Toddler Playroom

These pictures were taken in January 2008.

Taking care of my grandson is a thrilling, fascinating time travel experience. Anne lives in the same housing complex in Chelsea where I lived when three of my daughters were young. All of my old friends and most of their children live there, because it is a fantastic deal financially. (There is a lottery to get on the waiting list, which is at least ten years; there are strict income limits.) Sitting in the same playgrounds, looking at the same buildings, admiring the same trees, shrubs, and flower beds, I see 1974 to 1981 as a slideshow of memories. I have remembered so much more of my daughters' early years.

There is a huge Toddler Playroom in the building opposite theirs. In cold weather, in rainy weather, and in excessively hot weather, Michael and I hang out there. He loves it; it offers much more room to run, push strollers, learn to master riding toys than an apartment does. There are slides, rocking horses, shopping carts, dollhouses, legos, trucks, garages, dinosaurs, little tables and chairs. There are almost always several toddlers his age. He is disappointed when the room is empty. It is the only place in the universe where I could conceivably have a conversation and keep him safe.