Rudolph

Sam's beloved Papa's name is Rudolph.  He rarely hears him called by this name, only when Mema is talking to him.  He is usually referred to as Papa.  Sam knows his name is Rudolph and I fondly remember Sam calling him "Do-Dolph" for the longest time.  He would run next door calling "Do-Dolph" before even making his way through the gate to their house.  We were all a little sad when Sam began calling him Papa.  Yes, "Do-Dolph" had a special sweetness and we all loved hearing Sam say it.

Now... it's Christmas time and Sam is loving Christmas books and Christmas songs.  His favorite is "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer."  So imagine his confusion.  Rudolph.  That's his wonderful Papa's name.  How can that be the name of a reindeer with a funny nose?  Yes, he doesn't quite get it.  This is our first encounter with two things having the same name.  And what a way to start.  Your grandfather shares a name with a classic Christmas reindeer.  Kinda hard to wrap your brain around if you're two and a half.  

When playing Christmas music in the car, Sam usually requests two songs: "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" which he sweetly refers to as "The Papa Reindeer Song."  My heart smiles every time he says this...pure innocence.

The other day Cade was here and the boys were running around playing and pretending to be animals.  Cade decided they should be Christmas-themed animals.  Just as they were hurrying outside, Cade yells to Sam, "C'mon Sam.  I'll be Rudolph."  "Okay, Cade,"  Sam says. "And I'll be Papa."   Precious....

 

*Today is Papa's birthday...Happy Birthday Papa!  We love you!

Sam and his Rudolph last Christmas