Parenting, Gardening and Bird Watching, Kids Printables, Family Travel
How do you eat an Oreo? My granddaughter takes the cookie apart and eats every bite of the creme and than eats the cookie. Be warned, this method can be messy, but look at that face. She wouldn’t look up when I called her name for either of the pictures, but she did let me know that she wanted milk. Moments like this are priceless! What’s your child’s favorite cookie?
As you know, my Zarriah was born weighing 2lbs. 10 ozs. She spent the first 3 month of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Virginia Beach, VA. This is my preemie a year and half later. She’s walking, talking, eating everything in site and has proven herself to be one of my greatest blessings. I look back at the day she was born, Hurricane Irene was coming through. I nicknamed her “Storm”.
Her doctors say she’s doing fine. They see no problem with her eyesight. Her motor skills are fine, she sleeps through the night, she’s walking, and throws the normal tantrums for a toddler. She has a totally different personality from her brother. He’s loving and likes to cuddle, Zarriah prefers her independence. She likes to be held, but she doesn’t hang around long. She prefers to discover and climb over or under whatever is in sight, and is always up for a fight. Yep, she will fight. She fought for her life, and she continues to fight. Hopefully, she will grow out of this habit.
She has a huge appetite! I must say, she eats more than any child that I have ever seen. There’s times when I think she’s going to be sick, but it never happens. When she doesn’t want anymore, she will turn her head, spit it out or just stop eating if she’s feeding herself. Her grandfather and I took her to Golden Corral for dinner. She ate the biggest plate of mashed potatoes and gravy that I’ve ever seen. The people sitting next to us looked and looked. Finally, I spoke up and said she will eat until the bottom falls out. We engaged in further conversation, and found out that they too had a preemie who was at that time 10. She had caught up and grown into a beautiful young lady.
It is such a blessing to be able to write this post. I want to thank the nurses in the NICU at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach for their professional care. They were all excellent, and will be forever in our hearts and prayers. I remember the first time that I saw Zarriah. I truly believed that I would pass out. She was so tiny, in an incubator and wires everywhere. I broke out in a sweat. The nurses comforted me, and assured me that they were skilled and she would be fine. Zarriah has been back to visit the NICU on several occasions. We thought it was important for her to keep the connection with those who fought as hard as she did to save her life.
Are you raising a preemie or know someone who is? Have they caught up or did they remain small? Leave me a comment, I would love to connect with other raising preemies.
Mother 2 Mother would like to pay tribute to 109 years of Dr. Suess. Yep, 109 years. I remember my first Dr. Suess book, Green Eggs and Ham. It still remains one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books. I read it to my daughter and now I’m reading to my grandchildren.
We hope Dr. Suess’ legacy will live on and on. What’s your and your children’s favorite Dr. Suess book?
Did your children decide on their grandparent’s name or did your parents make the decision on what they wanted to be called? My grandson ultimately made the decision for me. I had initially selected the name Gran, but it didn’t stick.
I was visiting my grandson one week-end, and when I walked into the house he said Mawmaw. Where’s Gaga (referring to his grandfather)? At that moment, Gran went out the window. I must admit, I was surprised he called me Mawmaw. I’ve often wondered how he came up with those names for us. Especially, since I had been calling myself Gran for almost 2 years. His grandfather had been calling himself granddaddy. Isn’t it amazing how things can change in a split second.
Now, I must admit that I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the name Mawmaw. I didn’t think it was a fit for me and it sounded so old fashion. I felt somewhat disappointed. Afterall, I’m not your typical grandma. I’m a high heel wearing diva who’s into blogging, texting, social media, and a need for wine. I just wasn’t feeling Mawmaw. I chose the name Gran because I didn’t want to end up with an old fashion out of date name. Gran was traditional, but still had a sophisticated ring to it. My daughter stated, “Mom you have to be whatever he calls you”. I wasn’t sure if I was disappointed because I had spent 9 months selecting a name and it was suddenly gone or because the name sounded so country and out of date. The only other person that I knew as Mawmaw was my 60 year old Aunt. My grandson had thrown a wrench into the plans. My siblings had chosen their names, and I wanted that opportunity too.
Our grandchildren use a variety of names for us. In my family there’s Poppy, Nana, Granny, and Granddaddy. As I was discussing the name change with co-workers, I was surprised to find out that many of their grandchildren called them MawMaw. It was actually a popular name. Who knew!
As I continued to think about it, it suddenly didn’t matter what he called me as long as he called my name. My grandson had changed my life forever. I looked at the change totally different. What’s in a name? I realized that my grandson had a mind of his own, and he was demonstrating his personality, his individuality, and how he felt about me. I was a Mawmaw, and he believed it was a fit for me. He didn’t see me as a diva, texter, blogger or wine taster. I was simply his Mawmaw. He has made it clear over the course of the years with his cousins, that’s my Mawmaw. I have happily accepted the nomination. I’ve held that title for 5 years, and I’m proud to wear it. I now have a grandson and granddaughter. I will continue to strive to be the #1 Mawmaw, because that is what is truly important.
What do your grandchildren call you or your parents? Leave us a comment, we would love to know.
Photo courtesy of People Magazine
How adorable is little Finn Davey? We’re so glad to see Tory looking so happy and healthy after experiencing complications during her pregnancy. Tory was diagnosed with placenta Previa and rushed to the hospital. Placenta Previa is normally associated with C-Sections. Another possibility for the complications could be related to how soon she became pregnant, 1 month, after giving birth to her third child. She was ordered to have complete bed rest for 4 months. Tory has stated that she is most likely done with having children.
We’re glad everything worked out for the McDermott family. Tory said she survived the experience by focusing and envisioning her holding a healthy baby.
This is Buddy Valastro’s, Cake Boss, nursery. I love anything chocolate, and feel in love with the Espresso colors used in the nursery now. We used the Espresso furniture in Zarriah’s nursery with lavender and pinks. Not on the scale of a celebrity, but you can see our ideas for her nursery here: http://mother-2-mother.blogspot.com/2011/10/decorating-nursery-on-budget.html
.
This J.R. Martinez and his wife’s nursery for their new daughter Lauryn Anabelle. They too used the Espresso furniture. I love how the name is spelled out and the angels above the crib watching over Lauryn is adorable. This may be one of my all time favorites. Simple, but elegant.
This is a picture of P. Diddy’s twin daughters nursery. They went with the off white furniture. Check out the mural on the wall. They too incorporated angels into their nursery theme. Talk about bringing the outdoors in, I love it.
This Dr. Phil’s granddaughter’s nursery. I personally don’t know any grandparents who have a nursery in their home especially one of this caliber, but it is absolutely beautiful. I love the window seat and the colors are soothing.
This is Mel B’s nursery. I love the pastel colors. The canopy and bows are adorable. It has just a hint of color, but it’s bold enough to bring the room to life.
I hope these celebrity nurseries inspire you! Leave me a comment, and let me know which is your favorite.
Last month we lifted Zarriah to the Lord. It is such a blessing to know that your children and grandchildren will be raised as Christens, and the icing on the cake is being a witness to the event. We chose this adorable 2 piece Shantung Dress from Pink Princess for the big day. I’m glad we did, the picture doesn’t do the dress justice. The price was great, and it was exactly what we were looking for, simple but elegant. I’m going to have it cleaned and boxed for Zarriah. We ordered an adorable bracelet; however, it wasn’t shipped. Pink Princess did give me a refund promptly, but when you’re counting on using a particular accessory for a special occasion it can be disappointing when it is not received. Thankfully, a friend of my daughter’s had given Zarriah a bracelet as a gift.
I must say, my little Zarriah was an angel during the service. Because we had the huge carnival party the day before, we only had a small family gathering after the service. We used the ladybug cake made for the carnival party for dessert. Zarriah is enjoying her cake along with her God mother, who is a friend of my daughter’s from college. Amazing lady, she was juggling a 3 month old and a 4 year old that week-end, but still made time to celebrate the Christening with us.
We were so blessed to have so many family members join us at the service. I will always cherish this picture. Zarriah will be able to look back one day, and see how much she is loved and those who stood as a witness to help raise her as a Christian. For other Christening Day ideas, click on this link, Christening Day – Make It Special
Wow, it’s been a long time since I posted. I took a much needed break to focus on my grandchildren, rest and just figure out where I was headed in my life. I ended a long term relationship, got tired of being in it by myself. I did a few home improvements, planned and hosted the grandchildren’s birthday parties, planned and hosted my little Zarriah’s Christening party, planted a garden and harvested and canned my crop, vacationed in St. Croix and the list goes on. I’m feeling energized and have lots of posts for you so lets get on with it.
Look who turned 1 August 28. My little preemie, Zarriah, who weighed 2lbs 10 ozs. when she entered this world is thriving. Miss Muffin is weighing in at 20 plus pounds as you can see. She’s not walking yet, but she’s crawling, pulling herself up and taking steps while holding on. She has become quite a handful. She’s no longer on formula and we’ve moved to stage 3 foods. The doctor said her eye sight is fine and they don’t foresee any vision problems in the future. She’s had an ear infection, but other than that she’s a picture of health.
We decided to celebrate big for her 1st birthday. We felt so blessed that she had survived and was doing so well, we wanted a big birthday bash for her with family and friends. Celebrate we did. Stay tuned for pictures and all the happenings with the children and my journey as a 50 plus single mother. It’s so good to back.
Looks like Blue Ivy is about to loose a slipper. Aren’t they adorable. Beyonce takes advantage of the beautiful weather we’re having on the east coast and strolls with her bundle of joy in New York. Blue Ivy is becoming a big girl. According to her grandfather, Matthew Knowles, she’s going to be tall. Granddaddy said, ‘You just want to love and kiss her, but the great thing with grandkids is that you can give them back.’
I agree with Matthew on that note. You allow your grandchildren to get away with things th at you wouldn’t let your children get way with. Extra treats, sweets, late nights with the TV and the list goes on. Blue Ivy is the second grandchild for Matthew and his ex-wife Tina Knowles who divorced him after 31 years of marriage. He has a grandson, Daniel “Julez” Smith, by his daughter Solange Knowles. Thanks to the Daily Mail for the picture of mother and daughter.
Hi! I'm Rhonda. Mother of 1, grandmother of 2, master gardener, bird watcher, thrift shopper, traveler, and creator of kid's printable. Check out my printables, gardening and backyard bird tips, thrift finds, and travel advice. Creating on a budget is second nature. Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and stay for a while. Thanks for stopping by.
![[signatureformother2motherwithmugb.png]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xifNRubz-iA/SSonOBhyV9I/AAAAAAAABJY/JIn3IlKPxW8/s1600/signatureformother2motherwithmugb.png)