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Otter, my baby granddaughter walked in a circle, looking down and behind herself as she walked.

"What is she doing?" My daughter asked, giggling.

"She is checking to see if her feet go up like other people's."

"How do you know?"

"Because I did the same thing when I was a child!"

I had to further explain to my daughter that, though she may not recall it, from the time a child begins to walk until they reach at least 3 or 4 feet in height, knees, feet and ankles are constantly within their sight. So we notice stuff when we are young. Like how the bottom of the foot becomes temporarily visible with each step.

Being a kid is such a silly time. Gosh, we come in knowing very little about all the expectations and idiosyncrasies of those to whom we are born. And they are constantly saying things like, "Where on earth did that kid get that idea?" or "Are you sure you didn't sleep with the mail man?".

Life is tough.

My little granddaughter, Otter is such an adorable angel. Sometimes I am her interpreter. Sometimes I am her lawyer. Other times, her teacher.

I enjoy spending time with her. I'd like to be the kind of grandparent that I never had. Still yet, there were good things about my grandparents and I emulate some of those when I am with Otter.

Otter is blessed with a mom and dad who love her and take very good care of her. I love her too. I enjoy spoiling her. We have so much fun together. Her afinity for the spoken word is growing in leaps and bounds. She's got quite a vocabulary.

Last night, her parents brought her to see me. She walked over to me and held up her hands. I picked her up and we spoke some French. She gave me a hug and kiss and then indicated that she wanted down. And off she went to greet old Phat Pat, our dog. When Phat Pat gets jealous of Otter, she knocks her down with that big old nose of hers.

I love that little girl. She's my baby. Nana's girl. And you know, she has her mother and father and paternal grandparents who love her. It isn't like she doesn't have family. It's just that I want to buy a back pack, put her in it and keep her with me all the time. I'm so glad she's here. I'm so glad that she is a part of my family.

Even if I move to China, I know that kid would remember me. She knows her Nana loves her. And I'd be calling everyday.

She's so spirited and independant. I love seeing her that way. I always encourage her to get up when she falls down and keep going.

"Otter has elan!" I say and clap as she gets up after a fall. After dusting her little hands, she grins and claps her hands.

Good old Irish continuity. African toughness. I think she'll make a fine American.

Learn more about this author, G E Barr.
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