And then! We discovered the beach. The beach with a swing that overlooks the ocean and palm trees and not only that, he was the only kid there. Back and forth, back and forth he swung in his baby swing and almost every time, he would comment on the empty swings beside him. "Beeg kidsh", he would say, with some awe and reverence. And my heart gives a little tug when I realize that too soon he'll be in those big kid swings too.
Kamaole two has a shady section that is perfect for a guy with a buck-IT and shovah, as long as Nana keeps the watering can full. This was used to meticulously fill up all the footprint holes on the beach, an exhausting and dehydrating task. To walk along the shore resulted in a curious parade that involved Ben stumping along in his best diaper swagger and Nana riding rear shotgun, Dee Dee en point and mama within a fingertip grasp as he neared the waves. We ambled slowly up the beach, a dignified herd of pachyderms protecting their precious babe.
Funniest all of are the moments between Dee Dee and Ben. For reasons no one will ever comprehend, certain words have almost magical qualities and when the two of them utter them to each other, it brings on giggling hysteria. This week the word is "meat." "MEAT!" Ben will say to Dee Dee, with a sparkle in his eye, daring and pleading with him to play. "MEAT MEAT MEAT!" Dee Dee replies in his big, deep voice, and Benjamin dissolves in giggles. He catches his eye from across the room. "MEAT? Dee Dee! MEAT!!!" Lisa and I sigh and smile. Ben takes aim and toddler runs across the floor... "Wun Wun Wun Wuun I wunning", his eyes locked on Dee Dee's face, and just when the suspense is unbearable, Dee Dee bellows out "MEAT!!! MEAT!!". Ben's entire body goes into paroxysms and hoots of laughter as he takes refuge on Mama's lap and plots his next ambush.
The World As Ben Sees It is a heck of a good place, where there is excitement and affection around every corner and colors, numbers, shapes and animals are every bit as fascinating as a sticker that he peels off the sidewalk to give to you. Nothing has been more fun for these grandparents to share in these irreplaceable moments and to let the clock slow down for a little while. Those big kid swings are just going to have to wait!
