A little lightheartedness

Robert likes to sing. And, he does requests. He also makes requests.

At least a few times a day, he will approach me or Doug, usually with a blanket in hand, and he requests "Rock a Baby." I've learned that the baby he would like rocked is himself, in a cradled position. He inevitably follows that request with "Twinkle Stars in da Sky." We finish the trio with "Happy Nose." Now, I required a translator (Gramma) the first time he requested this song as I could not think of any nursery rhymes or children's songs about a nose. We did eventually figure out that he was seeking "If You're Happy and You Know It." He only requires one verse (stomp your feet), so he can wiggle his feet (after all, you're cradling him like a baby) and add the sound effects, "boom, boom!"

Now, if you get a couple of people in the room, he just might sing for you. If you've got a piano, then you're in for a real treat. Last Sunday, he began his act with a new song, sure to be a hit across the nation, or at least at our friends', the Hebert's, house. It was a ballad, in an unusual key. The lyrics were the catchiest, being about our friends' dogs. "...Walter is black, Finnegan white...lick the nose...haha feet......um...wagg-a the tail...Finnegan...Walter black..." It is an inspiring number. The chorus is extremely "colorful." This 90 second ballad is like new every time he performs it. He'll finish his act by taking requests. We stick to our favorites, like Rock a Baby, Twinkle Stars, and one of his own creation, "Jesus of the Bible."

Next time you catch his attention, ask him for a live performance...he's likely to oblige.