Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A visit from a 17 1/2 month-old is all it takes to bring back memories of a by-gone era: child-rearing! Our special guest was our first and only grandchild, Chloe Marie. This was our first time to take care of her for any length of time; I had practiced putting her to bed many a time, though.
Our second grandchild is on the way and we are excited to be waiting on Chloe's baby brother to arrive in July. It was high-time for that winter get-away that didn't happen in winter for Chloe's parents. Time was running out for the baby moon, as well.
I'd say overall it was a great success. She is such a good natured little girl and we kept her plenty busy too. The weather cooperated so we were able to stroll to the park
for her favorite activity, swinging.
We also let her walk on her own two busy little feet plenty in the neighborhood. She got to spend time with her Aunt Bethie in the city and that was very exciting. The sights and sounds of the city, like trains trucks and airplanes really excite her, as well as the many other "babies" in strollers and dogs on leashes. For up close and personal doggie time, Beth lets Chloe play with her dog Tasha and her foster dog, Finley,
as well as a bonus detour to Urban Pooch where we viewed 20 or so daycare dogs through the viewing glass.
It is really nostalgic to be reminded of all that goes along with a child this young. All the "equipment" that is needed is vital to success and Nicole so thoughtfully didn't forget a thing! Truth be told, Chloe's favorite activity was opening the pantry and carrying cans and boxes to the family room table!
(Some things don't change!) It took me an hour to pack it all up when it was time yesterday to take Chloe to her other grandparents. Getting out the toys books from my daughters' childhood was nostalgia too. What worked then is still a hit today, for a couple of minutes anyhow!
Luckily for all, Chloe's concept of time isn't developed yet. She would say "Mama" when she say Nicole's picture on the wall and mentioned "Dada" at a man's voice on TV or when she saw the remote! From there, she seemed oblivious to her parents' absence and more than content with us. When she saw her other grandparents, it took about a half minute for her to warm up to them and then her allegiance shifted completely to them and she seemed oblivious to my departure. In the grand scheme, that is a good thing!
We were tired out, but so glad we could be of service and let the kids -Chloe's parents - get a well-deserved break! Mu Mothers' Day couldn't have been better: brunch with Auntie Beth & Chloe plus a great sentiment from Nicole in her card: "I'm so lucky to have a Mom like you. Now I feel like being a mom is the best job in the world." (This from my child who didn't like children at all during high school and college)
A visit from a 17 1/2 month-old is all it takes to bring back memories of a by-gone era: child-rearing! Our special guest was our first and only grandchild, Chloe Marie. This was our first time to take care of her for any length of time; I had practiced putting her to bed many a time, though.
Our second grandchild is on the way and we are excited to be waiting on Chloe's baby brother to arrive in July. It was high-time for that winter get-away that didn't happen in winter for Chloe's parents. Time was running out for the baby moon, as well.
I'd say overall it was a great success. She is such a good natured little girl and we kept her plenty busy too. The weather cooperated so we were able to stroll to the park
for her favorite activity, swinging.
We also let her walk on her own two busy little feet plenty in the neighborhood. She got to spend time with her Aunt Bethie in the city and that was very exciting. The sights and sounds of the city, like trains trucks and airplanes really excite her, as well as the many other "babies" in strollers and dogs on leashes. For up close and personal doggie time, Beth lets Chloe play with her dog Tasha and her foster dog, Finley,
as well as a bonus detour to Urban Pooch where we viewed 20 or so daycare dogs through the viewing glass.
It is really nostalgic to be reminded of all that goes along with a child this young. All the "equipment" that is needed is vital to success and Nicole so thoughtfully didn't forget a thing! Truth be told, Chloe's favorite activity was opening the pantry and carrying cans and boxes to the family room table!
(Some things don't change!) It took me an hour to pack it all up when it was time yesterday to take Chloe to her other grandparents. Getting out the toys books from my daughters' childhood was nostalgia too. What worked then is still a hit today, for a couple of minutes anyhow!
Luckily for all, Chloe's concept of time isn't developed yet. She would say "Mama" when she say Nicole's picture on the wall and mentioned "Dada" at a man's voice on TV or when she saw the remote! From there, she seemed oblivious to her parents' absence and more than content with us. When she saw her other grandparents, it took about a half minute for her to warm up to them and then her allegiance shifted completely to them and she seemed oblivious to my departure. In the grand scheme, that is a good thing!
We were tired out, but so glad we could be of service and let the kids -Chloe's parents - get a well-deserved break! Mu Mothers' Day couldn't have been better: brunch with Auntie Beth & Chloe plus a great sentiment from Nicole in her card: "I'm so lucky to have a Mom like you. Now I feel like being a mom is the best job in the world." (This from my child who didn't like children at all during high school and college)
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