Ten things that delight 2 year old Eva

1. Sweeping. Collecting the broom from behind the fridge, she pushes it around the kitchen, paying particular attention under the furniture, in the hidden corners of floor that her slatternly mother neglects. Conscientious concentration all over her face. One shouldn't imagine the floor is cleaner after her passage, but it's a start.
2. The dog. Stealing her sticks, finding her new ones, sitting on her, patting her furry shoulders, upturning her water bowl. The dog enjoys her attentions with benign resignation.
3. Cars. Circumnavigating them, her hand caressing the bumper, body, radiator, at shoulder level, radiant and filthy. Albeit a potentially hazardous hobby.
4. Tops. On pens, jars, bottles, boxes... the joy of prizing them off only to replace them with unsteady determination.
5. Puddles. The irresistible call of standing water, detected by some inexplicable and innate sense. Rational judgement (“am I wearing boots?”) will be a long time coming.
6. The wheelbarrow. Her first rides around the garden with Papa were observed with anxious consternation by Mother, but her evident delight and insistence in climbing back on at all available opportunities has quelled my prudence.
7. Flies. Her face lights up at their sudden appearance and she attempts to follow their erratic path. Yesterday she had her first up close encounter with a spider, her observation quickly led to reaching hands and wanting to touch, at which my initial encouragement waned abruptly.
8. Crocheted objects, the size of a child's cardigan or bigger. Preferably handmade, but not by me (my pitiful attempts have been rejected). When an appropriately woolly comforter is not to hand, a jumper, tea towel, sheet or passing scarf can temporarily substitute.
9. Cuddles. Big hugs accompanied by her pats on the back, usually in thanks for a clean nappy. Possibly because this is the best angle for seeing herself in the bathroom mirror, as self-admiration is another favourite activity.
10. Bare feet in sand. Although perhaps this pleasure is universal.