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Background
Birthday: April 19
Location:
BRENTWOOD
United States
BRENTWOOD
United States
School:
MBA Santa Clara University BA Northeastern University
MBA Santa Clara University BA Northeastern University
Hometown(s):
Columbus, Ohio Boston, Massechusettes
Columbus, Ohio Boston, Massechusettes
GrannyNanny
12 October 2009 Monday
Evan (4) and Allyson (2) are here for a week because Daddy and Mommy are adding new wood and carpet floors. We live 1 1/2 hours away from them, so seeing my son and the children come up to our house was a real treat. They arrived at 3. My son left at 7 from McDonalds. They liked the toys I had purchased from yard sales; a tool bench, dinosaurs, cars, planes for Evan, and huge legos for Allyson, plus books, and play dough for both at about 50 cents each.
They didn't mind Daddy leaving. Evan, after his bath about 8:30 said, "I'm going to bed now." Allyson also went to bed easily. The only problem I see is that Allyson was recently potty trained. I was a bit exhausted so I feel asleep on the couch.
13 October Tuesday
I awoke at 7AM to "Grandma Potty". Quickly I rushed Allyson to the Potty. She had only a little leakage. Such a big girl! But what a rude awakening. They both are in our room; Evan on an air mattress and Allyson in a Pak-N-Play. As there was a small monsoon raging, we stayed in. I must research children's activities. I didn't get a chance before they came.
My husband wants to just let them play here, but I feel they need to go at least one place a day on their "vacation" at Grandma and Grandpa's. So, just before noon we braved the rain to spend time at Chucky Cheese. Evan and Grandpa played games to get prize tickets, and Allyson and Grandma rode the merry-go-round, and other children's rides (just Allyson actually). We devoured a pizza. Evan got some laser guns for loads of tickets (partly won by Grandpa). I was exhausted by the end of the day. Why?
Evan didn't want to take his bath and wouldn't go potty before bed. So he wet his bed. He never does this. He made me promise not to tell Grandpa. (and here I am telling the world!) That was 5AM. At 3AM Allyson asked to go potty so, of course, we went. Good girl. But Grandma needs more sleep.
14 October 2009 Wednesday
Two hours at my hairdresser was a pleasant break from being Granny Nanny. Grandpa looked after them. Aunt Jen, who lives here, was at home also. Sometimes it seems Grandpa is too gruff with Evan, kind of mean when asking him to get dressed. However, Evan does need to obey. My kids I used to spank; these get time outs.
At McDonalds, lunch Evan ate his entire hamburger. Allyson drank all her chocolate milk. The play structure with all the bigger kids yelling and running around is too much for Allyson. Evan loves it.
3PM. All is quiet. A big sigh of relief. Have to run. Allyson is up from her nap calling for Grandma. Cute little curly head girl eats her snack clutching her Pooh Bear sippy cup, eating grapes, turkey, cheese, and raspberries. She takes a huge mouthful of grapes and spits them out. Table Manners. "All done," she declares.
Oh. The Diego potty chair was a big hit.
Totally exhausted. My husband watched them from 8 - 9 as I hid in my daughter's bedroom and slept.
15 October 2009 Thursday
Bliss. They slept all night. But the drama of the morning happened. We were all in the bathroom. Evan was on the potty, then Allyson. As I was helping Allyson wash her hands, Evan crashed through the door knocking me against Evan's toy. A "blaster" broke off his new plastic airplane. We couldn't find it. Evan was crushed! He wined and wined. My head ached. Finally, Grandpa found the missing part in the living room an hour later.
"Grandma I love you", Evan said as I was making waffles for breakfast.
Grandpa needs to do more or I become too tired. I've been up in the middle of the night with them, giving them a bath, watching them most of the time while Grandpa plays on the computer, watches the news, and does whatever.
Grandpa plays with them more later. Much more. I don't know what I would do without Grandpa. They love Grandpa. He makes them fresh bread; helps Evan play on his iPod Touch, sits Allyson on his lap, and more. How did I raise three children while Grandpa worked and traveled? I was extremely young.
16 October 2009 Friday
We hear sounds of children, music from the show in the barn. Evan is running around the haystack maze. We are at Smith Family Farms where there are pumpkins, hay rides, an Indian Village, a petting zoo, food for a little picnic. Allyson and Grandpa play with the Hay. Evan doesn't like the show in the barn, so he leaves with Aunt Jen. At McDonalds, Allyson grins as she runs back from throwing something in the trash. She likes to climb the highchair. She likes to stack ketchup cups. Why do we buy expensive toys? We smell French fries. The Lockwood's meet us at McDonalds for lunch.
17 October 2009 Saturday
We rest for a day pretty much; play around the house, read, watch "Dora the Explorer", and "Rory". I really enjoy the Science Chanel, and science books. I learn about the planets, and how life on earth will end. While Allyson naps, Evan visits Walgreens to help Grandma pick up a medication. We acquire a train that toots and has a light, and a wheel that makes sounds.
18 October 2009 Sunday
After church, Aunt Jen accompanies us to Pixieland, a small clean, uncrowded amusement park for little ones. Allyson and Evan sport big grins while riding the Merry-Go-Round. Aunt Jen helps Evan. Grandma is with Allyson. We ride several times. Then we ride tea cups, a train, a plane, and antique cars. Allyson wins a cute Halloween ball at a pick-a-duck win-a -prize booth. We all feed the ducks and geese that surround us close up. I've never been this close to a duck. The children are delighted.
19 October 2009 Monday
7:30AM. In the bathroom I hear, "Where's Grandma?" "She didn't go back to bed," Evan. Coming out I see two little bodies saying, "Grandma!" running in front of me.
Looking under the couch for a lost Bakugan, Evan found two Easter eggs that hadn't been found last Easter. The M&Ms were still good.
The wet drizzle blanketed the grey morning. What to do? Let’s go to the lodge. Nothing to do in the main room, coffee room, and ballroom set with card tables. What about the aerobics room? Balls! Lots of big red, green, yellow balls. And also little red balls. Evan and Allyson had a great time with those.
Naps.
Evan, "I love you Grandma. Do you know why?"
Grandma, "Why?"
Evan, "Because you buy me toys."
20 October 2009
10AM: Still in my pajamas. How can this be?
They find the rooster, sheep, peacock, chickens, and ducks at the local school interesting. At the library, we pass people on the computers, magazine racks, and low murmur on our way to the children’s section. Allyson pulls several books onto the floor. Evan and I find no science books. How did Rosanne do this? Grandpa reads Evan a book, while I read to Allyson at another table.
We are in luck. There is a librarian doing Toddler Time in the front of the library. She is very good with songs, child participation rhymes, and story reading. Many toddlers sitting cross legged on the floor watch. Evan knows the answers first. Smart boy.
They go home today. I will miss them. I am happy that we had this time together.
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Added: Oct 14, 2009
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