While in Grand Rapids visiting my family over New Years, my brother, sister-in-law and I brought the kids over to visit (Great) Grandma Flo. Grandma to me, Great Grandma to my kids, that is!
As I mentioned in
this post, Grandma is now in a nursing home. Previously she had lived in and assisted living apartment so it was new for my kids to see so many other residents. I was so proud of Grant for being a big boy and talking politely to all of the passers by. The residents really get a kick out of all of the kids.
When we first arrived, she didn't recognize all of the kids, mostly because they were all bundled up in hats and coats but also because she has difficulty remembering recent events due to her dementia.
Since Grandma doesn't have much room for gifts, I thought it would be appropriate to give her a calendar that I made with pictures of her Great Grands. I really think she loved it too :)
I especially loved her getting to see Audrey. Grandma has only seen Audrey a couple of times and Gram was pretty sick our last visit in Aug so she basically didn't remember seeing Tootie since she was a baby. These next three pics are very special to me. Just see why for yourself...
I really thought Audrey was going to be scared of Grandma but she proved me completely wrong. She wasn't shy or apprehensive in the least. She was actually more enamored with Grandma than anything. I will surely cherish these pictures forever!
Grandma basically went through and got reintroduced to each of the Great Grands.
Little Logan (who is almost 3 but is super short for his age...you'll see what I mean later on in the post) fell asleep on the ride over and slept like a log through his entire introduction.
We each took our turns visiting with Grandma since she doesn't have the best hearing anymore and it is easiest to talk directly to her while on her right side.
I think she really enjoyed our visit.
Next it was on to taking some group pictures. That is Sam, my oldest nephew on the left, then Aiden the middle nephew, Susan my sister-in-law and of course Grandma.
All the while, Corey was working on waking up little Mister Sleepy-Head.
As you can see, he wasn't all too successful. Keep an eye on him throughout the group pictures. It is sure to make you giggle!
And one of the special lady all by her self but surrounded by love and family...
...oh, and
utter craziness!
Logey woke up with a burst of energy and before we knew it he and Audrey began running wildly through the lounge area. I normally wouldn't have allowed this kind of behavior but Grandma was really enjoying watching them having fun so we let it slide for a little while.
See what I mean about Logan being little??? Audrey is 2 years 2 mos in this pic and Logan is 2 years and 11 mos and they could easily be mistake for twins (not identical of course)! To give you an idea of how small they are...Audrey was 24 lbs at her 2 year check up so she really isn't that big and neither is he.
They kept running...
...and running.
While we kept visiting...
...and visiting.
And again...
...more running!
Finally, the kids were gingerly told to 'simmer down.' I guess this is their version of
simmering!
Finally, it was time to say goodbye. The part we always dread coming.
The feelings are always bitter sweet because I love seeing my children get the chance to bond with their last living Great Grand Parent but the haunting thought that it may be their last chance is always lingering in the back of my mind.
If, heaven forbid, anything were to happen to Grandma, I take comfort in the fact that my children will have these pictures and this blog to remind them of how wonderful their Great Grandma Flo is!
As I mentioned in this post, Grandma is now in a nursing home. Previously she had lived in and assisted living apartment so it was new for my kids to see so many other residents. I was so proud of Grant for being a big boy and talking politely to all of the passers by. The residents really get a kick out of all of the kids.
When we first arrived, she didn't recognize all of the kids, mostly because they were all bundled up in hats and coats but also because she has difficulty remembering recent events due to her dementia.
Since Grandma doesn't have much room for gifts, I thought it would be appropriate to give her a calendar that I made with pictures of her Great Grands. I really think she loved it too :)
I especially loved her getting to see Audrey. Grandma has only seen Audrey a couple of times and Gram was pretty sick our last visit in Aug so she basically didn't remember seeing Tootie since she was a baby. These next three pics are very special to me. Just see why for yourself...
I really thought Audrey was going to be scared of Grandma but she proved me completely wrong. She wasn't shy or apprehensive in the least. She was actually more enamored with Grandma than anything. I will surely cherish these pictures forever!
Grandma basically went through and got reintroduced to each of the Great Grands.
Little Logan (who is almost 3 but is super short for his age...you'll see what I mean later on in the post) fell asleep on the ride over and slept like a log through his entire introduction.
We each took our turns visiting with Grandma since she doesn't have the best hearing anymore and it is easiest to talk directly to her while on her right side.
I think she really enjoyed our visit.
Next it was on to taking some group pictures. That is Sam, my oldest nephew on the left, then Aiden the middle nephew, Susan my sister-in-law and of course Grandma.
All the while, Corey was working on waking up little Mister Sleepy-Head.
As you can see, he wasn't all too successful. Keep an eye on him throughout the group pictures. It is sure to make you giggle!
And one of the special lady all by her self but surrounded by love and family...
...oh, and utter craziness!
Logey woke up with a burst of energy and before we knew it he and Audrey began running wildly through the lounge area. I normally wouldn't have allowed this kind of behavior but Grandma was really enjoying watching them having fun so we let it slide for a little while.
See what I mean about Logan being little??? Audrey is 2 years 2 mos in this pic and Logan is 2 years and 11 mos and they could easily be mistake for twins (not identical of course)! To give you an idea of how small they are...Audrey was 24 lbs at her 2 year check up so she really isn't that big and neither is he.
They kept running...
...and running.
While we kept visiting...
...and visiting.
And again...
...more running!
Finally, the kids were gingerly told to 'simmer down.' I guess this is their version of simmering!
Finally, it was time to say goodbye. The part we always dread coming.
The feelings are always bitter sweet because I love seeing my children get the chance to bond with their last living Great Grand Parent but the haunting thought that it may be their last chance is always lingering in the back of my mind.
If, heaven forbid, anything were to happen to Grandma, I take comfort in the fact that my children will have these pictures and this blog to remind them of how wonderful their Great Grandma Flo is!
