Her Name is Nana: Day 1

Yesterday was my first time to meet the soldier who is staying with our daughter's family until his deployment in a couple of weeks. When our daughter introduced me, she said, "This is my mom." The gentleman asked me my name and when I said, "Sandy," our 5 year old grandson pipped up with, "Her name is Nana!" Of course I got a kick out of that. It was so sweet to me. I guess that the little guy has not had the opportunity to hear my name very often. So today is the first full day of my day as nanny to these two busy little boys whom we are blessed to call grandsons. Nine more days are to follow before my replacement arrives. With great intentions I had set the alarm clock last night in an attempt to get a "jump" on the day before the boys got up. Our daughter came into the room earlier than I had the clock set to get our granddaughter up. By six o'clock both our son's daughter (our oldest grandchild), and our daughter were gone. Our granddaughter was on her way back home, while our daughter and her friend were off on a lifetime adventure of which I shall write more about after her return in two weeks. By seven I had my make-up on, was dressed, had made two beds, and unloaded the dishwasher. Then the boys awoke. Oh, my! Progress didn't screech to a halt. It just stopped. Breakfast didn't exactly follow the well-typed plans that our daughter had left for me. But I packed cheese sticks, breakfast bars, and bottled water in the diaper bag to take with us this morning. Socks are required in the climbing area of the YMCA, so I searched through the drawer for two pairs of matching socks. It took me quite awhile to find two pairs, then the younger boy dropped a pair in the water in the bathroom sink. Rats! Back to the drawer and more searching for another pair of socks. At the Y, we got all checked in to the play area, and I set off to exercise. I'm not used to the altitude here, so walking on the inside track took a toll on me. Of course, the fact that I'm out of shape didn't help. After going the designated 12 laps, I had to rest. LOL!!! Then back upstairs for another few laps and almost 25 minutes on the stationary bike. Our youngest daughter laughed when I told her of my morning. "You may get in shape while you are there, " she laughed. Our oldest grandchild was at our house for ten days and flew up with me on Monday. This morning she left to return to her home, then will leave on vacation to California on Friday. I miss her already! The youngest grandchild, three weeks old today, is doing well, according to her mommy. She is getting used to the schedule and routine of their home and growing like a little weed. I can hardly wait to see her again. The husband will celebrate his birthday while I am up here. Another important day that we won't be together. More reasons to celebrate all of the days that we are together and not wait for a "special" day to roll around. That is a part of my philosophy, too. Enjoy each day! I talked to my sister-in-law yesterday, then my brother. He reminded me that one of our aunts turned 90 this year. That means that we have an uncle 80, one 70, with me at 60, my sister-in-law at 50, and our daughter-in-law at 40!!!! I can't believe all of those "other" people have aged that much, let alone myself!!!! Yegads!!!! When the little guy awakes from his nap, I've promised Grandson #1 that we will go to his new favorite store, The Dollar Store. He had his first trip yesterday and discovered a plastic dinosaur hidden in a egg that he had to scratch and sift to actually get to the dinosaur. He is fascinated with dinosaurs and other living animals, including his first pet, Maximus, an anole. It is mid-afternoon. I am thankful to God that the morning went so well, including finding the keys to the car after we were all shoed and ready to exit the house. I didn't just "feel" that God would help us to have a good day, I "knew" it. Blessings on your day! Love, Nana