Those who know me, know how much I enjoy children, all ages, but especially the littler ones. This week was no exception to my children watching.

Monday I was in for an eye check-up. In the waiting room with me were a mom and her probably 3-year-old son. "Sit down. No, don't touch. Come here," phrases were repeated several times. He didn't hear them. The Christmas tree needed his attention. So did the light switch that controlled the lights on the tree. Oh, and there's the TV screen with a waterfall on it, and the magazine someone left in the chair. All areas of exploration and fun.

Not for mom. She was more interested in apologizing to me or whomever else and trying to get the squirming, wiggling body on a chair, her lap, or anywhere to be still for just a moment. Not happening, mom.

Later the same day I stopped by to see my grandbaby, London. She's now 10 months and also exploring everything. With her, everything goes in the mouth. It all about the feel and taste of what ever she sees.

Yesterday was a 6-month-old who I plan to get to know a bit better today. She'll be at her first Thanksgiving. What a treat to be able to watch a small child experience what some of us have experienced for many years. This is where she learns tradition, family and what it means to be born where she is. Hm..that could get pretty philosophical and misty.

I think we'll leave it with how grateful I am to be able to enjoy children in each of their stages of learning and development. It's fun to watch them partake of all that's out there to learn and to see them pick the pieces they like most. Moms may try to stop the process. Others may too, but, little as they are, they will persist and learn what they need to know.

Guess I'm pretty thankful for that learning. Enjoy your day.