An afternoon with Simone

A very serious look in those bright eyes - not her usual expression, it's often more of a cheeky twinkle.
Jack and Marianna had an invitation to a friend's wedding, so Simone was with us from 1.30 until I dropped her off with Josh and Ruth at 6.30.
Frieda had spent the afternoon with them, so J and M were going to collect both girls in the early evening. Meanwhile Richard and I went for dinner with a couple of friends who live nearby - our regular monthly arrangement (and their turn to cook this time). 
At just over one year old now, Simone's intent on exploring everything. Today she discovered that she could push our wooden ride-on toy car along - a source of immense delight to her. She's very easy to look after: you just need to give her physical space and a couple of hands to hold while she works on her upright walking technique.  Anything she spots along the way is to be pored over, licked or chewed (unless adult intervention prevails) and remarked upon with coos and burbles.  Her other find today was the little white plastic radiator cap that sits over the water pipe. It just lifts on and off, making it perfect for experimentation.  This one was definitely on my "no - not in your mouth!" list.  She found that highly amusing and then started pretending to lift it towards her mouth, giggling as she watched my reaction each time.  This has been a ritual with all four grandchildren; it's fun watching Simone discover each little activity, echoing what the other three have done but in her own way.
Simone's also learning to communicate her wishes very clearly.  A tiny hand firmly pushes a cup or bowl away when she's eaten or drunk enough; a lively wave functions both as 'bye bye' and 'I don't want that'.
Total absorption in the moment: the gift from babies and small children.