Thursday, July 15, 2010

mid July

Have had a wonderful week so far...the Star Wars Concert last nite (tickets were Kevin's Father's Day present) was wonderful and we had a great time. Watching the orchestra on the big screen was as exciting as some of the Star Wars movie excerpts (there were quite a few "replays" during the performance).

Tomorrow we will celebrate a good friend's birthday at the Danish Breakfast - always a fun time! And with the upcoming weather forecast for less humid - but still very warm - weather, I should be able to accomplish a good deal in the yard tomorrow afternoon.

Altogether a great week...

Monday, July 12, 2010

Grammy day

Back with the boys today - no two days are ever the same! The boys slept well, with Simon waking up first. As soon as he finished eating, Elliott was awake...but not very hungry, since he didn't finish his bottle!

We got a few pictures taken...had some play time together on the floor...and then they were both ready for naps. Oh, was it quiet - they both fell asleep as soon as I realized they were tired. Then they both awoke at the same time - both happy and smiling - so I figured I'd feed Elliott first since he hadn't had as much to eat.....but Simon thought otherwise and was not happy being the one left out. So we did the "grammy two-feed" and both had their bottles at the same time. Now on to more play time!

Love being with these boys!!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Hot days of July

Thank goodness we added central air when we remodeled the house a few years ago...I am so thankful - and feel so lucky - to know that our family members have a/c and can afford to use it!

Very thankful, too, on this hot day, that I'm here with the Grands for the day...what a delight they were last night. Both boys are learning to eat from a spoon (and parents are learning to feed from a spoon!)...takes a lot of practice - and patience - on both sides, but all are doing well. It's early in the morning as I write, and as always, I look forward to the time the boys wake up and we can begin our day together. Their "here I am, come and love me - and make me laugh" smiles are beyond description, so of course I need to capture as many as I can in digital format...and then send some off to their mom during the day (hope she enjoys receiving them as much as I do providing them!).

I can hardly wait for the rest of Erin's birthday present to arrive...and hope she likes it as much as I do. Only a couple more weeks and my youngest will be 28 - yikes! I know it hasn't been that long since we brought that little girl home!

Time to get the coffee going...it's morning!!

Monday, July 5, 2010

SUMMER 2010 - a summary of the last year!

How did I let nearly a year go by without posting? I realize this blog is mostly for my own "enjoyment", but nevertheless, I wish I had been better about posting consistently.

I knew...but will still amazed...at how quickly and easily I would fall in love with grands. Elliott and Simon are such a joy...and I treasure the opportunities the kids have given me to be such an integral part of their everyday lives. It has been such a pleasure - a thrill! - to be involved in their daily care, watching them grow and develop, and tending to the Grammy/grandson relationship that is so dear.

While I only have positive words and thoughts surrounding both Barry and Beth, watching my son become such a dedicated father has filled me with even more love, pride, and awe. His involvement in the day to day care of the boys, his love, care, and concern for his lovely wife...and his engaging little boys, has been a exciting to watch. He fell in love quickly with those little guys - and my heart overflowed as he reminded me of the "how tos" of diapering, bathing, feeding etc. - skills he learned from those wonderful NICU nurses.

I think back on the myriad of feelings I recall having as a young (new) parent - how I felt helpless when I couldn't "fix" whatever was wrong - couldn't stop the crying...or couldn't seem to get it "right"...how I felt so utterly responsible to make sure that I was the "best" mom (and wife, and teacher, and....) when now I realize that just "being" was the best - to do what I could, with positive intention and love, to be a parent who loved, and lived and, most importantly, laughed and enjoyed my family. Regrets don't do much...so I don't want to waste time and energy on what I can't change..but I DO want to do whatever I can to encourage, support, and love these new young parents. From my point of view, they're pretty special people...who are providing the greatest start for their little guys!

And then my thoughts go on to my daughter...my amazing Erin...the one who has made her way through a number of challenges, and keeps on going. I'm just as proud of her accomplishments as I am her tenacity...and I know she'll reach whatever goals she sets. She's had quite a journey from the teen years to adult hood, and I'm proud to be her mom!

This summary of the year wouldn't be complete without my thoughts on my dear husband - the new Grampa! - with whom I'll soon celebrate 37 years of marriage. Although he's not able to be with Elliott and Simon nearly as much as he'd like - work and Scouts drive difficult calendars - they "drive" his questions and our conversations. I love seeing the twinkle whenever he talks about those two...he proudly carries his photo album full of the newest pictures...and I know he's looking forward to the day his schedule is less hectic and he can spend as much time with them as he'd like.

What's next? We'll see...I DO plan to post at least weekly...