Grandaughters

Joanna was telling me about Kaitlyn being a "girly girl". In spite of having two brothers, Kaitlyn is all about the pretty things and romance.

Joanna got her some new hair doodads. Kaitlyn loved them! Joanna was pleased.

But little did she know that the new hair things would show her what a girly girl her daughter is.

Kaitlyn was playing quietly by herself with two of the hair baubles. Joanna listened.

"Mommy," Kaitlyn said, as she bounced a hair bauble in her left hand.

"Daddy," Kaitlyn said, doing the same with one in her right hand.

But the next thing she did was the kicker.

She brought the two baubles together, bouncing them happily along, then smacking them together.

"K I S S", came the sound.

I wonder what SHE sees at her house. :D

Emma and Becky - dancers!

The girls had their dance recital today - and they did a wonderful job! Here are some pictures (notice how cute they are?):

Beautiful dance, girls! 

Love,

Granny

8/08/08 - Levi's Birthday

Very early this morning, my son was awakened by his 9-months-pregnant wife, Joanna.

"Matt, wake up," she said urgently, punctuating the words with a blow to his back. "We have to go to the hospital NOW!"

It's amazing how God orders our steps. Joanna had left the other two children at her mom's house, figuring she just might go into labour. So, off they went to the hospital.

Joanna was feeling pressure, breathing through the contractions. Matt drove, fast. Every so often he would pat her legs, reassuring her to hang in there. Joanna just breathed more intently.

They came to an intersection. Matt noticed the cop vaguely, but was determined to deliver his wife safely to the hospital, so she could deliver her baby. He paid little attention to what the cop was doing.

Not too many minutes passed before Matt noticed headlights, gaining on him. They kept a-coming, and the next thing he knew, the headlights were right on his tail. Then they backed off a bit. Matt kept a-driving. Joanna kept a-breathing.

They weren't more than five minutes from town when the cop put the cherries on. "Keep going, Matt. Don't stop!" said Joanna.

Matt pulled over to the side of the road amid the sounds of heavy breathing and the protestations coming from the passenger seat. He ran back to the cop.

"Get into your vehicle, sir," the cop commanded.

"My wife is having a baby!" Matt announced, his voice rising with the urgency of the situation. "We've got to get to the hospital now. I've gotta go!"

Then, "Can I go?"

"A baby?" questioned the cop.

"Yes! It's coming now! I've got to go! Can I go?"

The cop said yes, and off Matt drove like a madman.

When they got to the hospital and Joanna got out of the car, she felt the baby drop. She could not sit. So, no wheelchair. Instead, Matt practically dragged her through the long hallway to the elevator. Her contractions were one on top of the other, so she'd try to stop to breathe through them.

"Just let me stop for a second, Honey."

"No, Honey, you can make it. C'mon!"

Joanna told me later that Matt half-dragged her and half-carried her. They got to the room, and the midwife was setting up. When she checked Joanna, the baby was right there.

"If you push, the water will break."

Joanna wasn't sure it would, but she thought she'd give it a try. Break it did, shooting across the room! The midwife leaped out of the way of the spray!

It only took 8 minutes to birth the baby; the head was the hardest part, and he had very broad shoulders, but with a bit of help from the midwife, Levi James entered the world!

He's simply gorgeous. It took us all about 1.2 seconds to fall in love.

Becky Rides her Bike!

Becky is very proud of herself today. Her biggest brother, Justin, learned to ride his bike when he was 7. The next biggest brother, Ethan, learned to ride his bike when he was 6. But our little granddaughter, Becky, is only 5. And very, very proud of herself!

I told her mom not to tell them that she was only four. Wouldn't want to burst the bubble...

Bell Boys (and a girl!)

Today, Rachel brought her children to "Granny's house" while dh was on the truck. Matthew, 8 months yesterday, had fun sitting in our little sink for a bit. He then played happily on the floor with his twin sister, Heidi, while big brother Trenton copied a Psalm with Uncle Christopher.


Meanwhile, three-year-old Stewie busied himself playing "checkers", or a form thereof, and waiting for Auntie Linda to make lunch. Apparently the very early rising of the Bell family this morning was too much for Stewart to handle. This is what he looked like when he was eating his lunch:
Aunt Linda took pity on him, and came to his rescue, helping him eat the rest of his food before he went off to Dreamland.

And just one more picture for good measure, before I go and join Sleepy Stewie in a good night's sleep:



Now you know why I call my blog "Grannymom's Spot"! Grandkids are great!

Busy, busy days!

I got a call from my nephew David a week ago. "What are you doing this weekend, Aunt Janet?"

Turns out we were invited to a whirlwind wedding in Niagara Falls. David and his love, Kate, were tying the knot at the Calvary Chapel. After some scrambling and some indecision (we REALLY wanted to be there, but with the truck breaking down and all of the uncertainties surrounding that, we weren't sure we could) we finally decided to go ahead.

We're sure glad we did. The drive to Niagara Falls on Saturday was beautiful. The sun was shining, and there was just enough snow to make the scenery into a winter wonderland. We stopped at three wineries on our way to the hotel, just to experience "Vineland". Where else would I be able to get a sip of wine valued at $120 per bottle? The sommelier explained why it was so expensive ( only a few of those kinds of grapes, the vines well-trimmed to produce hearty fruit, etc.) and then gave us a home-made chocolate truffle to go with it. Yum!

The wedding was scheduled for 6:30 pm. It was short but sweet.

Ryleigh and Anna were the flower-girls. They are cousins, just weeks apart in age. So adorable!

We ate the wedding dinner at an Italian restaurant, Casa Dora. I had salmon with maple syrup flavouring. Interesting! There was much laughter and many stories were told of David and Kate when they were younger.

The next morning, we had a dip in the pool, followed by a lovely breakfast in the hotel. Then Rick and I and Jeff and Adeena went to see the falls and browse through the souvenir shop.

We stopped to visit friends on the way home, so got in late and exhausted, but happy. Let me count the blessings:

1. A mini-getaway with oldest daughter and both of our husbands. That was a rare treat!
2. An adventure visiting three wineries in the centre of Vineland.
3. We witnessed the marriage of our favourite nephew and his lovely bride.
4. A scrumptious evening meal at an Italian restaurant.
5. A dip in the pool - just the four of us!
6. Yummy breakfast.
7. Fun sight-seeing.
8. Spontaneous visit to our friends.
9. It just happened that Matt and Joanna were there- so we got to see them, too!
10. The top reason why we were blessed this weekend is that we found out that grandbaby #16 is on the way!

Wisdom from Mother

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER .
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOUR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favourite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you."

Thanks, Heather, for sending this to me! I am glad that my kids turned out just like me...at least when they emulate my good characteristics.

Today is my grandson's birthday! Nate is 6, so in honour of that special event, I quoted the following poem by A.A. Milne. It's a poem I always quote to every one of my kids, and now my grandkids, when they turn six.

When I Was One

When I was one, I was just begun.
When I was two, I was nearly new.
When I was three, I was hardly me.
When I was four, I was not much more.
When I was five, I was just alive,
But now that I'm six, I'm better than better-
I think I'll stay six now forever and ever!

Happy Birthday, Nater! Keep that smile and that sense of humour! Love, Granny.

Grandmothers and Grandchildren

"Grandmothers and grandchildren have a lot in common. They are inclined to straggle behind on walks. They doze off at unexpected moments. They like fancy cakes. They are very fond of cats and know how to talk to them. They are given to falling over. They get the giggles." - Pam Brown

I was so blessed today! This morning I saw four of the grandkids (Justin, Ethan, Rebekah, and Michael) at the chiropractor's office. I got hugs and kisses from each of them before I left.

This afternoon, I was treated to a visit from four more(Trenton, Stewart, and the twins)! More hugs, more kisses. Baby grins, complete with drool. I can't ever get enough of those little faces.

Then, this evening, two more of the grandkids came for supper at "Granny's house"! Kaleb and Kaitlyn entertained us for the evening. Kaleb is fascinated with telephones, and whenever he heard the phone ring, he would put his fist up to his ear and solemnly say, "Hello"; gibberish would follow, then: "Bye". He's nearly two, but is really all grown up. After all, he IS a big brother!

Kaitlyn is a happy baby. All smiles. Even when she was hurt a bit, the cries only lasted a few moments.

Our joy as grandparents is always enhanced as we watch how well cared for these little ones are. Their parents (our children!) LOVE them. They play with them, coax belly laughs from them, care for them, nurse them, delight in them. We see ourselves reflected in our grown children. We remember how much we loved our babies. It does our hearts good to see this love continue to the next generation.

"To show a child what has once delighted you, to find the child's delight added to your own, so that thee is now a double delight seen in the glow of trust and affection, this is happiness."- J.B. Priestley

Sweet Becky!

Little kids say the cutest things. Now that we are expecting our 15th grandbaby, we have lots of sources for sayings that I will always treasure in my heart.

Today my five year old granddaughter, Becky (otherwise known as Becky-Lou), gave us a chuckle.

Adeena wrote, "Becky was cleaning her room. She brought down the box that she used to carry up all the little stuff she got for Christmas, including her new Granny & Poppa for her 'big house'. As she was walking by, I asked her where her Granny and Poppa were. She said they were in the big house, in their rocking chair.

She takes a few steps, pauses, turns and says, "And I put a chair in front of them so they can put their feet on it.. you know, for their knees."

LOL! Now, go back to the picture and look carefully. You will see the Granny and Poppa with their feet up. You know, for their knees!

Today is my mom's birthday. If she had lived, she would have been 75. She would have appreciated Becky's thoughtfulness in providing a nice footstool for the Granny and Poppa!

Birth Story - Rachel's twins!

Rachel was due to be induced on Sunday, August 5th, but when she called the hospital as directed, the nurse told her not to come in. They were simply too busy. Rachel had a good cry, then spent the day with Mike, visiting the children at the campsite and trying to stay cool.

On Monday morning, Rachel was told to be at the hospital by 8:00 am. When we arrived at 8:30, they checked the babies and Rachel in Triage, then moved her to her room - 224 - the same room that Stewart was born in. The OB was busy with a c-section, but took some time to come in and break Rachel's water, around 9:30 or so.

Nothing much happened for a couple of hours, but by noon, the contractions were strong. Rachel did beautifully, breathing through them, relaxing her muscles as much as possible. They were about 6 minutes apart for the first while, but gradually increased in intensity and duration. Rachel was beginning to feel nauseated, and was shaky, trembling in her hands and legs, so the nurse was sure she was getting close to transition. We were so disappointed when they checked, and she was only 5 cm dilated. The head was right there, however, so Rachel soldiered on.

The contractions became harder and longer. Mike helped Rachel by putting a cold cloth on her head and giving her ice chips. She could not find a comfortable position, and she complained about the bands that held the monitors in place. They really hurt during contractions, but the nurse insisted that it was imperative to monitor the babies continually. Heidi kept running away from the monitor, flipping and turning...so someone had to hold the thing in place and tilt it towards the baby!

After another hour and a trip to the bathroom, they checked and she was only 6 cm. Rachel decided that she was done. She couldn't handle the pain any more. The nurse offered her the gas. "No!" Then how about a shot of Demoral? "NO!"

"I want an epidural!"

Are you sure this is what you want? With your first pregnancy it didn't take, and you were numb in your legs but felt the uterine contractions and backache. Are you sure?

"YES!!!"

The doctor came and administered the epidural, and within 15 minutes Rachel had dilated to 9 cm! They moved her to the operating room as a precaution. She was lying there, totally calm. She had colour back in her cheeks. The stress level in the room had diminished. The doc checked, and she was fully dilated.

They got her to push...BIG BREATH, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8....let it out...another breath.... With each contraction, Rachel pushed three times. Only four contractions later, Matthew's head was crowning. Rachel gave little pushes as the OB requested, and once the cord was removed from around the baby's neck, out he came, crying before the cord was even cut. He was 6 lbs, 7 ounces, and 9, 9, 10 on the apgar score!

Heidi began to hide, swimming away from the doctor. She first presented with her arm up over her head. Not good. Then there was a hand and a foot, then a knee and a hand.... Finally, two feet! Doc pulled on baby's legs while Rachel pushed to help. It was so amazing to watch this long skinny baby hanging feet first from Mom...seconds later, her head was born and she was here!

Heidi didn't breathe right away, but didn't take long. They did have to bag her, but only briefly. She was 8, 9, 10 on the apgar score, and weighed in at 5 lbs, 9 oz.

The placentas came away with no difficulty. NO tears. Rachel is fine, babies are fine, Mike is fine, Granny is fine, although a little teary even today. Both Mike and Granny were crying in the delivery room. It was such a beautiful moment to witness the birth of these two precious babies, and to know both Mom and babes were healthy.

The epidural, in this case, was just what Rachel needed. There is no way she could have handled the pain of the doc fishing for the second twin. Her dilation was proceeding too slowly, and she was at the point of panic, so the epidural calmed her down enough that her body could do what it was supposed to do. I am thankful that she chose to have this medication.

Both twins are nursing well. The Lord provided a mother of twins as Rachel's night nurse. She was a real encouragement, as she nursed her boy/girl twins for a year.

Truly, children are a heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Truly, we are blessed.

The Big C's

In preparation for our trip to Quebec, we are learning about early Canadian History. I taught my children and grandchildren the following poem(Read: fourteen hundred and ninety-two):

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
In 1497, Cabot decided cod fishing was heaven!
In 1534, Cartier erected a cross onshore.
In the year 1608, Champlain built a fort at the river's gate.

We talked about how the early explorers would sail into unknown waters, with no means of communication. They had no cellphones, no satellites, no tvs... no way of knowing what was ahead or what was happening in their home countries.

We read stories about all of the men listed above. We learned about cod fishing off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland; about the St. Lawrence River and the Gaspe Peninsula. We talked about Tadoussac, the Saguenay River, and beluga whales. We learned about scurvy and vitamin C, and about the Huron, Algonquin, and Iroquois Indians. I think the grandchildren's favourite story was the one of Pilotte, the little dog who would scout for Iroquois who might attack the little fort at Ville-Marie.

What a rich history we have in Canada! It will be such fun to go to Quebec and see some of the areas we are learning about.

Not long now...

The twins are coming! The twins are coming! I feel like Paul Revere, making the announcement that the British were on their way.

Truthfully, I don't know when my daughter's twins will make their way into this world, but Rachel looks like she is done! At nearly 37 weeks pregnant, she is huge! Her belly is gigantic. She can hardly walk, and she feels as if everything will soon fall out.

Our whole family is excited about the babies' impending birth. It has been a sacrifice for everyone who loves Rachel. Of course, she is the one with the sore back and swollen ankles, sleepless nights and nausea. However, her husband has had to be gracious with his emotional and sometimes impatient wife. Her family has had to put up with her frustrations and fears as she deals with an OB set in her ways. We have had to "lend" our children to her, almost every day. (I miss having the entire family home at once.) One of the children is always missing...or we have Rachel's boys here. She simply can't do it by herself.

Although it has been a sacrifice, if you were to ask me if it is worth all the time and effort we have invested in order to help bring two precious souls into this world, you KNOW my answer if you know me at all: OF COURSE! Absolutely. Positively. Rachel needs the help. We happen to have a family large enough to have plenty of helpers. And God knew it all beforehand!

I sat and watched Rachel this evening as she sat in her chair, feeling the babies move. The skin of her tummy is shiny, it is so stretched. It looks like a balloon ready to pop. Rachel looks tired, but happy. She murmurs to the babies as they stretch, and we see a little knee push out, or a foot defined and obvious. She smiles as her two year old talks about the babies and pats his mommy's tummy.

All is right with the world, and the babies are coming.

Soon!

Janet, soon to be a grandmother to 14!

Duck (?) Pond

I have a pond in my front yard. It's been there about three years, and I really enjoy it. The water trickling down over the rocks gives a soothing sound to the patio, and the lilies are spectacular! We enjoy the tadpoles, frogs, and various other water creatures that have found their way to this spot, but I particularly love my goldfish. I have been growing them for three years, taking them in during the winter, and putting them back into the pond each spring. I love to watch them swim through the lilies or dart in and out of the rocks.

This year I have two problems: my pond is green. I can't see my fish. I have treated the pond with algae eater that will work over time, and I am waiting patiently, sort of.

We do have ducks, which are NOT allowed in my pond. They have their own swimming pool, literally (an old child's pool that has been given over to the ducks), and they have been told in no uncertain terms that they are not permitted to crash my pond and wreck my lilies, and especially, they are NOT allowed to EAT my fish!

Imagine my dismay this afternoon when I walked out my front door to see a duck, dipping in the pond, tail feathers on display. I hurried down the steps to chase the culprit from the pond, in order to save the lives of my hapless goldfish.

Upon closer inspection, what looked like the rear end of a duck was actually grandson Stewart's discarded Pull-Up diaper. He was finished with it, and I suppose he thought that tossing it into Granny's pond was as good a place as any to rid himself of the hated thing.

I wish my digital camera was working... I don't know which was funnier: the diaper "duck" or the look on my face. GRIN!