A Tough Day at Daycare

One of the things I love most about 2 - 3 year olds is that they have a desire and ability to express themselves, sometimes in very unique ways. My grandchildren are also refreshing my resolve to listen and believe what they are trying to tell me; not always an easy task when imaginations are developing and running wild.

Case in point: Colin and Jen dropped in after their family outing at a local restaurant for dinner. Being a creature of habit, Gillian grabbed my hand as well as her bag of mini-dishes and pots and pans and yelled, "Monster...let's hide Honey!"

We play this game regularly. In involves both of us running into the bedroom, hiding behind the bed and playing with the contents of the bag until the 'monster', aka Daddy or Poppa, come to find us.

Tonight while we were sitting behind the bed and arranging the dishes into various sizes, I asked if she'd had a good day. Her little face instantly screwed up tight and she looked up at me and silently shook her head 'no'.

"Oh dear", I said, "was Maureen angry at you today?"

Again, the face screwed up and the silent head nod 'yes'.

I admit to thinking that Gillian's interpretation of Maureen's mood was probably less than accurate. It turns out it was 'bang on'. Gillian had dropped one of her shoes on the way back from playgroup at the local community centre but had neglected to tell Maureen. When they arrived at Maureen's, Gillian made it clear that she wanted that shoe back and nothing would placate her until the shoe was found.

Maureen had to get 5 small kids back onto the path she'd taken home and continue the trek until the missing shoe was found...which it was. As patient and kind as I know her daycare provider to be, I'm sure Gillian was not Maureen's favourite little girl for a while.

There was a lesson to be learned here and I've learned it; even 2 1/2 year olds have feelings, memories, and emotions.

Olivia Susanna Arrives!

One day old

One week old...how sweet she is!

Our third, and very beautiful grandaughter Olivia arrived 27 Jun 2012, fat, sassy, and healthy. She was overdue and we were all impatiently awaiting her arrival.

I was on alert to go and look after Gillian, whatever the hour, so it was a week of keeping the cell phone by the bed and being ready to run across the backyard to their house, whatever the hour. Jen's labour was active by early evening and Olivia arrived late that evening without much distress for her Mom, which was a relief for all (especially Jen).

My first glimpse of her was the next afternoon while Gillian was at daycare. First impression: it's Gillian...only different. She's absolutely beautiful, with a thick crown of dark hair that begs for a barrette, and she has the face of an Angel. Jen looks tired but very satisfied with herself, as well she should, as Olivia was another big baby...over 9 lbs! Colin looks tired as well, and perhaps a bit bewildered at the prospect of dealing with yet another female in the house! I am excited beyond words to have 3...count 'em...3 little girls in my life after a 'boy drought' of so many years.

We brought Gillian to the hospital later in the day to meet her new sister and have a birthday cake with candles to welcome Olivia into the family. Sue and Al were there (Jen's parents) so it was Olivia's first family party...the first of many in her life. There were a couple of presents for Gillian so that she felt as special as she is and overall it appears she is extremely accepting of Olivia and her new role as big sister.

Once again, Wayne and I look at each other through teary eyes and ask ourselves how we became so lucky? Our lives have been blessed in so many ways and we try never to take it for grantide. We already imagine Olivia taking her first steps and being in the pool for the first swim, but look forward to so many 'firsts' she'll have in the meantime.