Katherine Alice Smith
She stumbles around the house at a pace and with a stagger that would seem destined for disaster.
She darts from place to place, object to object in what appears to be a random display of hap hazard choices and yet each direction, each mission has a purpose and a goal.
She may pause only a moment to look at something or to touch something and then be on her way, but each tangent has a purpose, each direction has a goal. Once that goal is achieved it’s on to the next.
She has a sense of exploration that drives her every step, what is that? What does that feel like? Can I eat that? Does it move when I try to push it? Does it make noise?
She scurries around at a pace that would tire an Olympic marathon runner and yet she seemingly never slows.
At 16 months old she knows every inch of her home, at least the part she is allowed to explore. And yet every day begins a new mission to find something new or find the changes.
Move a chair and she will notice, take a box away and she looks around trying to see where it went. She is keenly aware of her surroundings.
She loves books and has many. What was once a patient journey through each book as someone turned the pages and read to her, has now become a self-guided tour that quickly scans through each page with little hesitation as though simply checking to make sure no pages are missing.
The pets all know her antics and some give space to her as she meanders about, while others lay waiting for the eventual collision as though wanting and looking forward to the interaction.
Her world is hers to orchestrate and she does!
Our role is to support and help her when needed. Any failure in that support will be addressed immediately and adherence to the plan is expected!
She is also very helpful around the house! She loves to help with dishes, throwing her dirty diapers in the trash and finding ANYTHING you may have dropped on the floor by accident.
And cheese. The girl loves cheese!
Eating is a pleasure to be enjoyed to the fullest! All forms of vegetables, meats, grains, and muffins are greeted with enthusiasm and anticipation.
Messes while eating are never frowned upon and always encouraged! Cleanup is just a bath away.
Feel the texture of that squash between your fingers. Smoooooth! How does it look on my face??
Squish the muffin to find out what those little bits inside are, not sure but they sure taste good!
She is being raised in a home that values exploration and discovery.
A home that is not afraid of getting a little messy for the sake of a good meal or a good adventure!
A home that requires kindness, manners, and compassion for other as a nonnegotiable expectation.
And most importantly a home filled with love and acceptance.
What more could a grandpa wish for!
