It all started in such an unexceptional way. The boys, extremely hungry, were excavating the fridge, hoping their exploration would yield some exceptional treats. Alas, disaster! As the boys tried to extract the carton of eggs from the fridge it tumbled to the ground, eggs exploding in all directions.

The tension was extreme. Their frivolous expedition had turned into an existential crisis. They turned around, expressions carefully painted to exhibit innocence deserving of exoneration from consequences of the escapade.

Their fears, however, amounted to nothing more than empty expectations. With exemplary poise and discipline, mama exploded into action. “Bring me the ones we can save” she exclaimed, and as papa started bringing her the ones that had not exposed themselves completely to the floor.

Fried eggs, soy fried eggs, egg fried rice, egg in a hole. Mama expertly extracted and prepared the eggs that Papa brought her. Exhibiting the expertise of a master shelf, Mama extracted every possible ounce of deliciousness from the wreckage.

The boys were exuberant. Their accident had resulted in an exhilarating feast! As Mama exhausted her excess supply, the boys ate the egg until they felt their stomachs would explode. Satisfied with the emergent meal that had exceeded expectations, the boys resolved to be eggstra careful on subsequent excavations.

It had fallen. Coco wasn’t sure why it had fallen. Coco wasn’t sure how it had fallen. Still, it had fallen. It was no longer in his bed, of that he was sure. He was at a loss for what to do.

It was too dark for Coco to see where the train had fallen. Across the room from him slept Caycay. He couldn’t turn on the light. And without the light he would not find the train.

But the train called to him. A comforting yellow talisman, safe passage to the colorful land of dreams. In desperation, Coco cried out as loudly as he dared. Caycay was sleeping. Caycay was sick. Coco did not want to wake Caycay.

It was unclear for how long Coco cooed. A second passed. An eternity passed. Maybe it was futile, maybe it was in vain. Surely the morrow would come sooner than the answer to his plea.

Alas, a sound. The door was opening. Could it be? After all this time? Surely this was a dream, an illusion. Surely this was a mirage, as seen by so many others seeking succor. But no, it was Papa, the ever-vigilant gargoyle, come to attend his charge.

“Train” said Coco softly.

“Where?’ Asked papa softly.

“Dis-hay” whispered Collin, pointing carefully towards the last known location of the train.

Papa looked towards the location: an awkward crevice between the rocking chair and the wall of the day bed. Resigned, he turned on the light and got down on the floor, crawling under the bed.

Coco was aghast. Didn’t papa know? Caycay was sick. When Caycay got sick, he sometimes had to go to the hospital. He had to go to the hospital and sometimes didn’t come back for days, leaving Coco alone. How could papa not know?

“Papa no light! Caycay sick”

“Don’t worry, I will be quick”

An eternity passed. A second passed. And then it was done, the train was back in safe hands. The light was off. Papa was tucking Coco in. Coco clutched the train to his chest and hurried on to join Caycay in sleep.

(Age 2.75)

Nur-nur: orange juice

Thought to be derived from nyonai (milk) nur-nut was used to describe the sweet, tangy, orange milk alternative. This word was first encountered around age 1.5.

Bababobo: papa hold me

Occasionally pronounced buwahbuwahbaoubaou. This word was first encountered around age 1.5.

Mamabobo: mama hold me

Ishinbei: blanket with stars on it

Bakobei: blanket with polka dots on it

Bakapei: dried apple chips

Dadapei: dried banana chips

Dabei: poop

Go-da-eee-yay: go that way

Traditionally used to guide primitive parents when they were not understanding desired behavior. A “bababobo” would be issued followed by a clear directional finger point and a “go-da-eee-yay” command to help the parent grasp the desired behavior. If the behavior was not enacted, the command would be repeated more slowly to help clarify the desired behavior. This word was first encountered around age 2.

Go-dis-hay: go this way

Roh-eee: the desire to have ‘ring around the rosie’ sung repeatedly until further notice.

Pilobaka: having the essence of slapstick comedy.

Commonly used when throwing a pillow, knocking over a chair, knocking over a duplo tower. Also used when observing papa stub his toe, step on a painful toy, drop something, or bang his elbow. This word was first encountered around age 1.5.

Big-ni: a toy with some spinning property (wire puzzle or fidget spinner)

Babagoslee: papa lie down so I can climb on you

Purple-lie: kindly adjust the light in the bedroom to the lowest setting instead of turning it off

From the fetid stench he emerged, a devilish grin stretched across his face. Mama’s tormented cries trailed behind him, but today he didn’t care. Today he had done it.

The corpse of his nemesis followed him, delicately draped across Mama’s arms. Mama was sad, but she would understand someday. Feeling eager, Caycay marched onwards. Onwards and onwards, down the hall and around the fireplace, to Papa.

Papa looked up from the end table he was making, face looking puzzled. Papa did not yet understand. Today was momentous. Today was to be celebrated. Today Caycay had taken a giant stride along the path to manhood. Beaming, he held up his trophy for all to adore: a piece of toilet paper with which he had wiped his own bottom clean.

(age 2.75)

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton