Anna doesn’t quite walk yet, but she gets around—oh boy does she scamper. And she is purposeful when she’s on the move. If Papa puts down his coffee mug, he’d better keep an eye on it. She will lock in on that mug like a target and start to move in for “exploration.” But she is a sweetheart, full of smiles and cheerfulness (except when she’s hungry / tired / etc etc etc… all the usual caveats for a nearly 11 month old baby).
Then, of course, there’s Maria. This Fall is a bit different because Maria has begun going to Montessori School at the “Primary level” (for 3-6 year-olds) on weekday mornings. Montessori Primary is a serious enterprise, where “preschool” children learn through guided interaction with an environment specially structured for them. I am amazed when I remember Josefina starting her first year of Primary in 2009, i.e. fifteen years ago. Now Maria has embarked on her Montessori adventure, and I know she will benefit from this remarkable pedagogy—which I have written about numerous times on this blog over the years (see, for example, HERE)—a pedagogy that educates the child’s whole person.
Maria communicates pretty well, and she also has quite a sense of humor. Thank God for both of these precious grandchildren! Here is a recent video (accessible only through this link) of Papa and Maria hanging out in the afternoon. More and more, we are having “two-way conversations.” Watch below:
