Yesterday I spent the day with my niece. She’s nearly two, with bright hazel eyes and wild curls. In my own personal opinion, she’s the most beautiful child I’ve ever seen. But every aunt says that about their niece or nephew.
I love watching her for many reasons. My top reason is that I just love to watch her. It is fascinating to watch her learn how to grip a crayon, say the alphabet, or learn how to say ‘thank you’. I’m watching the human brain work, and it’s incredible.
It’s difficult to describe the look of wonder and amazement on her face whenever she figures out how to do something (such as yesterday, figuring out how to open the text message feature of my phone after figuring out how to get my phone out of my bag). She loves doing puzzles and reading books. She’s very scientific and methodical, which makes me think that maybe she could become a surgeon or a lawyer when she’s older.
My niece loves to run and play, and yesterday was no exception. Her favorite game involves jumping on my stomach when I’m not expecting it. She loves it. I’m impartial. When watching TV, she holds herself in a constant tightened state. She’s got rock hard abs. It’s almost disgusting. She loves to move around, which makes me think she could become an athlete or a dancer.
She is also drawn to music. Drums in particular. While my sister made dinner, we pulled out some pots and pans and had a drum off. I like to think my sister enjoyed it, because I certainly did. For a two-year old, she’s got some decent rhythm. She can repeat basic rudiments after I play them. Her fingers are long and narrow like a piano player’s. She likes jazz and my trumpet (although that may be because it’s shiny). She may be the next musician in the family.
She has a lot of potential. She has a lot of talents and skills that I don’t know about, but we’ll all discover as she grows up. I don’t know what she’ll end up as, but she’ll know that her aunt will be proud and love her no matter what.
pour your empty heart in it but finish what you started 