There’s No Place Like Grandpa and Grandma’s House

Emma really loves going to Grandpa and Grandma’s house. No, I mean she really loves it. I told my parents this recently, and my mom said, “I don’t know why. It’s not like we spoil her.” Actually, they do spoil her, but not in that take-your-kid-to-the-toy store-and-buy-them-everything-in-sight kind of way. They spoil her in the sweetest and most priceless way possible: they make her feel like the most important person in the room, in the world for that matter. They laugh at her jokes, coo about how beautiful and smart she is, read book after book to her, and don’t flinch at giving her seconds, thirds, and fourths of homemade applesauce and squash. She knows that they delight in her, and in turn, she asks to see them regularly. The other day, I asked her where her favorite place to go is, and she quipped, “Dora and Boots’ house.” These are the nicknames that she has given my parents, and they generate even more laughter from some of her biggest fans. Granted, they’re an easy audience, but that’s part of the allure for her. She knows that she’s guaranteed a lot of extra love whenever they’re around. Whereas Mom has to juggle laundry, cleaning, baby sister, and more, “Dora and Boots” are able to take a break from most of their responsibilities and give undivided attention to Emma. She not only craves it, she basks in it. It warms our hearts to see her developing such a close and trusting relationship with them. In fact, we relocated from out of state when I was pregnant with Emma so that she could have a special bond with them. We just didn’t know how very special it would be when we made that big move. Now, we see Lily starting to develop that same kind of trust and love. There’s nothing quite like seeing others love your kids so passionately and devotedly. Like any strong relationship, it’s a mutual admiration society. My parents say that being a grandparent is the best job they’ve ever had. And to that, Emma says, “You’re hired!” We couldn’t agree more.