endearment one is supposed to use when addressing their loved ones. One of my regular clients (a psychiatrist who usually LOVES me), was shocked when I showed him my recent ultrasound picture and said "There's my little Bugger". "Bugger?? Don't call your child a Bugger!". The word "Critter" has gotten this same reaction with one of my co-workers...and even my sister! You say tomato, I say tomaaato...

P.S. The little Bugger is doing really good. The ultrasound showed him/her still dancing away in there...one moment the little Stinker looked like he/she was doing a yoga pose...stretching his/her back like a kitty...the little Critter is the perfect size, perfect measurements...due date is still November 19th...a Scorpio like his/her mama...

7 comments:

Kaili said...

Robin and I called/call Jaia all crazy things. My Mom even made a joke the other day saying, why did you guys even bothr picking a name when you never call Jaia Jaia. It's true, but we name everything and we have nicknames for everything. So we're weird, oh well. Keep on being weird and crazy parents, it's more fun!

Shannon said...

We have friends who always referred to their baby as "critter," so you're not alone. You did, however, forget "little Goober" which should be added to the list. It goes so well with "stinker," and "bugger."

Anonymous said...

Aw Joyce I haven't read your blog in a while but you always make me laugh! Who cares if people are insulted? I saw screw them and call your baby whatever you want, all the while flashing them your gorgeous, dazzling smile! And keep wearing those form-fitting clothes! You're a sexy mama!! Besides, they're all just jealous of your buddha belly. :D

Audrey said...

Does that mean that I can call you stinker mama? Just kidding. Are you talking about me raising an eyebrow at your terms of endearment? 'cause you live very far away and you can't tell if I'm raising an eyebrow when we talk on the phone. So you must be talking about our other sister.

Joyce said...

no...i'm talking about YOU audrey...YOU told me in an email not to call my baby a "critter"...by the way are you finally sobered up, you lush?

Christy and Dustin said...

I think it's cute! We call our "baby head." And stinker is great too. We call our two toddlers all sorts of names behind their backs when they're being crotchety.
I won't judge you if you won't judge me.
And by the way, you look awesome pregnant. I love the "my hump, my hump my little baby hump".

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