Natalie

Natalie is a girl who knows what she wants. Her pjs need to be in a certain place in her drawer and her toast cut to specific measurements. She can multitask . . . you think she's busy with something, but she's listening to conversations around her, so you have to be ready to answer her questions. And, as previously eluded to, she is a planner.

Sometimes I wonder whom she goes after. Smile. There is one area I've realized she's a lot like me. She's a girl after my heart when it comes to baking and . . . for a four-year-old she can be a big help already. As she plans, she lets me know, "Mimi, I was thinking we should make apple pies."

When I finally got around to it, she pulled up her stool and figured out what we should do. Without being asked, she dug into the recipe drawer, pulled out her mom's favorite recipe binder and paged through it until she found the fruit pie recipe, recognizing it by a pie sticker.

She sampled apples while I was cutting and soon we were both rolling.

We made five pies and she did not tire of her kitchen duties. In fact, she had seen a picture of donuts on the cover of a magazine and thought we should still make donuts.

So, after a lunch break, we tried our hand at something new to me. I think I will be making these again . . . and always remember the first time I made donuts.

Landon

Landon is at that age where he waffles between being a baby and a big boy. Sometimes he looks at his Mommy with those begging, big blue eyes wonders if she will ever pick him up and carry him again. Other times, when she wants to help him with something, he insists on, "I do it!"

Last night after baths, I asked him if he wanted me to read him some stories. He replied with a "What?" that sounded like he had not been asked that question in 12 years! So Kristal tried to confirm with him by also asking him if he wanted Mimi to read a story, to which he replied, "No, thank you." Of course, then Kristal told him it was time for bed and he promptly came up with, "I think it's time for books."

His Hands

Baby Koen . . . 

you open one eye . . . 

then maybe the other, 

listening to the sounds 

of your sister and brother. 

I'm mesmerized as I watch 

the varied expressions 

that cross your face. 

I love how your legs 

tuck up against you 

to make you ever so small, 

and how your arms flail 

when you realize there's no wall. 

I love your quick little breaths

and sounds coming forth 

like blissful sighs. 

But, funny thing, 

most I marvel when 

your outstretched hands I see. 

Hands that make me wonder 

what one day you will be . . . 

And I whisper a prayer 

that you will use them 

to show a heart just as big. 

With love, your Mimi

Grandparenting in Colorado

We landed in Durango just about the same time as Kristal was being released at the hospital, so we ended up meeting on their driveway.

Excitement was spilling over, not only because we were meeting our newest grandson, but we all had not seen each other since June.

Visiting with suitcases in hand, lends itself to a completely different kind of visit. It's a time of complete immersion into the real life of our little family. This time it was a special treat to share in the firsts of Koen's homecoming ... such as first baths and bedtime snuggles. Then, of course, the usual games, stories and visits to our room to cuddle or jump on the bed.

Natalie reminded me about the "baking cupcakes while Landon is napping" scheme

and we fit that in right away so that we have some more chances later in the week yet too. This time around she also planned what we would do "while the cupcakes are baking". Sometimes I wonder whom she takes after.

We've had several walks along the beautiful river close by. I could hardly put my camera away, it was so beautiful!

We've all taken turns with snuggles and playing and I get to stay and enjoy a lot more of this but, sadly, I'm on my own now as work has beckonned my H back home, however, even just two days have been well worth the trip and the special memories made once again.

He's Here!

We are so thankful to be able to announce the birth of Koen Jeffrey - our seventh grandchild!
Another beautiful baby with ten toes and ten fingers . . . fearfully and wonderfully knit together!

Not sure how he's feeling about leaving his comfy hiding place and entering this bright, loud world . . . but he'll soon find out how much he's loved and cared for.

I look forward to holding you in my arms tomorrow, baby Koen! We love you already . . . Papa and Grammy

On Language Learning

Since I have no baby news yet . . . I will fill in another day with thoughts from my little autograph book.

I have enjoyed reading words written by friends, cousins, aunts and uncles . . . page after page of kind wishes. I came across this poem, written in Portuguese, which is the language I learned at school. Although I would not be able to even begin a conversation in that language today . . . when I read these words, I understand all but one word.

This just makes me wonder - would just anyone be able to read these words and make sense of them . . . or have I benefited from having had to learn several languages in my life? I once read a quote, and I don't remember who said it but, translated from German, it says,

"He who never learns another language, does not really know his own."

This saying has some truth in it. How can one describe how their language functions if one has nothing to compare it to? When we learn another language, we become aware of how easy or difficult our own language really is.

I have a good friend, whom I regularly walk with, who also has a German background. Although we have always spoken English to each other . . . every once in a while a German word comes out of our mouths, because it just says it better than the translated English word does. We laugh and go on . . . both understanding the exact meaning of what the other is saying.

So . . . these are some thoughts on language. Know that if you are giving your kids the chance to learn another language, they may not like it now, but will most likely thank you one day. Learning another language opens the door to more relationships, a better understanding of other people, and empathy for those trying to learn your language.