Last weekend we had a baby naming ceremony for my brand-new niece, Talia. As part of the ceremony, there were readings and speeches from family and friends. Here’s what I read, using a tiny bib and hat on one hand to represent the other party in the dialogue. Apologies for some of the in-jokes that won’t read here.
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In preparation for today’s event, which is of course all about Talia, I thought it would be great to get the perspective of the person we’re all here to welcome and honor, Talia herself. I got in touch with her earlier in the week and did an informal interview. It ran a little long, so I’ve cut it down and will be reading an edited version.
SP: Talia, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me.
TPT: Poo.
SP: I’m sorry?
TPT: Oh, sorry about that. I just thought I’d start there.
SP: Um, good. Great. Listen, I wanted to ask you —-
TPT: (interrupts) Poo.
SP: Yes, I think we’ve covered that. So to move along, what do you make of things so far?
TPT: Totally freakin’ awesome. I’m pleased as punch to be here. I’ve booked myself a pretty sweet gig, as far as I can tell.
SP: In what way?
TPT: Well, non-stop hamburgers and pizza.
SP: What?
TPT: Yeah, hamburgers and pizza. I love ’em.
SP: I’m pretty surprised. I didn’t think you’d be eating solid food by now.
TPT: Hamburgers are solid?
SP: Yep. And pizza too.
TPT: -..hmmm-.well someone told me those were hamburgers I was eating, and I just figured pizza as well.
SP: I think someone was messing with you-
TPT: I guess so. Huh. Well, when it comes to messing with an infant, let’s just say that two can play at that game.
SP: Before we go back to the whole poo thing again, let’s move along. What’s going on at home right now?
TPT: It’s a lot of fun. I am totally hitting it off with Lenny.
SP: Really? I’m a little surprised to hear that!
TPT: Oh, no, he’s totally cool. He plays guitar, and he has a wicked sense of humor. Loves to sweep and clean.
SP: I don’t think that’s Lenny you’re talking about.
TPT: Really? Who’s Lenny, then?
SP: About your size. Dark fur. Pokey claws.
TPT: Next question.
SP: Sorry.
TPT: Well, who was it I was talking about? Is that Brucey?
SP: He probably wants you to call him “Dad.”
TPT: Dad, eh? Whatever it takes.
SP: I think they’d also accept Daddy or Da-da.
TPT: Get outa here? That’s better than Brucey? Whatever it takes.
SP: What about you? What do you think about Talia?
TPT: What do I think about who?
SP: What do you think about your name, Talia.
TPT: Oh, right. I’m still not used to it. I always think people are talking about Talia Shire.
SP: Talia Shire?
TPT: Yeah, you know “Aaaaa-drian” and all that.
SP: I wouldn’t even mention that if I were you.
TPT: Ah. Word to the wise. Will do.
SP: What else is going on at home?
TPT: Did I mention my Mommy?
SP: No, you didn’t.
TPT: Oh, sorry. I’m still filling out my short-term memory. I mean, it’s pretty much ALL short-term memory at this point, so it’s a little full, if you know what I’m saying.
SP: I think I do.
TPT: Okay, then.
SP: You were saying?
TPT: What?
SP: Your mommy?
TPT: Oh, right, right. Well, the woman is a marvel. Blankets whenever I want them. She and the other one are always cooking. Mostly for their friends, but still, I’m hoping for the odd scrap now and again. And let me tell you, she can SHOP like nobody’s business. I mean, I haven’t seen a lot of shopping so far, but my impressions of her are very solid.
SP: Actually, she helped me pick out the shirt I’m wearing right now.
TPT: Does it have bunnies on it?
SP: No, it doesn’t.
TPT: Trust me, go for the bunnies. You can’t go wrong.
SP: Okay, good advice. So what else is on your mind?
TPT: Have you read this thing in the news about the head of the CBC?
SP: I don’t get a ton of Canadian news where I live, but I did hear a little bit about it.
TPT: Totally cracks me up. He got fired for saying how great it was to poo. I want that job!
SP: It looks like we’re running out of time here, so thanks so much.
TPT: Did I say poo?
SP: I think you did.