Chatty Patty

Grace has always been chatty. Around the age of three, there was a period where she would be quiet around people. That stage did not last long. She is always ready for a good conversation. I think that is one of her personalities traits. But some people think it has to do with the fact that she is a girl.

Our closest neighbors have three children. All of them are boys (6, 4, 2). The other day Anita, the mother, invited Grace and Caleb to come play. Off they went to the neighbors house for an hour. Mary needed the break and got a lot done. When she went over to talk for a few minutes and collect Grace and Caleb, Anita told her what happened when the children came over.

Immediately the boys ran to play. Grace loves to play with the boys and their toys, but not so today. Instead she went over to Anita and started talking with her. Grace told Anita where we are going on vacation this summer. Then Grace regaled Anita with our summer 2005 car trip to Michigan. ("It took like 100 hours to drive there. It was the longest car trip of my life.")

After they had discussed vacations a bit, Grace went off to play. Anita thought it must be a girl thing. I think it might just be a Grace thing. I can still hear her squeaky, little voice saying, "Shange biaper, Poppa," when she was younger than 18 months and needed a diaper change.

I love talking with Grace. You never know where your conversation will lead and what she will tell you she remembers.