My grandson, Riel, sees life through his eyes which are contained in a short unbalanced body. He can't reach the great treasures that he desires as they are just out of arms reach--well actually almost everything is out of his reach. He can't communicate with words what he wants, so he points and makes sounds and if that doesn't get the desired result he quickly reverts to crying. That definitely gets our attention.
He struggles with the simplest things in life, like tripping over his pant legs that are forever in his way, or drenching his sleeves in his food. None of this seems to bother him though, for his determination serves him well. The simplest things bring him intense pleasure, like pouring his milk into his spaghetti on his highchair tray and then swishing it all around getting it everywhere. He squeals with laughter as he squishes his fingers through the soggy food. Or when his parents pretend to take a bite of his apple he laughs and laughs in sheer delight no matter how many times they repeat the same action. He loves to walk around with mommy's or daddy's hat saying 'ha, ha'. Each of these actions is so simple but they bring such delight to this little fellow.
What warms my heart the most about this little man, is how quickly his mood changes from screaming, tears and loud wails to laughter by simply singing 'The Wheels on the Bus'. Who would have ever imagined that this simple song which has no deep meaning to it, and no relevance to most infants for they do not even know what a bus is, never mind what the wheels on the bus are. Yet, it truly does calm down Riel and many other children almost instantaneously. Another favorite is playing 'This Little Piggy' on Riel's toes, for it elicits squeals of laughter from him even if he was crying in distress just moments earlier.
The world to a one year old is filled with struggles; learning how to walk, how to eat, how to talk and how to allow others into your world. They are constantly wanting something that is just out of reach and they can become frustrated so quickly, and they are not afraid to let you know that they are frustrated. Yet amidst this world of frustration and challenges there are the delightful moments. Such as when your one year old turns and looks at you with a sparkle in their eye and begins to squeal in absolute abandoned laughter, or when they let go of your hand and begin to walk across the room to get a toy. Then there are the moments when they are tired and when you hold them in your arms rocking them and slowly they drift off to sleep-now that is delightful for every grandma world wide!!! No matter how old you are the charm of a one year old will capture your heart. Riel has captured mine that is for sure :-)
