Merry Christmas 2013

 

Merry Christmas 2013

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Rub-a-dub-dub little man in a tub...

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday...he's actually having a bath in the sink, the perfect sized tub for him.  Gary is holding him so he doesn't slip while I take pictures.  I think he looks so much like Grampy Richard here.  Sweet boy!

Grandsons

Visitors.  We've had visitors.  Two of our daughters came to see us, accompanied by portions of their own families.

Over the weekend, we spent time with our youngest grandson (7.5 months) and our oldest grandson (14.75 years).  We're fortunate to have eleven grandchildren, six boys and five girls.  With their families' busy lives, we don't see any of our grandchildren as much as we would like, so this visit was a special treat for us.

It fascinates me to see the youngest and the oldest grandsons together.  Despite their age difference, they have physical and personality traits in common.  They share blue eyes, fair hair and skin, large heads and strong hands, healthy appetites and tons of physical energy. 

Already evident in the youngest is a propensity for studying the face of the person talking to him, an attentive sensitivity to the environment around him, an easy and frequent smile, and a gentle presence; all of these are characteristics shared with his older cousin.

It is easy to note their differences but it is more fascinating to see their similarities.  They are kin; they are family.  And it was such delight to see each grandson, to enjoy a visit with some of our family.

Thank you.  It was thoughtful and generous of you to come. 

And again, thank you.

Baby Boy

Hold this baby close.  Smell his baby skin, fresh and new.  Touch his hair of gold and silk.  Watch his dark eyes widen, not yet focused and his pink mouth search, not quite smiling.  See milky tongue and tiny nose, a dimple in his right cheek like his big brother.  Touch his long fingers and toes, caress his translucent skin.  Hold this baby heartbeat to heartbeat. 

And love him.  Love him the way only a Grammy can love.

Grandsons

My life is full of love.  I have five grandsons and five grand-daughters, each one charming, delightful and lovable.  This year, two of my grandsons are two years old.

What are two-year-old little boys made of?

• Climbing into closets and cupboards
• Hiding in drawers and dryers
• Eating markers (washable, what luck)
• Sitting on a small step stool to snack
• Playing with make-up and kitchen tools
• Darting away in department stores
• Losing Teddy at the Mall
• Sleeping anywhere but in his own bed
• Squealing with laughter, loud and long
• Testing every boundary, every limit, every rule
• Hugging and falling asleep in your arms

• Wearing rubber gloves to bed
• Loving new sneakers with heel-squeakers
• Cleaning crumbs with the vacuum
• Watching “Cars”, “Pingu” and “Toy Story”  
• Screaming inconsolably when things disappoint
• Pulling the play-kitchen down on himself
• Needing stitches again and again and again
• Climbing the outside of the escalator
• Chasing the cat round and round
• Learning to talk and making up words



• Getting into the tub with pyjamas still on
• Pounding the piano keys and singing
• Getting into everything, yes, everything
• Grinning such huge happy smiles
• Looking like an angel while sleeping

That’s what two-year-old little boys are made of!