"Bereketspeak": A Dictionary

Bereket was not a huge talker in her first year or so with us. We were ready to anticipate and meet just about any need she could possibly have so she didn't need to talk a lot. Around the time of our trip to Sanibel Island in December, she really started to pipe up. And let me tell you, those little conversations can be interesting! But if you want to join in, you need a little primer in "Bereketspeak." Here's a sampler to get you started:

"Ket Ket":  Bereket's interpretation of her own name.  Example: "Sit, Ket Ket." (Mommy, I want to sit on your lap).

"Dee-Dah":  Daddy. When her message is extra important, Bereket  exclaims "Dee-Dah" five times in a row with great urgency. If she doesn't get the response she is looking for, she'll shout "Jay-sin!!!"

"Auntie" This simple affectionate term has always been reserved for Cousin Daniel. She has called him Auntie from day one, and he doesn't mind a bit. What a cool kid he is!

Bereket and her precious "Auntie"

"Hold You, Hold You!" Definition: Mommy Carry me. Usually used while half-way through an uphill hike or when B. is tired of riding in the stroller and we are still a long way from home.

"Pony, Pony!" No, not a small horse, but rather an urgent need to brush mommy's hair and put it in a ponytail. On a good day, she'll say afterward, "Mommy Pretty."

"Poopies! Poopies!" Exciting words heard before, on and after using the potty..often heard in conjunction with "Hello, Poopies!" and "Bye Bye, Poopies!" (The women who happened to be in the restroom at Frontenac State Park during our recent camping trip had many a good chuckle over her potty chatter and songs).

"Uncle Ik-Ik": Uncle Eric.

"Auntie Lean": Bereket's godmother, Jolene.

"Leana!!" Always said with great enthusiasm, Bereket shouts this when she wants to watch "Angelina Ballerina." And when she wants to watch Angelina, she wants to watch her right away!

"Boots!" A big rival to Angelina Ballerina in our house right now, Bereket is also a big fan of that big orange cat in "Puss in Boots."

"Nilk" Definition: milk.

"Treat!!" Perhaps the most utilized word in B's world, this one is self explanatory.

So there you have it. A few new and exotic words to use the next time you are around our little family.  And if we're all a little lucky, Bereket may say the best words of all, "Of  Ooh."  Definition: Love You!