Moving 3,000 miles East to West was quite an undertaking which took months to prep for and carry out, but our first visitor made the whole ordeal make sense. Jackie D, just passing the threshold of two is filled with excitement for adventure, and we consider ourselves beyond blessed to witness his discoveries. Within the shortest amount of time, he granted us new monikers, Amma and Nai Nai, and with ease delighted us with his chuckles and quirks. Being two, he is also on the ready to tell us what he doesn’t want too and that is fine with us because we are here to learn all he wants to become.

Tuesdays with Jackie quickly became a weekly institution and has already transformed our very adult-only living-room into his no-holds-barred play-area or perhaps I should just call it a transportation-center on-the-go. Cars and trucks have popped up everywhere and linger long after he has gone home as we find them tucked under stools and behind pillows, rolled into forgotten corners until the next time they are propelled in motion.

Quickly, he has become a puzzle master, repeating my words to himself, turn it the other way, as he attempts each formation. I don’t know how or why but if it’s a vehicle he can name it and show you exactly where it should belong. Like most grandparents we find we now use the word genius regularly when referring to him. Like most we are correct too.

Mango and waffles are regulars on his menu, so we are sure to have them on the ready. Dump truck on hand as well. Most conversations with this little man revolve around such transporters of dirt or rocks or trash which only heightens when the real thing passes by.

Hiding is another favorite pastime. Curtains, blanket forts, even one’s hand, can all be used with equal enthusiasm when hiding is called for, which is often in Jackie’s mind.

Since the late 1960’s orange Hot Wheels tracks have been a staple in most homes with little children, and now ours is, once again. We started with a small supply but quickly added more tracks, and double tracks, to accommodate the monster trucks he loves.

Tracks can run through his homemade playhouse, where somedays he likes to crawl in with a snack and a blanket and a pile of cars, and just be an extra-chill Jackie.

Life is a wondrous collage of challenges and delights which we all navigate on the day to day, but with a grandkid in the house you can stay present in an easy joy. Those little people will undoubtedly keep you here.