I love so much the very different individuals that my grands are growing into. Just as I watched, nurtured and tried very hard not to overdirect the direction of my kiddos, I seem to only try to instruct when the behaviors are harmful to others or make such an impact socially that it will be harder on the little ones to not intervene....ie when watching them explore their nasal cavaties with their finger of choice.

I love too that each is developing at quote-unquote normal rate. While they seem to each have areas where they are excelling, they are not too far off the norm to keep any of us from worrying. Payton has learned how to color within the lines, while Madeline is still in the process of defying all of the lines.

Payton is verbal, and wordy not unlike her grandma, Maddie on the other had is working very hard on mimmick, follow and repeat. Neither behavior is too far off from where they should be, and can often be very amusing!

I love too that as I watch them move past the two year milestone, and head for their threes, I am reminded how much I enjoyed being a mom to my 5. That is not to confer that I no longer am their mom, but just to remind me that I have moved into another phase as well. I am more cheerleader than mother, more spectator than disciplinarian, more friend and than hen.

On a recent trip to help in a photo shoot that Payton was invited to be a part of, I saw aspects of her shyness not usually a part of our everyday life. She seemed a bit overwhelmed by activity that she used to just step right into without a hiccup. I can remember one photo shoot where I took her and the comment by the photographer "could you have her teach all the other kids how to do this?" I simply chuckled and said no, she did seem to have the "model"thing down to an art.

This most recent trip she seemed a bit shy and not as at ease as before, but with her ready smile and her tenacious "im gonna do it my way" attitude the photos caught the best moments of all...she was simply just being herself.

I love both of these babies more than I could have ever known that I would, but then most new grand mothers probably say and feel the same thing. It is like the love that you sent out with your kids to hold them and keep them, came back 100 fold. I can hardly wait to see what great-grand parenting will bring...but tell Pay and Madd, that doesnt mean I am in a hurry to find out!

They are picture perfect, they are my smile and my heart!

Two for Two---

It's been an amazing two years with two grands, two girls, two much fun! I know that should have been a too--instead, but I think its my new theme. Great things come in two's.

The last two years has been a whole new group of first's and seconds. My first daughter to have a daughter is my third daughter and the mom to my first grand....My second daughter to have a daughter is my first daughter and is mom to my second grand.

Now if you are not confused yet, I will tell you some more fun.

I have five kids. And the numerology of thier numbers is fun to recount! So to speak.

Odds~I have three daughters who were each born in even numbered years.

Evens~I have two sons who were each born in odd numbered years.

The number of years difference in the ages of my girls is 6 years from the oldest birth year to the youngest birth year.

The number of years difference in the ages of my boys is 6 years from the oldest birth year to the youngest birth year.

If you take the last digit of the girls birth years 2+6+8=16
If you take the last digit of the boys birth years 1+7=8

16+8=24 the number of years I was actively participating in my marriage.

I was 19 when my first child was born.
My daughter was 20 when my first granchild was born and I was 45.
My daughter was 26 when my second grandchild was born and I was still 45.

Their combined ages when their babies were born is 46....I turned 46 13 days after Maddies 2nd birthday.

Well thats just about it for tonight. I am enjoying my year of twos and my fun with numbers...wonder what fun we will get into next?