Guest Post from a Week in Ohio

Hi All. Just a quick post from Grandma and Grandpa Hazelton about the week we had in late July with Phoebe and Benjamin—and a little bit of Jessica. First, I have to say that the change from Chris and Betti to Mom and Dad to Grandma and Grandpa happens without any conscious effort. Our lives are changed by the people in them, and for this we’re grateful.

So, Jessica and her good friend Elaina were able to schedule a short motorcycle trip this summer, as has been their wont. First Jess was just going to come by herself to Ohio, but then she and Dave decided that she’d bring the kids. That would give us some time with them while the ladies had their road trip, and would give Dave a chance to get away on his own, as well. He took what appears to have been a great trip, which you can read about on the blog (“The road to Zion).

Unfortunately Jess couldn’t get a non-stop flight on the airline she uses to get to the Akron airport. We’ve gotten used to using that smaller facility. Still, Cleveland airport is about the same time/distance from home, and turned out to be just fine. We had seen the family briefly in April (3 days) while they were in Chicago for a book show, so we weren’t shocked by how much the kids had grown—though at these ages they do change quickly.

The kids didn’t seem to have any particular problem settling in. I admit that though Jessica described a night of a hundred “up and downs” the next morning, I had heard nothing. It’s amazing how easy it is to ignore crying babies in the night if you’re not in charge!! I begin to see how dads do it. [Sorry—that was pretty snotty. True maybe, but snotty.]

So, we began our usual round of playground, books, meals and snacks, etc. Luckily we have a playground right across the street at St. Barnabus church/school. Most of the time we had the climbing apparatus and slides to ourselves. Actually, it’s Grandpa who usually initiates trips to the playground. Thirty-nine years in elementary school make him the perfect “play with me” grandfather. He found Phoebe a tricycle at a garage sale earlier in the summer, so she had the chance to ride over. Phoebe has always been an absolutely fearless climber, and continues to be so. She has great coordination and, blessedly, a good spatial sense. Glad she didn’t end up spatially challenged like me! It will make driving a lot easier for her—as well as figuring out directions.

Benjamin delighted us with his increasing skills, too. He sits like a champ, and threw a few surprises at all of us—including his mom. He did a pretty credible job of holding his bottle by himself, and while he was at our house he started rolling over multiple times to get from here to there.

On Saturday Uncle Nathaniel and Aunt Laura came from Pittsburgh for the day. Jessica was happy to see her brother and his wife since they hadn’t been together in over a year. The kids took to them immediately. Nathaniel had a good time interacting with Phoebe. Laura seemed delighted to carry Benjamin around, hither and yon.

Chris, Jess and the kids went to Pr. Elaina’s church that Sunday. On Monday they visited with Aunt Nancy and Aunt Shirley while I went to work. On Tuesday we went to the Akron Zoo, which was great fun. Grandpa happily recalled what a chick-magnet it is to tote around a baby—especially one as wonderfully cute as Benjamin. Wearing his big blue glasses, Benjamin can charm the most stolid lady into a smile in no time at all. Phoebe loved everything. She is a remarkably easy three-year old. When our kids were little, I remember thinking that the “terrible twos” actually started at three, but Phoebe belies that. Which is not to say that she isn’t a determined child. She has her own ideas and opinions and can be as cranky as the next kid if she’s tired or hungry. But the vast majority of the time she’s a sunny-tempered and outgoing little girl—and great fun to be with.

I, of course, was perfectly happy to sit and read to her—book after book! I put together a shelf of books on the bookcase upstairs, books that we have had around since our kids were little. Before long they were all downstairs, and so we had to clear a space on the bookcase next to the sofa. Jess rented a motorcycle on Wednesday and she and Elaina left on their trip. I was pleasantly surprised that Phoebe didn’t seem upset. In fact, if truth be told, I’m sure that I was more anxious than she!
No need for anxiety. We all had a good time. What fun to discover the little quirks of humor and personality in each kid!

I had no trouble hearing Ben awaken at 2am for a feeding each morning—since I knew that I was responsible! I admit, though, that having to walk downstairs to warm up a bottle is a pain! So glad that I nursed the kids. It’s a lot handier. Good planning on God’s part.

Chris and I worked out the nebulizer bit. We used it on Benjamin while he was sleeping, which avoided a lot of struggle. So—feed him and put him to bed at night, then once he’s asleep do the deed! Again after his 6am bottle, let him fall asleep and then use the machine. God bless Jessica and Dave, for whom this is all routine!

Chris’ sister Linda and her boys Evers (8) and Ashe (6) came for a visit on Friday. The noise and excitement level immediately ramped up as Phoebe and the boys got reacquainted. Ben kind of stayed out of it, though he was much admired by all. I noticed that Phoebe occasionally popped off for a bit of quiet time over the next couple of days when she needed it. She’s very good at taking that kind of care of herself. Ashe, whose reading has really taken off, discovered that Phoebe liked to be read to and sat on the front porch swing reading to her for a good long time.

On Saturday Chris and his sister Nancy took the boys to Cleveland to see the stage play of “The Lion King.” This was actually the motivation for Linda’s visit, though the timing worked out well as it coincided with Jessica’s visit. A good time at the play was had by all. Jessica came back from her road trip around dinner time, to the great joy of her kids. She and Elaina had a great trip, and some excellent time together. They also had a chance to visit with our son Matthew and his wife Erin on their little farm in Newark, Ohio.

The only real problem that we had while she was gone was Benjamin’s darn hearing aid. If it’s not in properly, it tends to fall out pretty easily. Unfortunately, he hates having someone inexpert like me put it in, so flails around making it even harder. I went on-line to find a video about putting a hearing aid in a baby’s ear, but the closest I could find was a lady putting it in the ear of a kid who seemed about 7 or 8. Though he didn’t look happy, he certainly didn’t flail!! Finally on Saturday when all the adults in the house had given it a go and it still wouldn’t work, we said, “the heck with it.” Jessica would be home soon, and Ben would just have to hear out of his good ear ‘til then. He—probably not knowing the difference—was a good sport about it.

On Sunday Linda and the boys left early, and Grandpa, Jessica and the kids came to Trinity for church. It was lovely to have them there. The members were delighted to see Phoebe and Ben in the flesh. They’ve kept Benjamin in their prayers through the months as his hearing and sight issues have been discovered and addressed. Since Phoebe’s birth I’ve put updated pictures on my office door, so the congregation has seen these two growing up, and feel connected to them.

Sunday afternoon we drove to Cleveland airport for their flight home. What a happy thing it is to see our grandchildren being raised by competent and loving parents. We’re already looking forward to their Christmas visit.

PS – never expect a pastor to write a “quick post”

Grandpa’s view: That was a great week! Getting to see everyone was wonderful! Having the grandkids all to ourselves was a bit scary in the beginning. It really improved when Betti (Grandma) said she would do the night feeding. What a relief for Grandpa. (Never really heard him cry at night.) You can play all day if you get to sleep through the night. What a kick to see Ben do his first real rollover. Once learned, he was able to just keep going and roll right off the carpet. The playgrounds were fun and fun and fun and fun some more. It was more fun to see Phoebe’s hair stand straight up when she went down the plastic slide. All the feeding and changing (diapers) really comes right back to you. Since Betti mentioned the Lion King I will just mention that all four of us really enjoyed the production. Matt and Erin said that the boys put on their own lion king production for them. Only really scary part of the week—watching Jessica ride off on her motorcycle. Guess you never really get over being Dad. Really looking forward to the next visit.

From Jess: I was scared too when I rode out of the driveway! Mom and Dad included photos with their post, but I already posted most of them. I’m going to save some time and just refer you to A Week in Ohio.