Long Distance Grandparenting

As many of you already know, our oldest grandchildren live in the Los Angeles area. Visits with them come 2-3 times a year unless a big family event occurs

then 4 times has been the norm. Since our Indy granddaughter was born almost 6 months ago, I have noticed how amazing it is to see her more often than 2 to 4 times per year. It's really fun watching her learn new things, and she's growing up so fast! It got me to thinking about Ryan & Kyle and how much we miss of their lives not being able to see them more often.

Thus video chat has entered our home. It's was relatively simple to set up -- with the help of our Indy son and family members in California -- and is an amazing tool that allows us to actually "see" the boys, their mom and dad, their aunt and uncle from Encino, my sister and my niece who live in central CA.

Somehow it makes the distance fade away.

First Overnight

Dear Campbell Jane:
Each time you visit I think it couldn’t possibly get any better, and yet it does! Last weekend you visited us once again with your mom and dad. We bought you a used exersaucer, and you enjoyed checking out the new toys attached. It is easy to see you’ve learned a lot since your last visit before Christmas as you are much better at handling playthings . . . and you are definitely more vocal! You are such a joy to watch whether playing or sleeping or sitting on Granpa’s lap looking at the fishies in the aquarium. Our Bichon, Rudy, is your constant very interested protector. and it’s difficult to get a photo of you without him in it as well. He also enjoys watching fishies with you and Grandpa.

Saturday morning we awoke to a beautiful snowfall — flakes falling gently while glistening in the sunshine. Together you and I watched them fall as you seemed fascinated by the sight. Fascinated . . . that’s the way you are with most things that move. You are so alert and very interested in what goes on around you. I told your mom and dad you are like a sponge soaking up anything and everything that comes your way.

Giving you a bath was enjoyable as I got to watch you splash in your little tub and turn the pages of your vinyl bathtub book. I love wrapping you up in a big towel and cuddling you briefly before you’re ready to move on to the next activity. (I have a hunch you’re going to be an independent little girl.)

One purpose of this visit was so your mom and dad could spend a night in Fort Wayne just the two of them. When it came time for them to tell you goodbye, I think it was lots harder than they thought it would be. It was sweet watching them as they held and kissed you. They love you so much Campbell.

First on the agenda for you and I was to introduce you to two of your dad’s favorite baby toys — a Fisher Price musical clock and a Donald Duck dancing musical toy. I think you liked D.D. best as the movement held your interest.

Giving you a bottle this visit was a challenge; but once I found out I needed to add some cereal to your mom’s milk, AND when Grandpa got home and said the bottle needed to be warmer AND he gave you the bottle . . . well, it went really well then.

Following your short evening nap you entertained me for quite some time on the changing table as you quickly stiffened your arms and legs and smiled great big! At first I wasn’t sure what was going on; but then you relaxed, cooed, then did it again. It became a game after that with me reacting largely each time you stiffened up! We laughed together . . . priceless.

I slept in the guest room where your pack ‘n play is kept because I was worried I wouldn’t hear you. No problem there . . . you talked a couple of times in the middle of the night and when you woke up at 6 a.m. That was when you drank 8 oz. of cereal bottle for ME! You went right back to sleep for a 2-hour nap which gave me time to get ready for church.

Ah church . . . getting ready to head out the door was a total hoot! It took Grandpa and I 15 minutes to get everything together, get you in your bear suit in the car seat and in the car. (I think we may be out of practice.)

Let me tell you Campbell Jane, it was a real treat to take you to church with us. We experienced such joy introducing you several people. You are a little charmer my dear, and you brought smiles to lots of faces. You were so good in church, and you liked watching the media screen. When Grandpa and I stood at the end of the service and sang “To God Be The Glory” holding you between us, a few tears came to my eyes as I thought about God’s faithfulness to our family.

Well now . . . Mom and Dad were waiting for us when we got home from church. Guess who missed you enormously? They were so excited to see you, and you smiled really big at them which made them very happy!

Thanks so much for coming to stay Campbell, and thanks to your mom and dad for trusting us with you. Grandpa and I love you very much. Love, Grammie.