One Elevator Ride Away

Becoming a grandparent is just that. Grand. Being a grandparent in the same building as your grandson is ah-mazing. When we know he is on his way down the elevator for a visit we peek out the door to see him toddle off the elevator and start down the long hallway. His steps are becoming more certain and sometimes he shows he can multitask by throwing in some claps. But always there are smiles and arms extended and he zeros in for a hug before coming in the door.

All that leisure time I didn't have to spend playing, laughing, and making goofy faces with my own child gets lavished on a grand baby times 10. No, more like 100. Everything they say is true, you spend time with them, spoil them, wear them (and yourself) out and then send them home with parents who are young enough to endure the grind of late nights, mood swings, and cutting teeth. 

During my husband's and my time in NYC we have been delighted to be hands-on grandparents to The Wee One. (And no, even though parents are choosing the most outrageous names these days - I'm talking to you Kanye West (North) and Jay-Z (Blue Ivy) and even you Gwyneth (Apple) - that is NOT his actual name.) We even have a designated pick-up day from day care. Every Thursday. On Thursdays we get to see his face light up when he realizes we are there to liberate him from the regime of gym, playtime, arts, and snacks for an evening of silliness, eating frozen grapes with Grandma, and sitting on Grandpa's lap in front of the computer for some Wheels On The Bus and Elmo Slide action.

Living so close to The Wee One we have had ring side seats to the Firsts:  giggles, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and steps.  We know he loves music, swimming, plunging his hands into glasses of ice, bath time, and being chased. And lights. He LOVES lights, Overhead lights, Digital light updates on the subway, Traffic lights, especially the WALK light. We have already told him he will be thrilled with his first trip to Las Vegas, or Times Square.  

The one aspect of grandparenting I failed to anticipate is the physical challenge of keeping up with the Wee One. Thank goodness we arrived when he was only three months old. That way his slowly increasing weight gains were barely noticeable until one day I realized I was carrying, lifting, pushing, and holding a 27 pound human barbell. Getting down on the floor to play games and chasing after an active toddler are good ways to limber up stiff muscles and work in a little cardio. And if I want to work in some more exercise I can always take the stairs up 4 floors. In the meantime, I know The Wee One is only.......

One elevator ride away.