While we don’t have children ourselves (and thank goodness, yikes!), we do love visiting Rochelle’s side of the family to discover all the new antics our little niece has learned. She’ll be turning two in a few weeks, and true to toddler form, has already become adept at raising hell and causing trouble.
Her specialty, though, is using her innocent charms to lure people into a sense of security, before springing some impish trick. For example, she was out one day helping her grandmother water the garden, and decided she would be much better piloting the hose than her elder. Once in her grasp, she quickly turned the hose around and splashed water all over grandma’s legs. Grandma, not being in the proper uniform for a hose party, quickly backed away and told the child to turn the hose back on the flowers. Immediately, the smile left her little face, and with all sincerity she said “no, no” and lowered the hose, while waving grandma back over with reassuring glances. As soon as Grandma was back within distance, though, the devilish smile sprang back on her face and she unleashed another dousing with cruel precision. This game continued for several rounds, and each time the child composed her face into such a look of repentant sincerity it was hard not to believe she would be true to her word. Such is the power of a simple vocabulary and budding acting skills.
While we could be a little disturbed that our niece has learned the power of a shy smile and dishonest intentions at such a young age, we choose to celebrate this feat. Because it’s never too early to learn that the world rewards ingenuity, and will only crush those who choose to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Bravo, little Bean, bravo. We have high hopes for you.
To celebrate little nieces, and the prankster in all of us, we recently settled down to a bottle of De Chancey Crémant de Loire Brut ($15). The wine was exuberantly bubbly right out of the bottle, like a little kid after too many pop rocks and soda. It had an almost creamy mouth feel, with bread and pear flavors dominating its top notes. It had a smooth, dry feel after swallowed, with an overall fruity aftertaste that was reminiscent of orange. The experience was sweet, without being cloying, a balance we can only hope our little niece will learn one day. But for now, give her the hose, and don’t believe a word she says.
Score: She gave it a 3.5, he gave it a solid 3.
Recommended: Yes, it was very pleasing, and reminded us what a pleasure it is to be able leave the children behind after the antics are over and relax in our kid-free apartment.
