My days in Alabama were slow and filled with dreamy newborn snuggles and entertaining toddler conversations that often left us giggling! I didn't sleep great and my exercise was definitely lacking in intensity and regularity while I was there, but I wouldn't have traded those two weeks for anything. I think it's safe to say that grandma-hood is right up my alley! Sometimes I wonder if I'd feel differently if they didn't live across the country from us, but I don't think I would. I really liked the parenting toddler/baby stage of life and I find that 18ish years later, that still rings true for me...and it's even better as a grandparent, because I don't have to be the rule enforcer!
So, here's a little glimpse of the rest of our time there in Alabama. Glen arrived on Wednesday, as did Garrett's parents, and they blessed little Oliver Glen on Friday morning. Friday morning may be an unusual day to bless a baby, but the life of a 2nd year medical resident is not super glamorous and Friday morning was the day Garrett had off, so that's when they did it!
Glen, Garrett, Travis (Garrett's Dad), and Graham (Garrett's brother) were in the circle to bless him. Amy (Garrett's Mom), Cami, Lucie, and I were there to watch. I found Oliver's blessing outfit at a cute boutique here in Utah and everyone else was dressed on the casual side. Oliver is a pretty easy-going baby, mostly just crying when he needs something. It was a special day and we were glad to be a part of it!
Some other highlights of our time there, included helping Lucie perfect her potty-training skills. Honestly, she's doing awesome and mostly just needed a little help getting to the potty in a timely manner or helping empty the potty after she goes. There were a few messes here and there, but, after potty-training five kids, I'd definitely say that she fell on the easy-going side of things.
Glen and I enjoyed taking Lucie on outings and listening to what crazy thing would come out of her mouth next. She is VERY verbal for her age (2 years and 3 months) and she is a delightful conversationalist. She randomly quotes parts of books, she breaks into song, she asks to see our nipples, she tells us what sounds animals make, she tries to get Alexa to play certain songs, and just, in general, makes sure there's never a dull moment. Lucie is quite fond of her "Baby Brudder" and it was fun to see how she dotes on him.
One of my tasks most days while I was there was to get Lucie out of bed, so Cami could keep sleeping. It was a task I looked forward to for a few reasons. First to hear what she'd say first (often quoting parts of "Caps for Sale" and telling me that the monkeys had stolen her cap or to request that we make breakfast together), but also to see what crazy bedhead she'd awakened to that morning.
Glen's favorite task was to be the official Oliver snuggler. He'd always loved snuggling sleeping babies back in the day when our kids were babes, so it looked really natural and invoked a bit of nostalgia to see him with Oliver snuggled into his chest for hours. The two of us also enjoyed getting Lucie out of the house for a bit each day (with a quick errand, a trip to the zoo, or short walks around the hallways or outside). I love how Lucie likes bringing her special "Bear Friend" with her on outings a lot of the time.
The beautiful blanket you see Oliver wrapped in below is one that Emma knitted for him. I have done a bit of crocheting in my time, but never learned how to knit, so that is definitely a skill she learned from her Grandma Sandy!
Glen left for home on Monday and I had two more days before it was time for me to say goodbye as well. It was honestly one of the hardest goodbyes we'd had. After two weeks, I felt like my bond with Lucie was stronger than it had ever been and it was so hard when she started telling everyone she was coming home on the airplane with me (as she's done before). I love that girl. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with Cami and Garrett, and of course snuggle Oliver as well. All in all, it was a delightful visit and I hope I was at least somewhat helpful to them along the way.
Though, I know they were good and ready
to have their own space back when I left, I still am really missing them and definitely feel like I'm suffering from withdrawal pains. It didn't help that I was coming home to a to-do list about nine miles long and a very quiet house with Glen in Saint George. I've decided that the only way to ease these pains is to get another trip on the books as soon as possible. Google flights...here I come!
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