Lia & Babba reunited

Papa is back! Finally! Thiemo had to travel a whole lot lately, to all sorts of interesting places like Mexico, Alabama, Illinois, and Germany. Yesterday we got him back for good, our Dad, plus two big suitcases filled with Lia's favorite dodos. Dodo - that is Lia's word for cookie, and that's English, if you please. Lia is making a great effort at repeating words, charmingly mispronouncing some of them. In Lia's world, Papa is Mama, and when he gets lucky, he is occasionally upgraded to be called 'Babba'. I don't really seem to count. In fact, every time Lia looks at our wedding pictures, she proudly points at her Dad and says 'Mama!', while ignoring that woman standing next to him. Also, Lia has learned the German word for doll, a not too flattering version of 'Puppe': Lia calls her doll 'Popo', which is the German word for butt. We will give Lia the benefit of the doubt, because the doll does have a bit of a butt-face and looks nothing like handsome Steve, Lia's favorite. Speaking of favorites. Once Lia had recognized her favorite surrogate Mom at the airport, she flew into his arms. Their reunions are always heartrending, because Lia will not let go of Thiemo, but won't say a word for the longest time. She is so awe-struck and serious, and solemnly holds on to him as if she can't believe her luck to have her Babba back. Two minutes later they are on their way to the car, all giggles. Mama # 2? Proudly following, carrying the dodos.