Quote Originally Posted by rockzmom View Post
okay.. let's see if I understand all of this ... Way back when... you all helped my with her nickname Valya from her full name of course, Valentina. So, now you are stating that by calling her this nick, it is a term of endearment in itself? Just as Dima would be for Dmitri?
Just to make sure that you get the things right.
Valya is not a "pet" version it is just a short version of the full name (Of course it can be pronounced with a sweet voice that can make it a "pet" version). Like Will for William or Bob for Robert.
While "Valentinka, Valen'ka, Valyusha, Valechka" are the "pet" versions (diminutive ones). Personally I would never use "Val'ka" (Валька), It doesn't sound nice to me.

Quote Originally Posted by rockzmom View Post
The situations in the story line that I wanted to use this "pet" type name would be ones where in English one might say something like the term "little one" so it could be if he were teasing her or if she has had a bad day and he were to try and encourage her... just a name between the two of them that he calls her, but in Russian.
In such a situation a "pet" version of the name would be certainly the best.

Quote Originally Posted by rockzmom View Post
See, there is not much Russian in the book and he usually only speaks it when he is thinking aloud to himself about something, like working out a problem OR a few words or phrases here or there to her. Words that no matter how long you speak another language, you might tend to say in your native tongue. SO, that is why I am looking for a term other than her name... HOWEVER, if you are all in agreement that a version of her name is the BEST answer.....
If your Dmitri had left the Russia when he was about 7 to 9 he hardly was accustomed to say any terms of endearment to a girl other then some versions of the girl's name.