Hormones and bottles ...

Well ... yesterday was another one of 'those' days which actually turned out to be a good day even in the middle of hormones and baby bottles!

It started as it typically does when I go to Teri's to stay with kids -- how many kids will be there when I arrive? Perhaps I should just make a game out of it? I was fairly certain that there would be four -- but when I arrived, I ran into two girls that do not live there! (Would there be six??) It was two friends of Marley's who Teri told me would be leaving shortly. ("Shortly" is always relative to Teri!)

Marley was having a hard time since her shopping excursion with her friend, Meredith had been nixed due to an issue with her parents. (I didn't ask what it was -- I've done my time where that is concerned so don't need to know!) Anyway, she was unhappy and was in her parents' bedroom. I went in to talk to her and assured her that we could have a good time in the middle of the 'bad' time. She had told her mother she was certain she would be bored all day! (And probably at her age, I would have been of the same mind set!)

Not long after that, one of the other girls let me know that Marley was emotionally distraught so I went to check on her -- Teri wasn't gone yet but was trying to get ready to leave. (I won't go there since one of the differences between Teri and me -- I leave or arrive on time -- she doesn't -- and she won't mind me sharing that, I'm sure.)

Here's where hormones come in -- or at least, the early stages of hormones (does that make any sense?) Come to find out, Bailey was trying to locate something in one of Marley's dresser drawers and came upon her diary. She didn't read it but set it on the bed -- and, yup, you got it ... her best friend did what best friends should never do without permission ... she read aloud some from Marley's diary. Marley was mortifed and understandably so. At that point, I don't think she was too disappointed in losing shopping privileges since the gal she was to shopping with had just violated her privacy.

And so we started the day ... Rudy acted like he remembered who I was -- had a great smile for me and actually was quite responsive when I took him. He's a bubbly type of guy -- from personality to actually blowing bubbles -- isn't that what six month old babies like to do?! And he actually made the decision that bottles could be for him if that's the best I could do. So, one of the bottles, he inhaled in about five minutes. I'm not sure if I was more startled that he was taking it so well or he was when it was empty so quickly!!

Marley and I had some great Nana / granddaughter talks where you listen more than anything and she shared lots of what is going on and how she views situations with friends, etc. At one point, Rudy was asleep on my lap in the nursery and she came into the room. I asked her if she needed anything and she said, "No ..." But she sat down and we just talked ... it's fun to talk to an eleven year old child (going on 25!) We laughed at some pretty funny things that had happened at their church and her perspective on them! She told me how she'd like to write a blog so I did some research and set her up with a blogsite where only those she invites can view her blog and any comments will be emailed to her mother. (That will keep her on he toes for sure!) However, all of this was based on her mother's approval -- which she gave when she arrived home and knew we had taken extra care to protect Marley.) I received my invitation to visit her blog today! I helped her set it up and then she was off and running -- she knew how to download and upload more quickly than I did. Okay, why should I be surprise, I know!! I asked her if she had been bored -- I guess she summed it up on one of her posts -- "My nana came today -- and I had sooooo much fun!!"

I was wondering where Regan and Bailey a couple times during the day -- they are usually not very quiet. But, they were playing 'dolls' and playing very peaceably! Wow! Again -- I'm not sure whether I was more surprised or they were!

It's so interesting to observe your grandchildren as they develop their own personalities and interests. Each one is so different -- From Kasi to Rudy -- 16-1/2 years between them -- I enjoy each one and the things that make that one special! We have eight of them -- eight different personalities -- and in some cases, reflections of their mothers! And that can be scary!! Although in a couple cases, they are reflections of their aunts. Like RJ, who acts just like his Aunt Teri ... knowing exactly what button to push with Tyler! Sandi instructed Tyler, "You just walk away." I was listening to the two kids a couple days ago and I heard Tyler say, "I know, I just need to walk away." I was pretty sure that RJ was pushing that button again .. and then smiling all so sweetly!

I am so glad that they are grandchildren ... I can love 'em and hand 'em back!! Yesterday, I was with four of them in Winter Haven. Today I was with the other four here ... I am indeed blessed!