This week is busy around here. My wife will be in week 2 of the new job, fewer hours than the first week but busy nonetheless. My daughter and son in law take 4 year old Cameron to Disney for the first time Wednesday thru Sunday. Soooo on Thursday morning that leaves me to get 18 month old Hannah up, fed, changed, dressed, and off to day care. And then on Saturday from about 8-3 it is Hannah and Grandpa.
Daughter Sarah takes great delight in this prospect. Though she won't come out and say it I know she has at least a little of 'OMG' in her about Grandpa and Hannah alone for these stretches.
One of the great things that has happened to me over the last few weeks is being this close to my grandchildren. Only now have I realized that in all my other visits I wasn't really "here." The job followed me. Texts, emails, phone call, phone conferences. Body in Nashville, mind in Decatur.
Now I am actually understanding these two little personalities.
Cameron is just like his Dad. A little reserved, analytical, methodical. This morning I made the awful mistake of trying to dress him in the wrong order. He explained to me that it must be underwear, pants, shirt, socks, shoes. In. That. Order.
With Cameron there is a process and you will follow it. Yes boss.
I have come to describe Hannah as exuberant. She hollers in the truck for the sheer pleasure of making noise. If there is something that can be climbed you will see her on top of it. If there is a spot to be entered she is already in it.
So when it is just me with her I will revert to my fundamental premise of child raising: Just Give Them What They Want.
It's not as permissive as it sounds, it's just that I learned a long time ago that logic and rationality rarely work with a toddler. As long as what they want it is no worse than aggravation then just give it to them. They only stay with it for about a minute anyway.
So next Saturday Hannah and I are going to Costco. Food always placates her. I think we can spend at least an hour hitting all the food sampling stations that I usually stroll right by. Maybe a stop by Uncle Kenny's for coffee. Maybe a playground if the weather is nice. Then her nap.
Before I moved down here I had good conversation with a long time friend of mine, Duane Noland. Many of you know him. One of the best guys around, always too good for the ugly Illinois political world he lived in for a few years.
We talked about grandchildren and he said "You know, being a grandpa is a mighty calling."
How right he was and the statement really hit home with me.
Whether it's your friends or your family please think about being "there" fully when you're with them. Don't fall into the body there, mind gone trap that I was in for awhile. You miss too much and it's just not worth it.
I will miss Cameron while he's gone but I can't wait till it's time for just Grandpa and Hannah.
KS
Daughter Sarah takes great delight in this prospect. Though she won't come out and say it I know she has at least a little of 'OMG' in her about Grandpa and Hannah alone for these stretches.
One of the great things that has happened to me over the last few weeks is being this close to my grandchildren. Only now have I realized that in all my other visits I wasn't really "here." The job followed me. Texts, emails, phone call, phone conferences. Body in Nashville, mind in Decatur.
Now I am actually understanding these two little personalities.
Cameron is just like his Dad. A little reserved, analytical, methodical. This morning I made the awful mistake of trying to dress him in the wrong order. He explained to me that it must be underwear, pants, shirt, socks, shoes. In. That. Order.
With Cameron there is a process and you will follow it. Yes boss.
I have come to describe Hannah as exuberant. She hollers in the truck for the sheer pleasure of making noise. If there is something that can be climbed you will see her on top of it. If there is a spot to be entered she is already in it.
So when it is just me with her I will revert to my fundamental premise of child raising: Just Give Them What They Want.
It's not as permissive as it sounds, it's just that I learned a long time ago that logic and rationality rarely work with a toddler. As long as what they want it is no worse than aggravation then just give it to them. They only stay with it for about a minute anyway.
So next Saturday Hannah and I are going to Costco. Food always placates her. I think we can spend at least an hour hitting all the food sampling stations that I usually stroll right by. Maybe a stop by Uncle Kenny's for coffee. Maybe a playground if the weather is nice. Then her nap.
Before I moved down here I had good conversation with a long time friend of mine, Duane Noland. Many of you know him. One of the best guys around, always too good for the ugly Illinois political world he lived in for a few years.
We talked about grandchildren and he said "You know, being a grandpa is a mighty calling."
How right he was and the statement really hit home with me.
Whether it's your friends or your family please think about being "there" fully when you're with them. Don't fall into the body there, mind gone trap that I was in for awhile. You miss too much and it's just not worth it.
I will miss Cameron while he's gone but I can't wait till it's time for just Grandpa and Hannah.
KS
Hi Ken and Terri
ReplyDeleteI read this today and wanted to share it. It spoke to me about the significance of our problems though they may seem pointless or cruel. I especially loved the video song and comments by John Piper. Take care. Beth
Ken, I know when I get to Decatur from Florida I now give myself 100% to the grand babies!! And Tonya and Zach are giving me plenty😊 There is nothing better then spoiling and hugging them a little tighter then I did my kids because I know now just how fast time goes.
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