Conference turris::womannotes-v3

    Being a parent is fine, but being a grandmother is the absolute
    BEST thing in the world.  As a friend of mine said, "I am trying
    to create a memory worth remembering for my grandchildren," and
    I realized that is what I am trying to do too.
    
    People who aren't grandparents talk about "spoiling" grandchildren,
    but I don't think of it that way.  Instead, I think of my grandchildren
    as being the recipients of all the love I didn't always shower on
    my own children because I had the responsibility to see to it that
    they grew up to be responsible adults.  I also realize that by making
    that statement, I may stir up a "rathole topic" of controversy
    over showing children love, but it's true.  There is something about
    parenthood that sometimes makes one stand firm at times when all
    you really want to do is forget the situation and let it slide.
    Being a grandmother relieves me of that onerous duty, and permits
    me to simply enjoy my grandchildren and their antics.
    
    Most of all, though, is the overwhelming love I feel when one of
    my little grandsons runs into my arms, kisses me and says, "I yub
    you, yub you, yub you, Grandma!"  I "yub" him too!
    
    Barb

    Oh, Barb, you've just explained the riddle that has been puzzling my
    brothers and me for many years.  I guess I didn't understand it because
    I'm not a grandmother (yet) myself.
    
    I have my parents' only grandchildren, and we live so far away from
    them that there have only been a few chances to get grandparents and
    grandchildren together over the years.  But both of my brothers and I
    noticed very early on that the household rules had definitely been
    changed somewhere between our childhood and the advent of
    grandchildren.  We even questioned our parents about those changes. 
    The only explanation we ever got (and apparently the only one the
    grandparents ever felt was necessary) was that "They (the children) are
    'grandchildren.'"  From that day to this, whenever my children break a
    household rule, I'm likely to hear as their excuse (archly), "I'm a
    grandchildren."
    
    Honestly, I can't wait to become a grandmother.  I'm ready to cuddle
    another little baby in my arms -- AND I'M NOT ABOUT TO HAVE ANOTHER
    MYSELF!  But I sure hope the kids at least finish school first.
    
    Karen
    

    Well as many =wn= noters know, Don and I are going to be grandparents
    in the end of December.
    
    I've been buying stuff for them...
    
    and I *can't wait*!
    
    Bonnie

    My favorite subject...in case anyone didn't know.
    
    I have moved and I live around the corner from J & J...it is wonderful!
    
    And I could tell J & J stories till the cows come home.
    
    Recently Justin began asking my opinion on various issues he has with
    his parents.  Although he does not hear what he wants to hear I believe
    the opportunity to express his feelings is important to him.
    
    Joe knows that whenever he comes over here there is food that he can
    have for the asking.
    
    I feel fortunate to be able to enjoy their love!

    Another note to which I just HAD to respond.  My mother once said that
    grandchildren were God's way of thanking you for having children.  In
    many ways I agree.  While raising your own children can be wonderful,
    the awesome responsibility of it all be overwhelming many times and
    when you are trying to do it alone, I cannot imagine the impact.
    
    However, grandchildren need only one thing from grandparents, that is
    LOVE and this grandmother is MORE than willing to give all I can.
    
    Thanks for starting this note, I will check it often.  After being able
    to share my grandson's life on a regular basis for more than 3 years,
    his mother has taken him to live in North Carolina and I haven't seen
    him since March.  As you can imagine, I miss him terribly and the
    telephone just doesn't quite make it.
    
    Looking forward to grandma stories.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Bernice
    
    
    

    I'm not a grandmother (yet? who knows?) but I have a glimpse at
    understanding a bit of how it feels.  I conceived my second child at
    least partly for baby-hunger; my first was 13 months and I missed my
    Baby (yah, I know, maudlin and weird; what can I say!) and I missed
    nursing (still do, for that matter) so we started another one. 
    Pregnancy the second time around was as awkward and uncomfortable as
    the first (tho admittedly easy) without the novelty.  The birth was a
    better time.  The baby was wonderful.
    
    But when he was 13 months or so, I thought of it again, and decided
    that I longed to hold an infant, feel that softness, smell that
    sweetness, coo to the infant -- and then to give the infant back to the
    mother!

    I just did a grandparent duty.  
    
    Justin came over for a bit to chat and did not finish his frozen 
    yogurt...guess what I have in my hand, on my spoon.
    
    Rule #1 - Grandchildrens leftovers have 0 calories.