Our 5th Child

Before anyone gets too excited, no, I am not pregnant.


It is just that we often feel like we have a 5th child, and her name is Cindy Brady.

What a joy it was to introduce Liliana to The Brady Bunch; a much loved classic from our childhood, and a show we still enjoy. It was when the triplets were infants, and we spent A LOT of time in our bedroom doing feedings. We just happened to catch an episode of The Brady Bunch on TVLand. It took only one episode. Liliana was hooked.

Lili became obsessed with the Brady family. She often became Cindy, reminding us that she has gold hair just like Cindy. There was an episode marathon one weekend, and we taped several. That tape became the only one Lili wanted to watch. Tired of the same episodes again and again, we ordered the series of DVD's containing all five seasons.

I remember saying to Jim, "Are you SURE you want to do this? You think she talks about the Brady Bunch a lot now....."

We wrapped it and watched excitedly as Lili opened the gift.

We all enjoy the DVD's. Lili's favorite episodes include the one when Greg's hair turns orange, when Greg steals the goat mascot, when Carol and Mike get married, when Carol loses her voice, and of course the trips to Hawaii and the Grand Canyon.


Now, let me explain the extent to which Lili incorporates the Brady Family into the Barrett Family. I am not exaggerating when I say this is a daily activity. I am often called to play the part of Carol, and Jim, Mike. Lili's "walking doll" is either Cindy or Marcia.

Everyone loves playing with Cindy/Marcia.

Liliana has come up with very elaborate plans to have Greg and Marcia babysit. We have written countless notes to Greg and Marcia, inviting them and detailing their duties. There have been times when I've questioned Lili's grasp of reality, particularly when she gets has gotten very angry because Daddy "forgot" to pick up Greg and Marcia at the airport.

Beyond normal roll playing, Liliana likes to introduce the Brady family into just about any conversation. Pick a subject, she can create a scenario involving her favorite Brady, "the youngest one in curls". Jim and I will be talking about something and she will insist on interrupting to tell us that she and Cindy did, said, had or plan to do the same exact thing. We have even driven by Cindy's house (various ones) several times.

Normally I can predict a "Cindy Interjection", but every once in a while she catches me off guard. It is usually in a quiet moment, the kind when she might decide to share with me something that concerns her.

"Mommy, can I tell you something?"

"Sure Sweetie."

I focus my full attention on her and this important parenting moment, physically lowering myself to her level and soaking her up with my eyes.

"Me and Cindy are going to the beach tomorrow."

"Oh, okay."

False alarm.