When I became a granparent, it was one of the biggest highlights in my life. I screwed up being a parent, so I promised myself I'd be a better grandmother. When my children were born, I wanted my parents to be in their lives because I knew how important having grandparents in their lives were. I wanted what I had with my grandparents. Today, I get to be that grandparent and have that relationship I wanted for my children. I had no idea that I would have it wrong--having that relationship with my grandchildren is what it's all about.
I struggled with what I should be called--I grew up knowing only one name -- grandma. I'm different from everyone in my family. I was always the black sheep. It wasn't a hidden type of thing (only they couldn't see it). Billy (my husband) bought me the first necklace that said "Nana" on it, before I knew I would be called Nana. My oldest granddaughter was the one who deemed me Nana. She couldn't say grandma yet, but it was enough to steal my heart. we have a special bond. She was my first and she came from my first. She litterally stole my heart the first moment I saw her. And this little girl had a magic about her that I can't explain. When I was with her, I could be more. I wasn't scared to open up and be goofy. I didn't have depression. I wasn't lost. I was hers. She inspired the Fairytale Adventures series. Of course, I had her parents' permission before writing the books. It was only supposed to be one, but I couldn't let go of the characters, so more were written. Almost everything in the story came from her. Her magic was transferred to a world of magic with fairies, gnomes, fairytale creatures, and more. I even tossed in some unicorns, dragons, and other mytholical creatures like centaurs. It was fun looking everything up.
Then her brother came and I was in the delivery room for him. And the family continued to grow. They gained a cousin, then another cousin and a sister. I don't think my oldest is finished, but having five grandchildren is awesome. And they can all say "Nana" which is my favorite word.
I'd like to share some pictures now, if that's okay.
This is our youngest. The story behind the cookie...
Damon wanted one, but he did not like one being handed to him. I didn't realize that until Billy put the package in front of him. Now he was extremely tired and cranky from playing so hard, so all he did was cry when we tried giving him a cookie. The moment Billy offered the package, Damon took the cookie and calmed down. He held onto it like it was a prize. Even when he fell asleep, he hugged that cookie close to him. He did eventually let go and slept hard for a bit. He's in the terrible two's stage, by the way lol.
This is Damon's sister, Jessica. She's Pawpaw's girl through and through. Everytime they come to visit, she waddles to the bed and has to be close to Pawpaw. She will giggle before she even sees him because she knows he's going to tickle her and she loves being tickled. No one else can make her laugh as hard as he can and it's the cutest thing.
She was the last one to learn how to walk. I thought it was never going to happen, so when I saw her finally take her steps I was super excited. She's a little slower than the others. The doctors said it may never happen, but I was hopeful. I'm glad she proved the doctors wrong.
These two kids belong to my youngest daughter. We see them just about everyday right now. It's nice having them close by so we can see them whenever we want and days when we just want to be alone lol. Mommy tends to be a bit annoying (just as kids can get lol), but I do love them! It isn't going to be forever so I'm trying to take advantage of it for as long as I can (don't tell their mother lol). Anyway, that's enough for this little tidbit from Nana's Corner. I'd like to share more as time passes, not too much mind you.
Do you have any favorite moments with your grandchildren or children?
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