There is no greater joy than grandchildren. Somehow, while raising my children, I missed out on observing how a child progresses from non-communication to endless questions and observations.
My friend Shelley maintains we are too busy as moms making sure they are fed and cared for to notice the nuances of the toddler stage. Being a grandparent is different.
Oh, to be a two-year-old. My current basket of blessings includes not one, but two two-year-old grandchildren. One is a boy. One is a girl. Different, and the same.
From walking to talking, being two is a time to become aware of self and practice a mind of their own. That includes pushing the boundaries.
Little acts of defiance. Temper tantrums. Discovery and wonder. Observations. Most definitely fodder for great entertainment.
It’s humorous to hear praises poured out for things like eating dinner, picking up toys, or using the potty chair. It’s a delight each time a new word enters into their vocabulary. If ever a time for adults to watch their language, this is it.
And, then what comes out of those little mouths …
If only those little children knew what it does to an old heart to hear the word, “Grandma” for the first time.
Or better yet when they turn away from their mom and say, “Grandma, please.” The feeling is indescribable.
Learning that grandparents are allies makes both of us happy.
Watching them mimic adults is too hilarious for words. Addy used to imitate my cough when I was going through treatment. I covered my mouth, so she followed suit as the coughing became laughter, and then said, “You okay, Grandma?”
I am not the only one she imitates. How do I know? While I might not be present in my children’s day-to-day life, the beauty of iPhones is daily videos of these little children discovering their surroundings.
Like seeing Finn play office on his plastic computer, drinking coffee, and typing away like he was born with an electronic device in his hand. He also imitates his brother who loves video games, pretending to play on the phone. He somehow knows its purpose.
There are days when my phone rings and there is no one there. I know it’s Finn. He doesn’t say much yet, but you don’t have to when you smile with that mischievous look on that adorable baby face.
On the other hand, Addy is an outdoors girl. She runs wild with the dogs, even lapping water from her baby pool like them. She feeds chickens and loves to pretend to drive the pontoon around Lake Byron in South Dakota.
They both love Bluey.
Watching how simple words become simple sentences leads to a few tense moments when parents butt heads — in the end, the cooler heads prevail. NOT.
I love my grandchildren and so want to be around to watch them become adults. I waited to post this blog so I could update all you prayer warriors on my condition.
My doctor is leaving me in August and I’m so sad. I will have a CT scan in July just to check things out before he goes. I’m happy and sad at the same time. Thank you for your prayers.
INDYchildrendotme 
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