Additions to the Oliver Lexicon

I suspect this will be a long-time-running list!  Here's a few more for today, anyway.

• meertrycka = motorcycle
• poly-poly = roly-poly
• doh away = (unfortunately) go away
• dowa = also means "go away;" often used just after being reprimanded for saying "doh away" to see if the former counts just the same as the latter

Olie's been getting more and more into pretending.  Most of the time he pretends to be a "titty-tat," but lately he's been "Baby Havana," a 3-month-old recent addition to his home daycare named Savannah.  Linda (Olie's caretaker) says he's just fascinated by her and another infant, Baby Finn, and that his whole demeanor will change around them.  Instead of his usual, whole-hearted, whole-bodied, rough and tumble self, he'll get real calm and gentle, even nurturing--  so adorable!  

pantanks: an oliver lexicon

Like all toddlers, Olie has his own language that bears an increasing resemblance to English, but still requires careful interpretation from time to time.  A few of my favorite adaptations of his are:

• pantanks = pancakes
• olivia twuck = delivery truck
• too bus = school bus
• tweentoh, tweentoh = twinkle, twinkle little star
• dat dood, mommy? = is that good, mommy?
  

Additions to this list are encouraged!

And speaking of pantanks, Olie and I have a weekly tradition of making them on Saturday mornings.  This morning we made one of our favorite recipes that combines Olie's two loves:  oatmeal and pancakes.  It's such a good recipe that it's worth sharing--

"Hearty Oatmeal Pancakes"

from Simply in Season: a World Community Cookbook

2 c. rolled oats

2 c. buttermilk or plain yogurt

The night before using, mix together in a large bowl.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

2 eggs (lightly beaten)

1/4 c. oil

In the morning, stir into oat mixture.

1/2 c. flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix together in a small bowl.  Then add to batter and mix briefly.  Fry in a greased, cast-iron skillet on medium heat.

Our family loves eating them with cultured butter and honey, and it's about the only meal Olie will stuff himself silly on.  As a parent, there's really nothing so satisfying as watching your child eat well.

Cheers!

Jeni