Saturday we dropped Grammy off at the airport. It was bittersweet.
I had a hard time gauging her enjoyment while she was here. I didn't know if she was comfortable being away from home for 9 days. She left a lot of troubles behind, mostly just a drop everything and run situation. So I couldn't tell if she was eager to get back to it, or glad to be away from it.
When we said goodbye at the airport, I could tell she was glad to have been away. I noticed some tears in her eyes. I tried my best to hide mine. I'm never good at goodbye.
I'm hoping she enjoyed a little time to herself. Someone to pamper her and look after her, instead of the other way around. She thanked me again and again for going above and beyond for her. She's my grandmother, she's my elder, that's what you are suppose to do. She's family.
I think family is important and so does she. But over time, families spread apart and time passes and lives go on and family gets forgotten. You get wrapped up in what your little family is doing and you forget about grandmothers, uncles, aunts, cousins.
We don't have family reunions anymore. The holidays are spent close to your home and not travelling to see extended family. I miss that sometimes. Its always fun to reconnect and reminisce about life. Weddings and funerals are about the only time those happen anymore and there is usually so many other things going on that its hard to just sit down and chat.
I'll always cherish the week Grammy spent with us. I hope in the future that she will be able to do it again. I don't know how her health will go, so I don't know if it will be possible again.
I do know that I will most likely see her again this summer. Jerry is getting married and she is hoping to come. As long as she has some one to drive her (or make travel arrangements for her!). I can't wait and I'm already looking forward to it!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Its a Bird, its a plane.. its just Grammy.
Grammy took us up on our offer to come for Christmas. This summer, she booked herself a ticket and all was done.
I noticed last week in some email conversations that she had her departure day wrong. She thought she was leaving Friday, when the ticket said Thursday. No biggie, but a scramble to get things together.
She made it to the airport ok. Off she went into the wild blue yonder.
I arrived at the airport a few minutes early to get her. Something in my gut told me to look at her itinerary, I wanted to check the arrival time to see how much time I did have to wait.
Sitting in the car, I saw it, and my gut sank. It said Greenville, but it didn't say GSP. Grammy had flown to Greenville, NC and she didn't know it.
I quickly called my Dad. What else are you suppose to do. I had 15 minutes before she was suppose to land. He suggested calling the airport. I also tried calling her cell phone several times, but she was in flight, so I knew she wouldn't answer.
I started to panic. What is she suppose to do? She's 81. She's in a place that's not near anyone she knows. She's all alone.
I called the airport and got stuck in a mess of a answering service. I spoke with several people who couldn't help me, but directed me to a line that wasn't anything but a message to leave a message. I didn't want to leave a message, I wanted to speak with someone!
Finally, I got Grammy, and I broke the news. She didn't seem too upset. She spent the next hour and a half trying to get back to Charlotte so I could pick her up. She was having a hard time with the airline that booked her flight, getting anything changed. The Greenville, NC airport, was very helpful though. We still aren't certain exactly what she got charged or what happened, but I told her we would sort it out later.
I drove the 2 hours north to pick her up. I waited in the baggage area for a long time, pacing, panicking, till she called me and told me where she was. I tried not to run to her, but I walked pretty swiftly. I was so excited to see her. She looked so excited to see me.
We loaded up her luggage and headed 2 hours back.
We got home around 10pm. It took her 16 hours to get to me. Twice what it would have taken to drive.
We settled in for the night and I told her we would sort out her return trip the next day.
The next day, I called a travel agent friend for advice. She suggested calling the airline and begging. That didn't sound exciting to me at all. She said the most they could do it allow her to board at her connecting flight in Charlotte. I really didn't want to make the 4 hour trek again.
I looked up one way flights and found that they were pretty reasonable. So we booked it. The only problem was the only flight out on Friday was late and she didn't want to get back to Pittsburgh at midnight. She she agreed to stay one more day and go home Saturday. Done!
It was a very stressful event and she handled it with calm and coolness. Not once did she show signs of panic, or appear upset. It was a simple mistake, that none of us caught on to. My dad told me once"Shit Happens" You just get over it and move on. Its not the end of the world. I think he learned that from Grammy.
I noticed last week in some email conversations that she had her departure day wrong. She thought she was leaving Friday, when the ticket said Thursday. No biggie, but a scramble to get things together.
She made it to the airport ok. Off she went into the wild blue yonder.
I arrived at the airport a few minutes early to get her. Something in my gut told me to look at her itinerary, I wanted to check the arrival time to see how much time I did have to wait.
Sitting in the car, I saw it, and my gut sank. It said Greenville, but it didn't say GSP. Grammy had flown to Greenville, NC and she didn't know it.
I quickly called my Dad. What else are you suppose to do. I had 15 minutes before she was suppose to land. He suggested calling the airport. I also tried calling her cell phone several times, but she was in flight, so I knew she wouldn't answer.
I started to panic. What is she suppose to do? She's 81. She's in a place that's not near anyone she knows. She's all alone.
I called the airport and got stuck in a mess of a answering service. I spoke with several people who couldn't help me, but directed me to a line that wasn't anything but a message to leave a message. I didn't want to leave a message, I wanted to speak with someone!
Finally, I got Grammy, and I broke the news. She didn't seem too upset. She spent the next hour and a half trying to get back to Charlotte so I could pick her up. She was having a hard time with the airline that booked her flight, getting anything changed. The Greenville, NC airport, was very helpful though. We still aren't certain exactly what she got charged or what happened, but I told her we would sort it out later.
I drove the 2 hours north to pick her up. I waited in the baggage area for a long time, pacing, panicking, till she called me and told me where she was. I tried not to run to her, but I walked pretty swiftly. I was so excited to see her. She looked so excited to see me.
We loaded up her luggage and headed 2 hours back.
We got home around 10pm. It took her 16 hours to get to me. Twice what it would have taken to drive.
We settled in for the night and I told her we would sort out her return trip the next day.
The next day, I called a travel agent friend for advice. She suggested calling the airline and begging. That didn't sound exciting to me at all. She said the most they could do it allow her to board at her connecting flight in Charlotte. I really didn't want to make the 4 hour trek again.
I looked up one way flights and found that they were pretty reasonable. So we booked it. The only problem was the only flight out on Friday was late and she didn't want to get back to Pittsburgh at midnight. She she agreed to stay one more day and go home Saturday. Done!
It was a very stressful event and she handled it with calm and coolness. Not once did she show signs of panic, or appear upset. It was a simple mistake, that none of us caught on to. My dad told me once"Shit Happens" You just get over it and move on. Its not the end of the world. I think he learned that from Grammy.
Verbal explosion
Something happened over the weekend. Maybe I just made myself more aware, maybe the light went off, but it seems that Abby has more to say these days.
As I was changing her diaper this weekend, I noticed her jabbering and pointing at her face. When I listened to what she was saying, you could hear her little voice saying "nose, nose, nose". She was pointing at her nose and telling me. So I told her she was right and asked her where her eye was, and she pointed to her eye, and said "eye".
She's mastered hi and buh-bye. Buh-bye could also be baby. The girls in her class are obsessed with baby dolls. One has one she sleeps with and all the others want to play with it when nap time is over. Abby will find her dolls around the house and carry it. You can sing "Rock A Bye Baby" to her and she will rock her baby.
She is still just on the cusp of Mama and Dada. She can say Bub Bub, which is Bubbie.
She can say No, but I don't think she grasp what that means. She will turn her head, or pushing something away if she doesn't want it, so she has her own opinions.
She knows Ut Oh and uses it whenever she drops something.
She often babbles, looking at you seriously like you should know what she's talking about. We often reciprocate with something we've made up. She seems content with that and carries on.
I love watching her language develop. It makes things so much easier than trying to read her mind. I know once she starts talking, she probably won't be quiet!
As I was changing her diaper this weekend, I noticed her jabbering and pointing at her face. When I listened to what she was saying, you could hear her little voice saying "nose, nose, nose". She was pointing at her nose and telling me. So I told her she was right and asked her where her eye was, and she pointed to her eye, and said "eye".
She's mastered hi and buh-bye. Buh-bye could also be baby. The girls in her class are obsessed with baby dolls. One has one she sleeps with and all the others want to play with it when nap time is over. Abby will find her dolls around the house and carry it. You can sing "Rock A Bye Baby" to her and she will rock her baby.
She is still just on the cusp of Mama and Dada. She can say Bub Bub, which is Bubbie.
She can say No, but I don't think she grasp what that means. She will turn her head, or pushing something away if she doesn't want it, so she has her own opinions.
She knows Ut Oh and uses it whenever she drops something.
She often babbles, looking at you seriously like you should know what she's talking about. We often reciprocate with something we've made up. She seems content with that and carries on.
I love watching her language develop. It makes things so much easier than trying to read her mind. I know once she starts talking, she probably won't be quiet!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Hello there bearded man
We took Abby to see Santa this weekend. Her experiences this year have been hit or miss. We are 1 and 1 on the tears when spotting Santa. I didn't know what to expect from the "official" visit, but I didn't hold my breath.
We planned to go Sunday afternoon. I wanted to make sure she had a nap, and was fed. We arrived at the mall around 4. I lingered in a few shops till the boys were able to meet up. (I should have gone straight to the line).
We waited in line for over an hour. An hour.. for a toddler, who cannot speak, to see a man she has no idea about! But its more the memories, right?!?!
When we on deck, Gene began to play with her and get her excited. We were ushered into Santa's area. I walked in with her and talked to Santa. She clung to me, but would look at him. I got down on my knees so she could see him better. I slowly transitioned her over to his knee and then I backed away so they could take her picture.
She sat there dumbfounded. Afraid to move, or smile. They encouraged me to try a tickle, so I did. Instant smile. But she wasn't looking at the camera. I try again, and Bingo!
Priceless!
I run over to praise her and we talk some to Santa. He promises her she will get all the things she wants this year.
I get my prints and we head home.
She's out before we leave the mall parking lot.
And I was one happy mama!
I wouldn't have cared if she had a meltdown, but she's so personable with everyone. Her Santa picture fits her. That is the Abby that everyone knows and loves.
We planned to go Sunday afternoon. I wanted to make sure she had a nap, and was fed. We arrived at the mall around 4. I lingered in a few shops till the boys were able to meet up. (I should have gone straight to the line).
We waited in line for over an hour. An hour.. for a toddler, who cannot speak, to see a man she has no idea about! But its more the memories, right?!?!
When we on deck, Gene began to play with her and get her excited. We were ushered into Santa's area. I walked in with her and talked to Santa. She clung to me, but would look at him. I got down on my knees so she could see him better. I slowly transitioned her over to his knee and then I backed away so they could take her picture.
She sat there dumbfounded. Afraid to move, or smile. They encouraged me to try a tickle, so I did. Instant smile. But she wasn't looking at the camera. I try again, and Bingo!
Priceless!
I run over to praise her and we talk some to Santa. He promises her she will get all the things she wants this year.
I get my prints and we head home.
She's out before we leave the mall parking lot.
And I was one happy mama!
I wouldn't have cared if she had a meltdown, but she's so personable with everyone. Her Santa picture fits her. That is the Abby that everyone knows and loves.
Merry Christmas Abby!
A kid in a candy store
You wanna know how to wind a toddler up....
Take them to a book store and then tell them they can't touch the books!
Abby and I went in search of a gift at Books A Million. I didn't think anything of it until we got inside and she started pointing and grunting.
Uh.. Uh... Uh...
Toddler speak for "Look Mama, I want that!"
She wasn't content until I gave her a book to hold. Which she then went apeshit on me when I took it away from her so we could pay for it. Good thing I had my keys handy to distract her.
Shes discovered a love for books. She doesn't sit still long enough to read through them, but she loves to look at them and turn the pages.
I think its time to start going to the library.
Take them to a book store and then tell them they can't touch the books!
Abby and I went in search of a gift at Books A Million. I didn't think anything of it until we got inside and she started pointing and grunting.
Uh.. Uh... Uh...
Toddler speak for "Look Mama, I want that!"
She wasn't content until I gave her a book to hold. Which she then went apeshit on me when I took it away from her so we could pay for it. Good thing I had my keys handy to distract her.
Shes discovered a love for books. She doesn't sit still long enough to read through them, but she loves to look at them and turn the pages.
I think its time to start going to the library.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Sound of Music
Its no secret that Abby has always enjoyed music. Last Christmas she enjoyed the many decorations I have that light up and play music. She mostly just stared at them, but I knew she was enjoying them.
This year she wants to touch and play with them all the time. Her favorites are our Peanuts Band set and a Snowman Band set. Each set has four characters. Each character has two of its own carols that it starts and the other band mates join in. The snowmen dance around while they play.
We put them up where she couldn't get them. I just worried she would destroy them. But she knew where they were. (We scattered the peanuts throughout the living room, but the snowmen we together on a side table). After watching her struggle to get a snowman off the table to see it, I finally gave in and let her have one to hold.
She immediately brings it over to you and wants you to play it. We're currently teaching her how to play it herself. She knows she has to push the front, but isn't clear that there is a small button to push.
She listens to it. Sometimes she dances to the music. Then she brings it back to you to play again.
I love watching her get excited over the little things.
This year she wants to touch and play with them all the time. Her favorites are our Peanuts Band set and a Snowman Band set. Each set has four characters. Each character has two of its own carols that it starts and the other band mates join in. The snowmen dance around while they play.
We put them up where she couldn't get them. I just worried she would destroy them. But she knew where they were. (We scattered the peanuts throughout the living room, but the snowmen we together on a side table). After watching her struggle to get a snowman off the table to see it, I finally gave in and let her have one to hold.
She immediately brings it over to you and wants you to play it. We're currently teaching her how to play it herself. She knows she has to push the front, but isn't clear that there is a small button to push.
She listens to it. Sometimes she dances to the music. Then she brings it back to you to play again.
I love watching her get excited over the little things.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Lucky 13
I'm a little late with this... just a few days.
You are no longer just a year old, you are now 13 months! I feel like your birthday was so long ago.
You continue to light up our lives every single day. You awake with a smile, and you go to bed with a smile. You actually have started asking to go to bed. You will walk into your room and point to your bed. We can set you in your crib, turn out the lights, and that's all it takes. You get yourself situated and your out! We haven't had to come to your rescue in the night either. You can find your pappy and put yourself right back to sleep.
You've perfected walking. You walk everywhere! Non-stop! Its so cute to watch you go. You are getting faster, but you haven't quite gotten to a run yet. I know its not long.
You're favorite word is Dog. Its really your only word. You can sign for more, but you can only say dog. You must say it a million times a day. You got to meet your cousin puppy, Holley at thanksgiving and at first you were scared, but as soon as you saw how soft and sweet she was, that's all you wanted. DOG! DOG! You love petting Woody. Although, he hasn't quite warmed up to you yet. You have been very gentle with him, so I think he's just a little shy. Once he realized you will pet his belly any time you want, he might warm up!
You continue to be a good eater. You loved Thanksgiving dinner. You ate everything on your plate. You especially loved the pumpkin whoopee pie for dessert. I would say your favorite food is avocado. I can demolish half of one in no time. You also love blueberries, and edamame. You are a sucker for snacks. You know where they are on the counter and you will go over and point for them. Veggie straws and puffs are favorites, but goldfish and graham crackers might be taking over.
You are still a tiny tot. Although, I can see some of your 9 months clothes getting short. It just depends on the brand. 12 month things still swallow you up.
You love the bath tub. You've discovered you can splash and it makes you giggle. You also love the bubbles in the tub. You could play in it all day if it didn't get cold. I can't wait till the summer and the swimming pool. I should go ahead and look into swimming lessons!
Christmas is coming. You've been so good with the tree. You like to look at it and you are very good about not touching it. We tried to baby proof it as much as possible. The tinsel always catches your eye and you love to grab some and wave it around. You've been a very good girl this year and I'm sure Santa will bring you lots of good things. Grammy is coming again this Christmas. This year she will be here for an entire week, so you can have lots of Grammy time!
Speaking of baby proof- we've have to secure most all of the kitchen cabinets. One by one you've discovered you can get into them and what treasures you can take out. We let it go for a while but after cleaning up a million koozies for the millionth time, I called it quits. Sorry to ruin your fun, but you'll understand one day.
You've learned to blow kisses and give hugs. You like to sit in peoples laps and you love to bring us books to read. Nana got you Highlights magazine for your birthday and you love to read it... over and over.. and over. Its your favorite toy right now.
I'm amazed every day at how much you learn and how much you change. Its such a delight to see and experience. You are so inquisitive and expressive. I'm thankful everyday to have you in my life.
You are no longer just a year old, you are now 13 months! I feel like your birthday was so long ago.
You continue to light up our lives every single day. You awake with a smile, and you go to bed with a smile. You actually have started asking to go to bed. You will walk into your room and point to your bed. We can set you in your crib, turn out the lights, and that's all it takes. You get yourself situated and your out! We haven't had to come to your rescue in the night either. You can find your pappy and put yourself right back to sleep.
You've perfected walking. You walk everywhere! Non-stop! Its so cute to watch you go. You are getting faster, but you haven't quite gotten to a run yet. I know its not long.
You're favorite word is Dog. Its really your only word. You can sign for more, but you can only say dog. You must say it a million times a day. You got to meet your cousin puppy, Holley at thanksgiving and at first you were scared, but as soon as you saw how soft and sweet she was, that's all you wanted. DOG! DOG! You love petting Woody. Although, he hasn't quite warmed up to you yet. You have been very gentle with him, so I think he's just a little shy. Once he realized you will pet his belly any time you want, he might warm up!
You continue to be a good eater. You loved Thanksgiving dinner. You ate everything on your plate. You especially loved the pumpkin whoopee pie for dessert. I would say your favorite food is avocado. I can demolish half of one in no time. You also love blueberries, and edamame. You are a sucker for snacks. You know where they are on the counter and you will go over and point for them. Veggie straws and puffs are favorites, but goldfish and graham crackers might be taking over.
You are still a tiny tot. Although, I can see some of your 9 months clothes getting short. It just depends on the brand. 12 month things still swallow you up.
You love the bath tub. You've discovered you can splash and it makes you giggle. You also love the bubbles in the tub. You could play in it all day if it didn't get cold. I can't wait till the summer and the swimming pool. I should go ahead and look into swimming lessons!
Christmas is coming. You've been so good with the tree. You like to look at it and you are very good about not touching it. We tried to baby proof it as much as possible. The tinsel always catches your eye and you love to grab some and wave it around. You've been a very good girl this year and I'm sure Santa will bring you lots of good things. Grammy is coming again this Christmas. This year she will be here for an entire week, so you can have lots of Grammy time!
Speaking of baby proof- we've have to secure most all of the kitchen cabinets. One by one you've discovered you can get into them and what treasures you can take out. We let it go for a while but after cleaning up a million koozies for the millionth time, I called it quits. Sorry to ruin your fun, but you'll understand one day.
You've learned to blow kisses and give hugs. You like to sit in peoples laps and you love to bring us books to read. Nana got you Highlights magazine for your birthday and you love to read it... over and over.. and over. Its your favorite toy right now.
I'm amazed every day at how much you learn and how much you change. Its such a delight to see and experience. You are so inquisitive and expressive. I'm thankful everyday to have you in my life.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Test Run
Last night at church, Santa stopped by for a visit. I took Abby to see how she would do. We are planning to go to the mall to see Santa and take fancy pictures, but I was curious to see how see would act.
She's not afraid of strangers. And strangers with glasses and a beard don't bother her. That's what Grandpa looks like.
We were sitting in the back of the fellowship hall when I heard him enter. I watched her face. Her eyes got big. Then she followed him as went to sit by the tree to read a story. She sat contently as he read the story. Not moving at all, just watching him.
We waited for the older kids to sit on his lap and say hello. She continued to watch him.
She sat on his lap with no problems. She even smiled at me and my camera. Not one peep out of her.
I hope the real thing goes that smoothly. I don't have a plan for that yet. We will probably go next week after work. Weekends are always busy this time of year. JJ wants to go with us, so I will need to coordinate that. I doubt he will sit with her, but its good to have him there just in case.
She's not afraid of strangers. And strangers with glasses and a beard don't bother her. That's what Grandpa looks like.
We were sitting in the back of the fellowship hall when I heard him enter. I watched her face. Her eyes got big. Then she followed him as went to sit by the tree to read a story. She sat contently as he read the story. Not moving at all, just watching him.
We waited for the older kids to sit on his lap and say hello. She continued to watch him.
She sat on his lap with no problems. She even smiled at me and my camera. Not one peep out of her.
I hope the real thing goes that smoothly. I don't have a plan for that yet. We will probably go next week after work. Weekends are always busy this time of year. JJ wants to go with us, so I will need to coordinate that. I doubt he will sit with her, but its good to have him there just in case.
Dog
Its safe to say Abby's first word was dog. Not mama, or dada. The only person she knows in the house is the dog.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we got to meet my brother's new puppy. At first, Abby was scared of the dog. She jumped back and clung to me as she whimpered. But slowly she warmed up to her and that was all it took. The rest of the weekend... "Dog" "Dog". She would see it and then point toward it. "Dog"
She would squat down next to her and pat her. Then she would try to lay on her and hug her.
The poor pup was probably ready to go home away from the arms of a toddler.
Abby has also taken to her own dog. Although the dog hasn't taken to her. She sees him sitting somewhere and she toddles toward him. Only for him to jump up and go somewhere else. Which makes her change direction and follow him. She loves to pat him and hug him. She tries to climb on him, but not ride him.
Its fun to watch her be independent and try new things. We try to let the relationship between the two work itself out. Woody occasionally growls at her, but he's never once snapped. He has knocked her down a time or two, but they are learning to share and share their living space. That will just take time.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we got to meet my brother's new puppy. At first, Abby was scared of the dog. She jumped back and clung to me as she whimpered. But slowly she warmed up to her and that was all it took. The rest of the weekend... "Dog" "Dog". She would see it and then point toward it. "Dog"
She would squat down next to her and pat her. Then she would try to lay on her and hug her.
The poor pup was probably ready to go home away from the arms of a toddler.
Abby has also taken to her own dog. Although the dog hasn't taken to her. She sees him sitting somewhere and she toddles toward him. Only for him to jump up and go somewhere else. Which makes her change direction and follow him. She loves to pat him and hug him. She tries to climb on him, but not ride him.
Its fun to watch her be independent and try new things. We try to let the relationship between the two work itself out. Woody occasionally growls at her, but he's never once snapped. He has knocked her down a time or two, but they are learning to share and share their living space. That will just take time.
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