Armish, the boy next door

Armish is now almost 2 years old. He speaks a smattering of English and fluent Punjabi. He has grown to be a handsome little boy, with twinkling mischevious eyes and an outgoing nature.

He loves playing with Bernie and climbs on a chair that he drags to the 5 foot wall separating our houses. If I am there he will call out 'bring ball!' with outstretched arms and an eager look on his face. If I say 'no' he will reply with a sulky 'bring lah...!'.

Bernie loves to play with him by jumping up and touching him with her wet nose and Armish would scream and ask for more. But put the 2 of them together and Armish will irritate Bernie enough for her to give a warning growl or run under the car and hide.

Unfortunately Armish still lives with his grandparents while his parents work out of town. They return ever so often and bring him gifts but nothing is like staying with your parents however much your grandparents may love you.

Armish is a strong willed boy; unfortunately that will is not properly moulded to be an asset - instead when he does not get his way, he yells and screams and push and hit.....and the grandparents shake their head and give in with narry a reprimand....it is so sad to see that.