Amelia, almost three, has taken to calling us on the phone from time to time. Here is a partial list of this weeks questions: What kind of birthday cake did you have on your birthday, Nana? Are you and Pacah going to have a puppet show tonight because Mommy and Daddy and me are going to have one? Do you have any kids, Nana? What you and Pacah having for dinner, Nana? Where is Gracie, Nana? Did Gracie go out to eat with you on your birthday? Who stayed with Gracie when you went out to eat for your birthday?

What a joy that there exists a window in the life of every child, just a small snippet of time, when it is possible to observe their brain process the world. There is no filter, there is no agenda, there is no hidden layer of language–we get to watch and listen to very pure reactions to the world that spins around them. It’s a treat to witness the abundance of learning and thinking that takes place during this stage. I don’t think I appreciated this gift enough as a young mom, so I intend to savor it as a Nana.

And, not to be outdone, I must report that darling little Caroline, almost one, has the best pincer grasp I have ever seen. That child loves her food and doesn’t miss a crumb.