Peace and Bunny Ears

Many of you may not understand why I sign-off each post with 'Peace and Bunny Ears'. The credit goes to her grandfather, a very gentle, creative, witty, and smart man. Piper and her grandfather, Papa Pitts, have their own language. He will play with Piper for hours, allowing her to be the boss and tell him exactly what to do in their pretend world.

The twosome play out their routine every Friday night. After they take a nature walk (looking at kitties, bunnies, horsies, worms, ants, or lizards), play "hotscotch", or run through the sprinkies in the neighbors yard, they sit on a bench in the living room and drive to church or the grocery store. Of course, they remember to put on their seat belt, adjust the air vents, and turn on the radio. Often they have a picnic in the living room with an interactive tea set while Papa wears necklaces, earrings, hats, and purses. I love when they play dance class because Piper is the teacher. She instructs Papa by showing him how to dance. Then as he goes up, she starts clapping the tempo, if he does not do the dance move exactly like she does, then he is in big trouble.

As the evening comes to a close and we leave their home, Papa takes Piper on a horsie ride out to the car. Kaya, Piper's grandmother, comes to give one last hug and kiss before we leave but one kiss turns into five. Then, Piper tells Papa she doesn't have anymore kisses left for him. He pretends to cry and she pretends to be shy. And finally, Papa makes the peace sign and says "Peace and Bunny Ears" while they touch their fingers together.

Papa first started saying "peace" about 2 yrs ago. As most things do, "Peace" has evolved into "Peace and Bunny Ears". This week, Papa tried to do "peace and bunny ears" with the real bunny that lives in their yard. Of course, the bunny hopped away but Papa received giggles from Piper so all was not lost.

I also must credit Papa for Piper's nickname, Babycakes. He fondly refers to his daughter as Babycakes. One day I called Piper "Babycakes", which she adored. Now, she insists that I call her by Babycakes.

So thank you Papa Pitts for all the fun things you do that make Piper feel loved.

Peach and Bunny Ears,

Aimee