<Tr> <Th> Family </Th> <Td> Popeye (adoptive father) </Td> </Tr> <P> Swee'Pea (alternatively spelled Swee'pea and Sweapea on some titles and once called Sweep Pea) is a character in E.C. Segar's comic strip Thimble Theatre / Popeye and in the cartoon series derived from it . His name refers to the flower known as the sweet pea . Before his addition to the animated shorts, the name "Sweet Pea" was a term of affection used by main character Popeye . In the cartoon We Aim to Please, he addressed girlfriend Olive Oyl that way . </P> <P> In the comics, Swee'Pea is a baby found on Popeye's doorstep (actually delivered to him in a box) in a July 24, 1933 strip . Popeye adopts and raises him as his son, or, as he puts it "boy - kid". Initially, Swee'Pea's speech consisted entirely of the sound "glop". As the years went on, Swee'Pea apparently aged enough to speak normally, and could throw punches if necessary; however, his appearance remained that of a crawling baby . In the strip for August 17, 1933, Popeye christens Swee'Pea as' Scooner Seawell Georgia Washenting Christiffer Columbia Daniel Boom' . Although Swee'Pea remains his most common sobriquet, he is occasionally referred to as Scooner by Popeye and others in later strips . </P> <P> In November 2004, Popeye officially adopted Swee'pea in a ceremony officiated by Judge Greg Mathis and hosted by the National Council for Adoption in New York City . </P>

Who did sweet pea belong to on popeye