Captain Bogg

Way back when Max began his pirate obsession, he named Lucian "Captain Bogg", not knowing that "Captain" meant "head of the ship"... "person in charge".  He has since figured that out, and although Louie's name hasn't changed, Max makes it clear that Captain Bogg is actually his first mate and/or cabin boy, depending on the day. So far Louie doesn't mind, but I think I foresee a possible mutiny in the future...

Awhile ago, my dad brought both boys to see a puppet show by Heart of the Beast theater, called "Monkey Mind Pirates". Both boys really enjoyed it, and my dad bought the CD for them afterward. For a few weeks following the show, we listened to that CD at least seven times a day! I think I know every word to every song, and I know Max does. The surprising thing, though, is that Lucian is really the one who is hooked on this music! Every time he sees the CD player, he walks over to it and yells in a growly pirate voice, "Arrrr, Tee-Tee!" (This is Lucianese for "Arrr, Matey!", the name of one of the songs on the disc). The more we listened to that CD, the more Lucian began to turn into a pirate like his brother. It is now a rare moment that at least one of them does not have a cutlass, sword or pistol in hand... and often they spend their time sword fighting each other! Thankfully we have collected enough weapons and pirate hats around these parts to fully satisfy two buccaneers.

The defining moment came during prayers last week. It was a flash back to this day, over a year ago, when Max said all of his prayers in an enthusiastic pirate voice. Well, guess who decided to take after his big brother? Yes, even though he only knows the last word or so of each prayer, Lucian has started to pirate-growl his prayers... and his bedtime song! I sing "Twinkle, twinkle..." and he chimes in with "Yiddle tarrrrr!"

So even in the unlikely event that Max outgrows his pirate fixation, I think we have a new little scallywagg who's ready to take the wheel!