We've been taking care of Hazel Nina while Margaret worked for over four years. For a year she was here for four days a week, and the other three years she has been here every Tuesday and Friday. We see her at other times but those days it has been just Pop, Hazel, and me.
This is a picture from the spring of 2014 when we began taking care of her. So tiny, so precious.
This year of Pre-K, Margaret had her go three full days, and one half day, and has now decided to make the half day a full day. Hazel's doing well and loving school. Yesterday was our first Tuesday without her and it was so strange. You might expect that Nana had quite a good cry. It just doesn't seem possible that the time has passed so quickly. She has grown into the dearest little girl.
I put this picture of my desk
on Instagram last Friday with these words:
What my desk was like when Hazel went home today. Her imagination is remarkable. She takes totally unrelated items and builds a whole world. hashtag lucky grandparents.Here is a little movie of her playing.
I am thankful beyond words that I have had the honor, the privilege, the gift of taking care of this little girl. There isn't a day goes by when I don't think about how very different it could have been. If you don't know Margaret and Hazel's story, you may find it here - I just re-read the post and all the wonderful comments. I never replied but they meant the world to me.
In tears after reading the "back pages" and your lovely commentary today. Such a joy --- this child. You have been given a treasure beyond measure and so has she.
ReplyDeleteYour flowery header is just wonderful.
Mary
Thank you so much. The flowers were the last CSA of the season. Will do a post on them soon.
DeleteIt was hard to read about Hazel Nina's early entry into the world, but it was made easier because I had just watched the adorable video of her playing four years later. You are the best grandparents ever.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty easy when we have the three best grandchildren. haha! I never knew such love. A miracle of all miracles.
DeleteI was crying BEFORE I went to read the post on Hazel and Margaret.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear one.
DeleteAll tinies are blessings really, aren't they - and you have been especially lucky to have had the time and care to love this one. I loved the little video, eavesdropping onto a child's world can be so funny, so sweet, so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteShe has this playing voice that she doesn't use any other time. It is a wonder to have phone cameras. It used to be such a big deal to take a video of my kids, and by the time you got it set up the moment would be gone!
DeleteI remember all those days, especially the ones just before and after her birth! Your little Hazel Nina is such a treasure! Know you will miss her, but think of all the wonderful things she'll have to show you and tell you. Right? You guys are the best grandparents, but kids will insist on growing up. I'm so glad that Miss Hazel is doing so well. She's a delight!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay. She sure is!
DeleteI had never read Hazel Nina's birth story so it did make your thoughts about her so much more precious. Of course you feel a tiny bit bereft of her presence now that she's in school. But you are in for so many wonderful times ahead with her as she shares her new experiences with you.
ReplyDeleteYour new fall header picture is beautiful!
Thanks, Dewena. She starts a dance class this year, so she will probably be in a show!
DeleteBittersweet I am sure but oh so many happy memories for your all. What a lucky little girl to have you for the last 4 years.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are! And we are the lucky ones!! Still have her all day Friday until next September! And of course, Tuesdays again in the summer!
DeleteI remember that time four years ago. What a scary time -- but the joy you've had over the ensuing years is beyond measure (and it will continue albeit in a different way now that Hazel is such a 'big girl'.)
ReplyDeleteIt was dreadful. Fear for both my girl and her baby. I should have said that we still have Hazel on Fridays!
DeleteI remember all that worry and fear and am so glad everything turned out as it did. From all you've shared, she looks like such a delightful child to spend your days with. I know that empty feeling, too. The day I drove away from watching my youngest niece for the last time, I cried the entire way home. I'm glad you still have her on Fridays and of course, how wonderful to live so close.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love that new header!
I'm sure you did. I can't imagine the horror of being a nanny and leaving children you've taken care of for decades.
DeleteOh, and the picture is this week's CSA. I'll write a post on it soon.
DeleteTime does fly when Grands are involved. Such sweetness.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDelete