Right? Right!

Peter and Qun-Qun have come up with a call and response that has once again shaped our community. One will come up with a statement that is either abstract, like "sea anemones as big as whales like to eat plankton," or instrumental, like "popcorn makes you stronger," following it with a "Right?" The other with decisively answer, "Right!" The two are usually in sync, but if there is too long a pause, the first will repeat, "Right?!" and the second will be recalled to his role and answer, "Right!" It's like a comedy duo. Next thing you know, Mabel and Jamie, roommates who are the primary babysitters for the two at present, are jokingly reproducing this dynamic. Then, Qun-Qun and Peter are insisting that parents participate. Now Sammy is pitch-perfectly demanding support for his various, strongly held, opinions by saying, "Right?" Heaven help us if we miss our cue. The only acceptable answer is: "Right!"

Bubble Time

Last night's bath was one of the good ones: the final half hour was spent blowing bubbles over the tub with Sammy clapping them, catching them, covering himself with them. Peter was drawn back to the tub scene after exiting earlier to transform the counter sink into an aquarium (an elaborate process involving soap, colors when available, and many, many sea creatures and insects). Peter offered to blow bubbles for Sammy as well, and soon the two of them were giggling, then shouting, and finally shrieking with glee. Given the acoustics of the bathroom, my ear drums were ringing, but it was all in a very good cause.

Fighting Words

Both Peter and Sammy have built up a repertoire of words and phrases that signal that one or both are spoiling for a fight. They range from the obvious "It's MY turn" to the more idiosyncratic "No, I say that!" Interjected into a moment of apparent calm, these words cause them to immediately square off, launching into a round of claims to priority, followed by a clench that will have Peter encircling Sammy's neck and Sammy kicking furiously.