Dear Anisha,
Yesterday, we went to a small gathering organized by new mothers in the community we live in. It is called krabbelgruppe. Before kids attend kinder garden, they need to meet other kids of their age - to befriend, to socialize ! A krabbelgruppe helps to achieve this. In a country like India, where birth rate is high, there is no need for such arrangements. There will be lots of kids in the neighbourhood - making friends and playing together will never be a problem. But, in a country like Germany, where birth rate is lowest, it is hard to find children in neighbourhood. Hence arrangements like krabbelgruppe becomes necessary. Our house owner's daughter has a two year old son, named, Ben. He is a cute looking, friendly, shy young man. His mom is a very nice, very helpful, young lady. She offered to take us to the krabbelgruppe in this community. She said that they gather every Tuesday for one and half hour and so we went yesterday, on 9.6.2015.
Anisha, I was determined to go there evey week so that you could get rid of your fear of strangers. You are a very happy child when you are with us, at home. We never see you crying, never ! The only time your voice gets stronger is, when you are hungry. I make sure that you get my nipples within few seconds of you asking for a feed. Other times, you are pretty happy and smiling. Yes, you are a very happy baby ! But, when you meet strangers, especially when you go to a place where more than a couple of people are gathered, you get so unhappy and annoyed. You refuse to smile; sometimes it is very hard to pacify you. You cry and cry and cry. You must get used to people. And little one, you also need other children to grow happily. You need to enjoy their company and socialize. I believe, this will help a lot for your healthy development. Moreover, you need to meet your tiny enemies - the bacteria and viruses, more often ! Your immune system must Iearn to fight those tiny intruders and develop resistance. Inorder to achieve all this krabbelgruppe is the way to go.
Yesterday morning, at 9:45 AM, we left our home by walk. It took 15 minutes to reach the church where the krabbelgruppe is held. Katherine (Ben's mom) was chatting with me all the way, I really wish my German language skills could improve this way. She can't speak English and my German is very poor. But we managed to have a good conversation amidst the language problem. The way to krabbelgruppe is so beautiful. I could see vine yards; I could see greenery everywhere; I could see roses of different colours - big and beautiful ! My eyes were so happy by the aesthetic treat it got. My heart was as light as a feather. Anisha, I wanted to show you everything too but you were in no mood to watch all that. You were full of anxiety since we came out of your safe place - home !
After few minutes walk, we entered a church and climbed the wooden stairs. There was a small corridor at the end of the stairs. There was a closed door there and I could hear childrens' voice inside. We went in opening the door. There were five more ladies with their adorable kids. Katherine introduced us to everyone and we were greeted with a friendly smile. Everyone was looking at you eagerly. They exclaimed, ' oh, kleine maus !', meaning 'little mouse' and that's how Germans love calling their little ones.
Then everyone sat in a circle with their little ones nearby. There were children ranging in age from 12 months to 3 years. You were the youngest. Every child was given some small percussion instruments, like, tambourines. Then, they sang many German rhymes. The children and their moms were acting to the verses in the rhymes. The rhyme I liked most goes like this - slice the bread, apply butter, keep the hot dog and cheese, put some mustard and ketchup....Are you wondering what's so special in it ? When singing that German song, all the moms stretched their legs and made their little ones lie on their stomach. Then, as they sang the song, they considered their little one as bread and performed all the actions on their children - from, cutting the bread, to, applying ketchup. That appeared like a gentle massage on their little ones' back. The children enjoyed it so much. Some were giggling. At the end, when the bread was ready to be eaten, they lifted their little one, turned them and pressed their mouth on their little ones' stomach as if they are biting the bread. The little ones broke into giggles and laughter, what a sight it was ! After coming home, I did so with you many times - of course you enjoy it too !
Then every child picked up their favorite toys from a pile of toys. You were given something to play with - colourful building blocks ! To my surprise, you were not crying. As soon as they sang rhymes, your anxiety vanished. Your eyes became bright with excitement. You were moving your lips as if you want to join them in singing too. You were happy about those colourful play material given to you. You started to pick them up. Since most children are elder than you, they were not much interested in playing with you. Emily was sitting near you. She is 14 months old. Her eyes were so beautiful - big and greyish ! She came near you, tried to play with the things which were given to you. She picked up the blocks and tried to arrange them. Josephina was curious about you, she was two and half years old. She came near you. When you touched her accidentally, she moved away from you, saying, no. It was so nice to watch all those little ones and their behavior.
After an hour or so you have had enough. You started to cry for milk. As I was feeding you, Josephina came near and was watching curiously. After drinking milk you fell asleep. I made you lie in the pram seat. Your pacifier was hanging, clipped to your dress. Josephina came near you, picked the pacifier and brought it close to your mouth and touched your lower lip. You were fast asleep. She thrusted the pacifier in your mouth. My heart missed a beat ! But you took the pacifier and went back to sleep. Then the little one tried to cover you with a towel. She made sure your legs were properly covered. It was so cute to look at. Josephina's mom was calling her. She was in a different word, totally engrossed in what she was doing - trying to make you comfortable; mothering instinct exists in little girls too !
It was time to leave. They again sang a farewell rhyme. As we came out of the church, Josephina was still near you, holding your pram. I asked whether she wants to come with us, she replied yes. Her mom was calling her. She was totally unresponsive to her voice. Then she left half-heartedly.
The following week we went again to the krabbelgruppe ( on 16.6.2015). This time the weather was much better so they met in a playground. For the first time you felt the sand with your hands and feet ! I was worried about it, but, all German mothers were so comfortable in allowing their little one, including a little one who is of your age, to play in sand. That calmed me a bit.
You enjoy the krabbelgruppe meetings; you love watching the children play. The children are curious about you. You are way too little for them. But, I am sure, as you grow up you will make many friends. I love going there too. It gives me an opportunity to meet other moms. It really helps to learn many things.
Grow up little one, you have exciting and happy times ahead ! I can't wait to see how you behave with a group of children - hopefully you are very friendly, compassionate, loving, sharing and caring ! Am I expecting too much from you ?
Love,
Amma
