The other day Abby asked me if I was old. I told her I was only half old because my heart and soul were young and only my body was growing older. Today she told reminded me my birthday is “next” and said “you’ll be half old, Nana”.
As I was changing Currin’s diaper Monday, Abby came up; looked down, pointed you know where and asked “what’s that Nana”? I froze and thought “I am NOT having this conversation”. As I paused trying to figure out my next move, Abby laughed and said “silly Nana, that’s his booty”. Remember when your parents told you to think before you speak? Abby reminded me that’s pretty good advice.
Abby loves to play make believe and one of her favorites is to bake a cake. She can transform almost anything into a delicious cake. Yesterday she came downstairs with a cake made of blocks and an empty bowl. She went to the kitchen and got a spoon from the drawer and said “Currin, I’m going to teach you how to play house”. She took a block, laid it on a plate, and gave Currin an imaginary piece of cake and empty bowl that contained imaginary soup. Currin sat on the floor nibbling on the imaginary cake and sipping the imaginary soup for 30 minutes. Guess you’re never too young to discover the magic of make believe.
In another post I mentioned Currin’s habit of opening the trash can lid, closing it on his fingers, crying and then repeating it all again. This week I’ve noticed he does the same thing with the lid on his little push cart too. This morning he closed the door to the laundry room and cried when he realized he was trapped inside. I opened the door and he pushed it shut again, and of course, cried. We all know most men don’t learn much from their experiences and will repeat the same behavior rather than admit they’re doing something wrong. I’m can already see, Currin is all man.
We’re trying to teach Currin to say Abby. Yesterday as she came down the stairs, he pointed at her and said ‘A Ba”. Pretty good for a one year old.
I tend to baby my right knee due to an injury several years ago. It makes it hard to crawl on my knee because it will almost always flair up, so I do most things others do on their knees by sitting on my behind. This morning Abby and Currin were crawling through their play tunnels, chasing each other and laughing. Abby said “get in Nana and chase us”. The only way I can get my body through those tunnels is to crawl on my knees. You know, sometimes the pain is worth the moment. Crawl away Nana!
Before Ken died, I prayed God would find a way to bring us closer to the kids and grandkids. After he died all I could think of was “be careful what you pray for”. This was definitely not the plan I had in mind. But God in His wisdom knew in the midst of my darkness, my grandbabies would provide the light to my journey. When Abby comes up to snuggle with Nana; when Currin covers my face in kisses or snuggles next to me as he’s taking a nap and holds tight to my fingers; when they laugh just because they’re children and can laugh freely; when I say “I love you Abby” and she replies “I love you too, Nana” – all’s right in my world. I ask Abby if she knows how much I love her and she says “to the moon and back”. Someday I will teach that to Currin as well. To the moon and back, to the stars, to the Heavens, I love my babies.
Abby just informed me it’s time for a party. Nana’s off to the playroom!