As I mentioned in my last post, my granddaughter just passed her first birthday. My husband and I were privileged to visit her for the occasion and to celebrate with her, her parents, and other family members. We had other reasons for making the trip, but I timed it to coincide with her birthday.
This was my fifth visit with her in a year, and I’ve spent twenty-some days of her short life with her. To some grandparents, that might not sound like much. But we live halfway across the country, so I think we’ve done pretty well. Of course, I’d like to spend more time with her, but logistics are hard to arrange.
Every time I see my granddaughter, she has changed. She is now starting to walk, and has very definite opinions on matters such as food, toys, and who should be allowed to hold or play with her.
She loves fruit. She likes goldfish crackers. But when she’s had enough, a swipe of her arm across her high chair tray rids her of any food that annoys her.
One toy has a phone receiver on it, which she apparently doesn’t think belongs, as she often throws it off its base as soon as someone replaces it on the hook.
She babbles constantly, and I wish I knew what she was saying. But again, her opinions are clear. Her “nos” are definite, with a shake of her head or a flap of her hands accompanied by a frowning face. She’s starting to nod for “yes,” and her happy expression and bouncing body are indications enough that she is content.
I’m looking forward to real conversations with her. Soon, I hope. In the meantime, I respond to her babble with babbling words of my own. She probably doesn’t understand me any more than I do her.
When we returned home, I sent her a Valentine’s Day card, which I hope she has now received, since today is Valentine’s Day. She won’t understand Valentine’s Day yet, but I do. I know it’s a day to recognize those we love, particularly sweethearts and children.
I’ve written before that my son, born on February 13 many years ago, was my early Valentine. And now I have another early Valentine in the family. Our granddaughter’s birthday is near the start of February, but close enough. As with my son, I will buy her birthday cards and Valentine’s Day cards together every year. It’s a lot of postage, but both of them are worth it. (As are the other relatives to whom I send Valentine’s Day cards.)
Who do you recognize on Valentine’s Day?
