Okay, I miss my grandchildren so much lately it actually hurts. They aren't that far away, I know, compared to some - but they are 6 hours away, which is too darn far! The last time I saw them was a month ago. I only hope I can retire when they are still young enough to want me around. I think my daughter will still want me around because by then maybe she'll be getting tired and want some help with the kids.
So, I decided to cheer myself up by listening to what your grandchildren (children, nieces, nephews, etc.) have said lately. If you have a cute little something to share, please do so in my comments (because I don't know of a better way) and we can all enjoy them.
Give your grandchildren a hug and a kiss today!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ana's Comment - Thank You!
Today I checked my blog and got the sweetest message from Ana, the brave and caring mom of a beautiful little girl with DiGeorge Syndrome and CHD. I'm hoping she won't mind my sharing part of her comment here because it really touches on why I started my blog.
Ana wrote, "Sorry, I know you mean your blog to be geared towards grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles, etc. But as a DiGeorge Mommy, I have to tell you that what you are doing is admirable. I often see that fear or sadness in my mom's eyes. I can imagine how her pain must be two fold, 1st to see me, her eldest daughter stressed and in tears, and second for her youngest granddaughter. I will send my sisters your way, maybe they have venting to do too."
Well, Ana, you touched my heart, so I added a line to my blog description to make sure all parents feel welcome here, too, and if your sisters need to vent, I am here! If they or anyone wants to vent or talk in private, my email is stimacs@att.net.
I know your mom is very,very proud of you! I know, because I am more proud of my daughter every day. Sometimes we are so concerned with the grandkids, we forget to tell you that. The fact that you have such empathy for what she is dealing with, in the midst of everything you and your darling daughter are going through, is a truly beautiful thing.
September 24, 2008 12:28 PM
Delete
Ana wrote, "Sorry, I know you mean your blog to be geared towards grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles, etc. But as a DiGeorge Mommy, I have to tell you that what you are doing is admirable. I often see that fear or sadness in my mom's eyes. I can imagine how her pain must be two fold, 1st to see me, her eldest daughter stressed and in tears, and second for her youngest granddaughter. I will send my sisters your way, maybe they have venting to do too."
Well, Ana, you touched my heart, so I added a line to my blog description to make sure all parents feel welcome here, too, and if your sisters need to vent, I am here! If they or anyone wants to vent or talk in private, my email is stimacs@att.net.
I know your mom is very,very proud of you! I know, because I am more proud of my daughter every day. Sometimes we are so concerned with the grandkids, we forget to tell you that. The fact that you have such empathy for what she is dealing with, in the midst of everything you and your darling daughter are going through, is a truly beautiful thing.
September 24, 2008 12:28 PM
Delete
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Drew's 4th Heart Walk
Every year since Drew was born, he has participated in the Heart Walk to help earn money for the cause, first he was in a backpack, then a stroller, and last year he was one of the VIP’s and got to cut the ribbon at the start of the walk. This year, Andrea received a call from the American Heart Association asking if she would be willing to speak at their Kick-Off at the end of June, but unfortunately had to pass that up since Drew was still in the hospital recovering from his third open heart surgery. That surgery has provided Drew with more energy and stamina than ever before and this year they are hoping that he can walk the whole way. The entire Himmelberger family will participate in the walk and if you are interested in donating for this very worthy cause, please click on the title of this blog above or here to view the pledge page and/or donate.
Thank you for your love and support!
Anne and all the other Heart Grandma's
Thank you for your love and support!
Anne and all the other Heart Grandma's
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Purlple Toenails
What a nice weekend I'm having!
Yesterday was my birthday and although I started the day wishing that time didn't have to go by quite so quickly, my mood abruptly changed when Andrea called me on my way to work and both Drew and Ava sang their versions of Happy Birthday to
Grandma. I was in a good mood the rest of the day! Ava told me she wanted to come to my house and Drew told me he wanted me to go to his house. Then, they both wanted to talk to Grandpa which started the whole "why he at work?" and "why you in your car?" and I loved every minute of it. Drew wanted to know what presents I was getting and I told him a bracelet and some wine,which turned out to be true. My boss showered me with Brighton jewelry. She got me two pairs of earrings, a bracelet, a Brighton candle and Brighton mints (hmmm is she hinting at my breath, maybe?) My sweet co-worker gave me a Brighton necklace and bracelet. I was so touched at all the attention and that they remembered that I love Brighton. One of the reasons is that the Brighton family has a heart baby, an adult now who is doing great, and they donate quite a bit to different Heart Foundations. Most of their jewelry, purses, etc. have hearts on them for that reason.
I heard from my whole family on my birthday, which is the best gift in the world. My mom, who is 82 and legally blind just started a ceramics class at her local senior citizen center. She sent me her first completed project. Two angels kissing. When she was much younger her ceramics projects were perfectly completed, this one has little flaws all over which makes it that much sweeter to me. (Don't tell her about the flaws, please, she can't see them.) My dad and step-mom came by my office with a beautiful bracelet for me. Tomorrow Tommy and Lisa, my dad and Maria are taking us out to dinner. I guess turning 55 is a milestone, because I can't remember getting this much attention for a birthday in a long time.
Today Steve and I are going on a relaxing day of movie going, lunch and dinner out and then a night at the local Hyatt in Valencia. Not too dramatic, but hey, we will sleep in a king size bed and that is enough to have us both excited. Anyway, I just realized that my toenails are still purple. When Drew and Ava were here a few weeks ago, I was getting a pedicure and I asked Drew what color I should get on my toenails. He replied, "Purple, thats my favorite color." So, of course I got purple and they are still purple. Hmm... I hope the Hyatt crowd doesn't laugh at me.
Yesterday was my birthday and although I started the day wishing that time didn't have to go by quite so quickly, my mood abruptly changed when Andrea called me on my way to work and both Drew and Ava sang their versions of Happy Birthday to
Grandma. I was in a good mood the rest of the day! Ava told me she wanted to come to my house and Drew told me he wanted me to go to his house. Then, they both wanted to talk to Grandpa which started the whole "why he at work?" and "why you in your car?" and I loved every minute of it. Drew wanted to know what presents I was getting and I told him a bracelet and some wine,which turned out to be true. My boss showered me with Brighton jewelry. She got me two pairs of earrings, a bracelet, a Brighton candle and Brighton mints (hmmm is she hinting at my breath, maybe?) My sweet co-worker gave me a Brighton necklace and bracelet. I was so touched at all the attention and that they remembered that I love Brighton. One of the reasons is that the Brighton family has a heart baby, an adult now who is doing great, and they donate quite a bit to different Heart Foundations. Most of their jewelry, purses, etc. have hearts on them for that reason.
I heard from my whole family on my birthday, which is the best gift in the world. My mom, who is 82 and legally blind just started a ceramics class at her local senior citizen center. She sent me her first completed project. Two angels kissing. When she was much younger her ceramics projects were perfectly completed, this one has little flaws all over which makes it that much sweeter to me. (Don't tell her about the flaws, please, she can't see them.) My dad and step-mom came by my office with a beautiful bracelet for me. Tomorrow Tommy and Lisa, my dad and Maria are taking us out to dinner. I guess turning 55 is a milestone, because I can't remember getting this much attention for a birthday in a long time.
Today Steve and I are going on a relaxing day of movie going, lunch and dinner out and then a night at the local Hyatt in Valencia. Not too dramatic, but hey, we will sleep in a king size bed and that is enough to have us both excited. Anyway, I just realized that my toenails are still purple. When Drew and Ava were here a few weeks ago, I was getting a pedicure and I asked Drew what color I should get on my toenails. He replied, "Purple, thats my favorite color." So, of course I got purple and they are still purple. Hmm... I hope the Hyatt crowd doesn't laugh at me.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
We're All In This Together
Since starting my blog I have heard from a few grandmas out there that have been through the heartbreak of having to stand by while a child of theirs got the news that their own baby was sick.
They have had to wait and pray and be strong enough to be the mom their child needed while trying not to register their own pain and fear for the little life that they loved more than life itself. They had to witness their own children's heart breaking at the same time that their precious grandchild's hearts were being operated on, more than once.
They experienced joy, relief and happiness unlike anything they ever knew existed. They know they are blessed and they are accepting and loving and thankful and strong. They have educated themselves about the anatomy of the heart. They have learned how to feed their grand babies through a g-tube. They have watched with awe and pride as their young daughters and sons became the best parents in the world and cared for their little heart babies as if they were born to do it. These ladies have not told me their whole stories, just as I haven't revealed all of mine. We are just meeting each other. I think its calming and reassuring for us to know that we aren't alone.
Thank you so much for sharing with me. If anyone would like me to add a link to your grandchild's website, please let me know as I would love to do that.
Anne
They have had to wait and pray and be strong enough to be the mom their child needed while trying not to register their own pain and fear for the little life that they loved more than life itself. They had to witness their own children's heart breaking at the same time that their precious grandchild's hearts were being operated on, more than once.
They experienced joy, relief and happiness unlike anything they ever knew existed. They know they are blessed and they are accepting and loving and thankful and strong. They have educated themselves about the anatomy of the heart. They have learned how to feed their grand babies through a g-tube. They have watched with awe and pride as their young daughters and sons became the best parents in the world and cared for their little heart babies as if they were born to do it. These ladies have not told me their whole stories, just as I haven't revealed all of mine. We are just meeting each other. I think its calming and reassuring for us to know that we aren't alone.
Thank you so much for sharing with me. If anyone would like me to add a link to your grandchild's website, please let me know as I would love to do that.
Anne
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Heart Surgery Boys are Good Swimmers...
Well, what a wonderful Labor Day weekend we had! I actually had all of my children, son-in-law and grandchildren under the same roof for a while on Monday. We also had Uncle Tom, Aunt Lisa, Grandma and Grandpa Oddone, and assorted friends under it at the same time too, so very fun, very hectic and very exhausting, but the best kind of exhausting. Thanks, Lisa for all your help! My sweet sister-in-law drove all the way from Pasadena to play with and help take care of the kids on Saturday and then came back again on Monday to visit and help some more. Uncle Tommy was no slacker, either, he went to the beach with us, gave both kids their baths afterwards and even rinsed out Drew's little underwear. He taught both kids to play wheelbarrow. Ava cried when they left Monday night, she loves them so much! Auntie Rachel gets kudos, too. She met us at the beach, basically took over the care of the kids, and barely reacted when Ava had a little accident (the unmentionable kind) on her cute little beach dress.
Drew is doing very well and recovering in mind and body from his last surgery. His stamina and activity level is higher than ever before and its wonderful to behold, although I'm sure the Himmelberger household is going to have some adjustments to make with his new joy of running, hopping, dancing and generally giving his sister a run for her money in the activity arena. He learned to swim right before visiting us and told me that, "Heart surgery boys are good swimmers." He shows his scar to just about anybody that asks to see it or mentions that he is a brave boy. He really seems to wear it as a badge of honor, as he should! I hope that he will always be proud of his scars and all he endured because he indeed is a brave boy.
Another cute story: When we were taking care of Drew and Ava over the weekend I was making sandwiches to take to the beach with us. I had some pepperoni out and both kids kept asking me for it. I gave them each two at a time, thinking it was too spicy for them, but they kept coming back for two more and two more. After a few minutes of this, Drew came up to me and said, "Grandma, come here, I have to show you something." As any good grandma would do, I followed him. He led me into the bedroom where my daughter's fresh water fish tank is and as Ava was dropping in one more piece, he said, "Look, we shared with the fish." They had pulled a chair over to the tank in order to open it and dropped in about 8 pieces of pepperoni and a few chunks of cheese.
Drew is doing very well and recovering in mind and body from his last surgery. His stamina and activity level is higher than ever before and its wonderful to behold, although I'm sure the Himmelberger household is going to have some adjustments to make with his new joy of running, hopping, dancing and generally giving his sister a run for her money in the activity arena. He learned to swim right before visiting us and told me that, "Heart surgery boys are good swimmers." He shows his scar to just about anybody that asks to see it or mentions that he is a brave boy. He really seems to wear it as a badge of honor, as he should! I hope that he will always be proud of his scars and all he endured because he indeed is a brave boy.
Another cute story: When we were taking care of Drew and Ava over the weekend I was making sandwiches to take to the beach with us. I had some pepperoni out and both kids kept asking me for it. I gave them each two at a time, thinking it was too spicy for them, but they kept coming back for two more and two more. After a few minutes of this, Drew came up to me and said, "Grandma, come here, I have to show you something." As any good grandma would do, I followed him. He led me into the bedroom where my daughter's fresh water fish tank is and as Ava was dropping in one more piece, he said, "Look, we shared with the fish." They had pulled a chair over to the tank in order to open it and dropped in about 8 pieces of pepperoni and a few chunks of cheese.
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