it’s a different world, becoming a fairly new grandparent.
Spending time with my “grandgirls” is one of the most important things I do in my personal time. It makes for a very different life.
I sometimes get exhausted with the more physical activities. Where do they get so much energy? I keep asking myself.
But what joy!
In addition to the more boisterous playtime activities – climbing, sliding, running around, etcetera – both girls love reading and writing, and the older one is crazy about math and problem solving. Luckily for grandpa and me, they like our help.
Luckier still, older granddaughter is also crazy about gardening. Fairy gardens in her playhouse and indoors. Outdoor gardening in spring and fall.
Recently, with a little help from us, she planted daffodils in her family’s backyard.
But she’s probably proudest of what she did last spring and the 2 springs before – when she was just a toddler. She is quick to remind us that she helped her parents plant their front and side gardens.
Time spent with 2 young children is a source of joy and wonder.
Because they’re little, the grandgirls see things I don’t, or things I take for granted. Like the worm wriggling in the soil. The ant carrying a dry leaf. A wildflower in the lawn.
For me, it’s a chance to watch and admire my daughter and son-in-law parent. They do some things very differently than the way we did. And it often works.
It’s also a chance to inhabit the world of small children again. To really see a smaller world up close. To rediscover the beauty in a leaf, a small stone, a tiny flower.
I often think about the future – their future. As they grow, their world will get bigger and bigger. What kind of world will it be? I try to not worry, to return to the present.
Luckily, as I watch my grandchildren explore their worlds, life consists of small moments in which they are totally present. It’s something I could do more of.
Wonderful to see – you and your grandchildren! What a lot of pleasure they can bring you. Enjoy my friend!
Jessica xxoo
Thanks, Jessica! Big hugs to you both.
What a wonderful stage to enjoy while it lasts. Engaging write up, Cynthia.
Thank you. Nice to hear from you.
Amen, and a truly lovely post.
Awww. Thank you.
Such a sweet post! Those grand grandgirls are utterly adorable.
They are grand indeed. Thanks, Laurie!
A lovely day in the garden with your grandchildren.
It’s the sweetest thing. Thanks for visiting.
My pleasure
True and beautiful
Thank you, Silvia! Your grandie is growing fast.
I’m glad you get to spend quality time with your grandchildren. Hearing that you garden together warms my heart. It’s definitely fun to spend time with children, at least in small doses!
A happy post! Our grandson one is 6 years old today and they all bring us both so much joy.
Happy birthday- week- to your grandson. You got there before me and I remember how excited and happy you were.
You and your family are growing and cherishing wonderful little humans. In time they will take their turn in trying to create a better world and the chances are they will do a better job of it than we did.
From your lips to God’s ear, dear friend.
Grandchildren really do change your world. I have become a grandmother of 3 in the last two years. I notice many more things with their development than maybe I did as their full time caretaker. Enjoy every moment!
You have that right! It’s an unexpected opportunity to help in parenting young ones in a whole new, less exhausting way. One of my life’s great joys.
Thank you for such a heartwarming and uplifting post. You are cultivating some wonderful memories for your grandgirls.
Thank you, Liz. Having the photos will also help them and me to remember these small mom.
You’re welcome, Cynthia.
The world through the eyes of a child is a wonderful thing. The girls have grown so much! The time passes quickly, and I know you will cherish every moment of it.
The world will be what it will be. Their parents and grandparents will help prepare them for it as best they can, help them develop the confidence and the tools they will need going forward. The rest they will figure out. Worry not, dear friend.
When I grow up, I hope to be as wise as you. Thank you, dear Lavinia, for these sensible thoughts.
I wish I were wise! Much love to you, dear Cynthia.
Children are full of light.
A lovely way to describe it, Cindy.
Thank you.
When my two grandchildren were that age, it involved some of the most special memories I carry today. Our adult children’s world is different than ours, and our grandchildren’s world will be light years away from ours. When I listen to my grandkids talk about life sometimes I need to google words to even know what they are talking about. I use to long for those little arms around my neck for a hug, and today my 6’2″ grandson still gives me a big hug that makes my heart skip a beat. He will always be that ‘little guy’ while I’m looking up at him. Enjoy your time with your girls because life doesn’t get much better than that.
Such a lovely response, Judy.
Thank you for it.
I still sometimes need to google terms my grown children use. And I’m still not sure what they do for a living. It’s IT related but beyond that, it’s a mystery. Right now, thank goodness the grandies use words I can understand.
It’s lovely to see these pictures of you engaging with your grandchildren Cynthia, the love comes through strongly in your words.
Thank you, Andrea!
You are fortunate to share their world in the present and provide them with loving memories for the different world that they will live in. Your granddaughters are fortunate to have you as their grandmother!
How kind of you, Jo Nell.
I wish you a happy and healthy new year.
Beautiful blessings. 🙂
Such a lovely post .. how wonderful that your granddaughter enjoys the garden!
It is a joy for us all. Such a delightful age.
No one does “in the moment” like a small child. We can always learn anew how to focus and enjoy what’s right in front of us. Happy to see how much you’re enjoying them. And to have a young gardener, too!
Thanks, Jeanne. Happy new year!
Hello Cynthia, I thought you had stopped blogging as your posts have dropped out of my feed. So I came looking for you and here you are enjoying life with your gorgeous grandchildren. I am so happy for you, what a delight it must be having these litle people in your life.
And what a joy to hear from you! Thank you. I wondered why I no longer got your posts. I will check in.
Young children as so inquisitive and have boundless energy. They certainly know how to keep us on our toes.
This is a beautiful post, and I’m so pleased to be seeing it now. I will have 5 grandsons by May, and although only a couple live locally, I try my hardest to be outdoors with them whenever possible. One of the true joys of life! So happy you get to share that joy, Cynthia.
5! How fortunate you are.
One of the true joys of life, indeed.
Someone asked me at a speech I gave today: “Are you writing a new book now?”
I said “No. I’m too busy spending time with my grandchildren!”
Lovely. 🙂