You Can Call Me Anything but Gramps

If I'm about to become a whole new persona, shouldn't I be allowed some say?

This whole grandparent thing IS exciting, don't get me wrong!, but I'm getting a little nervous about what my new name is going to be...

The most popular names for grandparents (according to one Internet search I did) are Papa, Grandpa, Granda, Granddad, and Gramps.  All o.k., but not too fitting.  I'd accept any of them as a last resort except Gramps.  I've always thought that one sounds like someone who's in pain all the time. All the Gramps I've ever known were grouchy, bent over, and smelled funny.

                            

My worry is that I don't trust my kids to come up with anything I'll like.  Afterall, this IS the daughter-in-law that dubbed me with the monicker A Box of Worthless Knowledge because I beat her so bad at Trivial Pursuit. 

I suggested G-Daddy.  They said no.  I like Buddy.  They don't.

They suggest we let Ethan come up with something when he's ready.  Again, I don't trust my kids and they will undoubtedly "coach" my grandson when I'm not around.  We'll be at a family dinner get-together and Baby Ethan will suddenly blurt out my "coached-named" and I'll be stuck with Poop-Pah, Bagoo, GiGi, or Fat Pap.

I want a kewl name.  A name that matches the type of grandparent I see myself as: fun, adventuresome, jolly, reliable, strong, talented, funny, smart...you know, the ideal grandparent designed by Disney.

If Ethan has a good nose, he'd know to call me Papa Coffee.

If he has great eyesight he'd call me Guapo - Spanish for handsome.

If he's a realist he'd call me Gray-Pa.

If he's hip, he'd call me Yo! Pa!

If he likes to go against stereotypes, I'd accept Grumpy.

                                  

Names I don't hate include Popsi, Poppy, and Pappy.  (The old speech therapist in me knows a P-Word will come first...).

My worst fear is that my kids and Ethan will try to come up with names that "go together" for my wife and I.  Sorta a Beauty and the Beast hybrid suddenly being suggested. Surfing the net actually produced these grandparent name combos:

                                          

Papa and Nana.  Gramps and Granny.  Amma and Adda.  MamaBear and PapaBear.  Bamps and Bamma.  Papaya and Banana.  Bubba and Chicky. P-Pa and G-Ma.  Popo and Momo.  PooPoo and MooMoo.  Opa and Oma.

What did you call your grandparents?  Any suggestions??

Submit your names to [email protected]  Ethan is due in mid-January, but we have awhile before any names begin to stick to things and people...

Stay Tuned...this grandparent chapter of my life has distinct blogging possibilities.

[every name in this post can be found on the internet as verification that someone, somewhere actually uses it. So to Banana, Poo Poo, and Chicky...bless you!]

Comments

[meg]

Give it up, Buddy (I like that one too). Welcome to the world of no control. You will be called what you will be called. Let the chips fall. I'm partial to Pop-pop myself. The Hawaiian "Tutu" seems to fit you. Just don't call me late for dinner...

[Numbah 1]

Okay...you can't be "Buddy" for the mere fact that this exists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98v2uWX4zE

That sir is just plain creepy! Besides, if we are going to "coach" him as you say, don't you think that we'd come up with something quite fitting...I was thinking Santa Pa or Pthpt (say it out loud).

[Puma Shoes]

Yes, I agree to this blog that the parent should educate their kids at the early stage of their life. So that they can easily adapt themselves when they are ready to go to school. It must be not the high end one, but at least a kid can do anything to it to learn basics.

[Nike Shox Turmoil]

Great post! Of course, many of us find it difficult to make the sort of commitment that Timothy does. But that is where Kiva comes in. When pooled with the resources of others you can really change the life of another person.

[Nike Shox Turmoil]

Great post! Of course, many of us find it difficult to make the sort of commitment that Timothy does. But that is where Kiva comes in. When pooled with the resources of others you can really change the life of another person.

[Nike Shox Experience]

Friend is a friend is. Friends can indomitable spirit is the friend's friend. Rain, Had a friend can stir. Wealth does not necessarily is a friend, But a friend is wealth. So I agree with you, We must friendly to our friends.