Grammie and Pappy Visiting with Phoebe

By Grammie (aka Dave’s mom)

I say visiting with Phoebe, as we spent very little time with Jessica and David. Due to a commitment, not legally binding (NO PAPERS SIGNED), we committed to total baby care while the grown-up kids participated in an annual ice climbing festival held in Ouray, CO. We flew in on Thursday and took the bus from the airport into Boulder. That evening we had our official Christmas celebration. We had dinner at home thanks to Jess and got Phoebe’s gifts opened just before her bedtime. Friday we all met in town and had a nice lunch prior to Jess and Dave getting out of town! Finally, Phoebe was officially in our care! At last we had her all to ourselves, with no one to question or laugh at our silliness as we completely and utterly enjoyed our granddaughter.

Phoebe has the most pleasant personality and her smile will melt your heart in an instant. I must say we were just a little nervous in the beginning; we didn’t know if Phoebe would be strange with us. After all, we don’t see her every week! Our fears were put to rest by the end of the first day. Jess made arrangements so we could take Phoebe to daycare and pick her back up if needed. But with two capable grandparents, who needs daycare! Even the book of instructions carefully prepared by mom were thankfully never needed.

Friday flew by and Saturday was a full day of feeding, playing, naps, feeding, playing, naps, and of course diapers, diapers, and more diapers! No trip to Lafayette would be complete without a wonderful Mexican meal at Efrain’s. So off we went with Phoebe for a great dinner that I did not have to cook. It was apparent we were not the only ones enjoying Phoebe’s company, as her lovely personality sparked the attention of at least one other couple! We managed to keep Phoebe on her usual schedule of bedtime at 8:00, and by 10:30 Grammie and Pappy were also in bed sleeping! Yes, total baby care at 50-something is even more exhausting than I remembered.

We spent Sunday housebound. With the cold, snow, and football games, it was nice to stay in and play. Phoebe enjoys everything except getting strapped into her car seat, so for that reason alone, home was a good place to be. Besides, with all the Christmas toys, Pooh train included, Miss Phoebe had all she needed to enjoy numerous hours in her room on the floor, playing with Grammie. Standing at the bottom of the stairs and playing “peek a boo” with Pappy was also a time full of giggles and smiles.

Needless to say , it was wonderful spending time with and caring for Phoebe. On Monday, Jess and Dave returned and we had one more evening to spend together before we flew out on Tuesday, early a.m. It was hard to believe our time together was ending so soon. If only the rest of our trip could have been as perfect!

My decision to take a southerly route through Charlotte, NC would turn out to be an unfortunate choice. We left Denver at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday and flew into Charlotte. We never left Charlotte till 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday! But we had a great little semi dark, private spot where we set up camp. In front of a wine shop, we took turns sleeping on one cot and rocking chair with blue yoga-type pad! At this point we were really missing the futon!

Is there anything Grandparents will not do for their grandchildren?
We miss you Phoebe!