Saturday 11 October 2008

Holiday (i) - Where do I begin

I said in my previous post that I would give edited highlights of the holiday - but where to start? I suppose that it should be with my beautiful grandchildren. So first of all a photo.



Matthew James, born on 2 September weighing 3.34 kilos, managed to lose half a kilo of his birth weight which, naturally, gave some cause for concern. He looked so frail when we first met him, his skin too big and his dear little arms and legs so skinny. But during our time there he began to regain his weight and started filling out. He now weighs 3.56 kilos, so is doing well and no longer needs to be monitored. Giving lots of smiles now too, though I wasn't able to catch one on camera.













The older children are very taken with him, have remarked that they don't get the attention they are used to, but they understand and in their way try to help and are affectionate towards him.



I took them out a few times, to the cinema, the park, shops etc and it was lovely to be able to spend quality time with them. They are very loving children and, of course, lovable. We had some fun.

Before the family left for Australia in 2004 I had been used to looking after Jacob, then aged three and a half, for at least one day each week, since he was about 4 months old. He was my first 'blood' grandchild and until recently the only grandson. He will always have a special place in my heart. Willow was only ten months old, and was very much a 'Mummy's girl', inasmuch that she would rarely have anything to do with anyone else. I am pleased to say that during each of my visits since their departure she and I have got to know one another and each time have become closer.

And here we are together.



Can you imagine how hard it it to say goodbye!


Anne

15 comments:

Gill - That British Woman said...

you should ask my mother how it feels, as our two were 5 and 3 1/2 when we left to come to Canada. It broke my mothers heart, but we had to do, what we had to do. I am pleased to say of all the grnadparents, my two love my mother the best, despite them being at the other side of the world. It's hard. I am glad you got to spend some time with them all.

Gill in Canada

Pam said...

Oh oh oh - a new baby!!! Always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
I'm so sad for you having to leave them but hopefully you'll see them again soon.

cheshire wife said...

Lovely photos.Beautiful children. You must miss them dreadfully but it must be so nice to see them when you do.

Sandi McBride said...

I know it broke your heart. We only have the one G'daughter and they only live fifty miles away now, I miss her anyway. Beautiful children and a beautiful baby!
Sandi

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Gill - I am so lucky to be able to spend the time with them that I do, given the distance.

Lovely for your mum and you too that it is she your children love the best.

A x

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Hi Pam - babies are lovely aren't they - endlessly fascinating! A x

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

CW - yes I do miss them - thank goodness for "web-cams"!!

A x

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Sandi - the goodbye bit is always, always, awful.

A x

Almost Mrs Average said...

Hi Anne - those photos are just gorgeous. I love it when babies are all snuggled up with their bottoms up in the air. All snuggy wuggly - gee, I hope I'm not getting broody! Glad you had a lovely time with your grandchildren. Visits from grandparents are great and I always feel teary when my mum goes home after her visits. ;-D x

Sylvie said...

Anne, thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. What a beautiful family you have!

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Mrs A - thanks for kind comments. Family visits are wonderful but times for goodbye are always sad.

A x

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Sylvie - thanks for return visit and your kind comments. Nice to meet you!

A x

Jay said...

Oh yes, it must be hard! I don't have any grandchildren... yet ... but I can see how attached you would get to them, even though they are not your own children, and the distance would make is so much harder.

Such sweet little ones! I'm glad you were able to spend some time with them.

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Hi Jay - thanks for your comments -
I know I am very lucky to be able to see them as often as I do, given the distance. A x

DeniseinVA said...

You have absolutely adorable grandchildren Anne, and I can only imagine how hard it was to leave them. When ours comes along I'll be getting a video-cam. Thank goodness for the Internet. Not as good as being right there with them but it helps :))) Thanks for sharing such lovely photos.