In my house we’re big on nicknames and endearments for those we love. For example, Snape the cat is Snapey-poo, Boo Boo Bear, or Itty Bitty Boo (just to name a few – the list goes on). Cinder the cat is Miss Kitty or Cinderkins. Ginger the dog is Ginger-baby, Gingy, Ginger Beast, or Psychobeast (Paul’s loving moniker for her). Hannah is Roo, Sweetie, Sweetie Pie, or Angel-baby. Paul is, well, Paul. Or Sweetie.

And therein lies the problem. The other night I called for “Sweetie” to do something. When I was met with silence I said, “Hello?!”

Hannah looked at me and said, “Which Sweetie?”

“Daddy,” I said.

Paul said, “I thought you were talking to Hannah!”

Is it any wonder I think folks in my house have selective hearing?