Wednesday, September 10, 2008

LITTLE BITTY, BIG VOICE

Have you read A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving? If you haven't read it - not only are you missing out on one of the greatest novels of all time - but you may not really understand what I'm saying here. The main character, Owen Meany, is a extraordinarily small guy and has a voice that "...to be heard at all he has to shout through his nose." The author also describes this voice as perhaps being damaged by dust from his families granite business. To constantly remind the reader of this unusual voice - all dialogue from Owen is written IN ALL CAPS.

Lately, when Little Bitty talks - I am reminded of Owen. Because she doesn't talk - she SCREAMS. She'll start out with a normal volume..."Mommy" - but if I don't get my response out in .08 seconds - or even sometimes if I do - it progresses to "MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY!!!!!!!" AND SHE DOESN'T STOP. AND SHE REPEATS WHATEVER IT IS SHE WANTED TO TELL ME AT LEAST SIX TIMES, EVEN THOUGH I'VE ANSWERED AND ACKNOWLEDGED HER AFTER THE FIRST TIME. AND THE VOLUME IS THE SAME WHETHER SHE BE TELLING ME THAT PABLO IS TAKING A NAP - OR THAT THE KITCHEN IS ON FIRE. AND IT IS SHRILL AND SOMEWHAT STARTLING.

Please understand, I'm not complaining. I LOVE my children's voices and laughter more than any other sound in the world. I'm just amazed at the intensity and volume that can be produced by such a Little Bitty girl.

3 comments:

Michelle Smiles said...

I couldn't wait for Sabrina to call me mommy but the "mommymommymommy" thing gets old quickly. And when I turn to her and say "yes, Sabrina?" she says "Hi mommy". Too funny and too cute to stay annoyed.

Anonymous said...

Brother will now relate to his Daddy in yet one more way...we all know how much my big brother enjoyed the shrills and intensity of my voice as a little girl! I'm so glad he has a daughter! Love you all, Zia

Melany @ Project Anthologies said...

Zia - SO True! She is SO your niece. ;) I love it!!
Mel