Kumingking [ku.ming.king.]: little finger (n.) [tudlo]; pinkie (n.); pinky (n.)

Filipinos are notorious for giving their children nicknames. I am no exception. For as long as I can remember, I have been called "Sunbeam" or "Beamy". Nowhere on my birth certificate are these names listed, but nevertheless, these are the names I am most often called.

When Darrin and I started discussing names for our baby girl, I wondered if she would have a nickname. Well, sure enough, I got a call from my dad declaring he had a nickname for his granddaughter. Dad had been in California visiting my sister and on one of their outings, my sister asked for a Bisayan lesson. Body parts became the theme of this lesson and when they got to the pinky finger, my sister excitedly stated that this was the size of our baby when we found out it was a girl. So, since Darrin and I were keeping our baby's name a surprise, "Kumingking" was pronounced her name until otherwise notified.

In a couple of weeks, our baby's name will finally be revealed (much to the elation of her grandmothers, I'm sure). But since "Bertha" or "Olga" are not alternatives Darrin and I approved of, "Kumingking" it is until her name shows up on that birth certificate.