Bright and early the other morning, my daughter Natasha face-timed me from Boston.
“Hi, Mom, we’re back and Sam wanted to say hi.”
(My grandson Sam was entirely engrossed in his train set but when he heard the face-time sound, he looked up and blew kisses. This kid is a diplomat.)
“Did he have a wonderful time in Florida?” I asked.
Natasha told me how much Sam enjoyed the beach and loved dumping buckets of cold water on her.
Then she dumped a bucket of cold water on me.
“Oh, by the way. Sam learned to use a toaster at Papa Bill’s house.”
Huh? Why would an eighteen month old use an electrical appliance? Why would she allow that?
I was really baffled.
And worried.
But in times like these, I instantly revert to my tried and true formulaic response.
“That’s nice,” I said between clenched teeth.
Don’t criticize, Ellen, I thought. You don’t want to be a meddling grandmother, do you? If Natasha thinks that Sam should learn to use a toaster, so be it.
After all, you can’t go wrong if you just keep your big trap shut.
“Yes,” she giggled. “Sam learned how to use a coaster right away.”
Oh. A COASTER.
Never mind.
Very punny, Ellen. I can tell how much joy you get from your ever interaction with Sam.
I’m not in grandparent land yet … and certainly in no rush. I can tell you, though, that Deborah’s first word was “movie” and her first solid food was pizza.
Thanks, Doc. Yes, it’s fun being a grandparent. I give the experience four stars. Thanks for sharing your reminiscences of Deborah. I don’t remember my first solid food but my first sentence as per my baby book was “Go Go Sox!”
Love it!!! That is me to a tee:)
Thanks, Kim. You’re my kind of gal! Happy 2016 to you and yours, btw.
My granddaughter (who is 11 today) called me Papa Bitchee. Everyone laughed. She immediately picked up on that and walked around saying Papa Bitchee Papa Bitchee and then giggled. Grandkids can say anything and we grandparents love it.
Thanks, Friend Bitchee. I like it. Thanks for sharing- and be sure and wish that little poetess a very happy birthday from me. 🎂
Roller coaster?
Given his age, I’d say (st)roller coaster. Thanks, Fearless Leader. Good one!