I’m watching her swagger across the room, her hands up, hips swinging in that self-conscious “I’m just learning how to put it all together” kind of way. A crash course in evolution is happening right before our eyes. The baby primeval is a living fossil. A blueprint of man and womankind.
We don’t remember our own development (or being kept alive) but we get ringside seats to watch evolution firsthand when we have children. As they grow, we can see the sparks igniting in their brains. Their daily realizations of their body’s capabilities and limitations.
If you blink, the moment’s gone. So I stare at her. I marvel in her reasoning process as she learns baby physics. Things go down. Water is wet. In and out and ouch.
I wonder at the biology in action as she masters and strengthens each muscle group, each brain hurdle cleared for the next daring bodily feat like climbing and standing from a squat. Everything we take for granted we can do. Biological imperatives are driving her. We are just here to keep her between the lines and on the road. Her ancient body programming is doing the rest.
7 Comments
Shalagh,
I love the latest and greatest photos of Fiona, especially
the one with the sun on her face and she looks like she’s
running, filled with joy. That’s a great one, in my opinion,
to save for her and for you as she grows up and all things don’t
seem as easily possible or a joyful as they seem to be in that
photo. I know even now I like looking at my baby and young
child pictures to remind me of the hope and positive attitude
I had in those days. It can give me faith that I can feel that
way, even after all of these years, coming up on 68!
Your description of a child’s development as being and evolution
is “spot on!”
Ann
Ann, I was inspired by a writers workshop with this subject. I could work the piece to make it even better but I wanted to put it down on computer screen? The picture of Fiona running is from the last RE event at the UU recently. It is Mark’s favorite too. Thank you for stopping by to tell me what you were thinking. I always appreciate the interaction and acknowledgement.
Love,
Shalagh
The development is certainly amazing to watch. I’m still fascinated by watching my two change and develop and learn, and they’re 15 and 12! I love the expression on the cat’s face from under the chair in the second one!
Oh never mind, the third picture has shown up now that I’ve posted my comment and it’s all refreshed! Cute! 🙂
Vanessa, How do you feel about putting pictures of your children up on your blog? I am OK with it obviously but other people are afraid of who is looking?
I have occasionally put up pictures of my children on my blog, but I never put their names. When my kids were very little and starting primary school, the school said that if ever they published things about the kids in the press or whatever, then if they put photos of the children they wouldn’t put the names, and if they put names they wouldn’t put photos – it’s a child protection thing. It’s probably a bit pointless now because there’s so much information out there on the internet anyway, but because that stayed in mind from when they were small, I’ve kind of stuck with that, even though like I say it’s probably pointless!
Mr. Crackers is a constant companion. He’s like a dog. And puts up with Fiona and Eamon so much. Thanks as always for showing up for me and BTW, really cool with the part in the movie!!!
Love,
Shalagh