Kids

Nov. 23, 2013
So many times I have been going to write little comments or interesting things that the kids do or learn and I never quite get around to it...and then the thoughts and memories disappear...only for new ones to appear.
I must say it has been a pleasure and an opportunity that we are grateful for, to have the grandchildren living so closely.  Clive and I both enjoy and are fascinated by these two little beings.  They live in their world of 'now' and if you are with them, you can see how absorbed they are in the present moment.  They are so loving and aware only of themselves and the world around them...not planning for the future and thinking about the past. Sometimes T. doesn't want you but that has nothing to do with you but rather what is going on in her head.  At least that is the way that it appears.  So much energy can be expended crying, screaming or getting attention if their perceived need or want is not met at this moment...and then forgotten about entirely and back on stream in minutes.
I love my time with the kids and so does Clive.  He is an amazing playmate and caregiver with the two of them.  We are able to watch them grow and learn and get to know us.

Last week when Mave and Wally and gang came for lunch we had two little girls that were able to enjoy it too.  T. tried the line "Are you kidding me?" and we all laughed so as she was getting her boots on we heard the line twice more.  We laughed on queue and she enjoyed our response....is this learning action and reaction.

A month back T I read the long version of Monkeys Jumping on the Bed and then read it again.  Then T. read it to me.  Isn't repetition wonderful?  She could tell me the story!  I was surprised and delighted.  Some weeks T. wants to put her down for her nap when we babysit and we read and sometimes she wants a backrub.  Last week it was a shoulder rub in the family room!  Nap time is becoming so independent ...now I don't nap with her, now no more stories, no back rub and last week she took herself to her room and closed the door for her nap.  So some days the naps are easier for her.  A year ago they were very challenging for her to settle.

K on the other hand, likes her bed and often plays with her musical mobile on her own before she alerts you that she is awake.  She is usually sitting with a smile when you go to pick her up...and at just over a year is developing a sense of herself and what she wants and tries to communicate.  That little one is the food moocher...always looking for something to eat.. preferably bread or biscuits and she has to settle for the nutritious fruit, etc sometimes.  She has a definite nose for the sweet stuff...no sneaking anything when she is around.
I smiled at T's third birthday when there were lots of people milling and attention everywhere.  K. spent quite a long time with a big paper shopping bag over her shoulder pushing the stroller around the main floor of the house ...back and forth and back and forth...oblivious to all the people.

T.  I had a blast with her at the wave pool last week...just the two of us.  From a little hesitant to exuberant enthusiasm she summoned the courage (with a little encouragement) to master all four of the slides! and jump in the waves.  After 2 hours I could hardly get her out.  We took off the life jacket and she went to play some more.  Eventually we got to the change room.  She whispered I love you, I love you when I had her standing on the bench and wrapped in a towel.  And then back to getting dressed and leaving...as though that moment had never happened.  So precious!  And she was so enthusiastic. 
T is loving tobogganing this year too.  The first time this year with us..she went down on her own and then I was allowed every second run down with her.  So I got to walk down the incline and pull the toboggan up and she loves going up and down.  She likes to go out tobogganing this year and the clothes don't seem as cumbersome.

We learn so much about human beings, reactions and how we operate.  We also learn to be there with them trying to see the world through their eyes...or at least smiling at what they do and understand.  May we continue to have these opportunities as the girls learn and develop into their own beings.
much love