Teeter-Totter

One of Grandpa Steve Onines' favourite things to do with his grandchildren is play "teeter-totter." Oh the tales of children, upon hearing his return home, running to the front room, throwing themselves on the ground in front of him as they offer their hands and feet. All so Grandpa could teeter and totter them. How joyous the cries of, "Again!" that followed, until Grandpa's back could take no more for the day. And sadly, each child would soon become too big for even one turn.

Last month I was able to take a new grandchild to Grandpa's house to participate in this rite. Grandpa loved Cavell's open mouthed wonder and giggles at this entertaining game. I think he enjoyed the encouraging claps Cavell gave to "ask" for another go even more.

Teeter-totter, bread and waterWash your face in Cavell water.

That is a little different than the way I recite it. "Teeter-totter, bread and butter / Wash it down with a glass of water." We are not the only ones that remember it our own ways. I found this article that seems to support my dad's version. Of course, he does replace "dirty" with the grandchild's name. Does that mean something?

Art by Alayna

Alayna drew this picture for her friend Mara. It is even more beautiful in person. Especially when we compare it to the pages of "writing" she has been doing for the past while.


This is only a small example. Imagine a full sized sheet of paper like this. No margins, the whole page. Now imagine a full notebook of this, and every other surface she can find to write on. She is making a few more pseudo letters, especially O, M, and N, but the page is so overwhelmingly full that it's hard to look at and see any of these. I would provide a better example, but she put her "homework" away in her desk, in her room, before going to bed.

I am going to see if I can convince her to give this picture to me and let her draw another for her friend.

1 YEAR

The little Gunner is 1 today!

A year ago he slept. Now it's amazing to watch him run after his sister to play and climb all over her.

A year ago I was worried about correct positioning to nurse him. Now he likes to nurse upside-down or on his tummy just as much as the cradle hold.

A year ago he could only cry. Now he makes all sorts of noises that have their own meaning (especially when he tells his sister to stop) and even sings.

A year ago he would startle. Now he can clap and give five.

A year ago he would look around him. Now he is exploring.

A year ago I loved him with all my heart. Now, I love him more.