Yes, it does take a village to raise a child.
As first time grandparents, we tried to respect the boundaries on how much to help and how much not to. We sort of follow Ryan and Kara’s leads and pitch in as much as possible. They also guide us by offering tips on Shay’s preferences and habits but also allowing us with our own approaches to caregiving; letting the relationship evolve in its own way.
A few observations after spending one week with them.
Kara: An incredible, strong, brave and bad-ass mom for bringing a baby into the world. The undeniable strength that’s necessary in order to birth a child; a strength she clearly possesses, has taken multi-tasking to a new level as she harmoniously feeds Shay, chowing down teriyaki chicken on the sticks, corn on the cob, and adding extra barbecue sauce on her baby backpack ribs, all in one swifty move without making a mess. Darn impressive.
Ryan: He has clearly embraced the role of a new parent and stepping up to being a great dad. He seems to have a knack for calming Shay whenever she becomes fidgety from gas, hunger or other unknown causes when no one else can. He holds Shay’s little head with his left palm and her torso with his right, rock her softly with a gentle whisper; instant smile 💯 guaranteed.
Claudia: They say that one reason women tend to live decades past their reproductive years is that it increases the chances of their grandchildren surviving, through the physical support they often provide. It’s clearly the case when you see Claudia in action. How she feels Shay’s emotions, how she kisses Shay from top to bottom, how she sings to her as she changes her diapers. Just when you think you know all that love is… along come the grandchildren.
Jim: Giggles, cooing, and smiling? Put my granddaughter right here—she needs grandpapa! Poop, barf, and non-stop crying? Kara, please take Shay; she needs you.
Hello, 1st a few congrats are in order:
Congrats to you and Jim on becoming a vavo and vavoo, Shay is adorable!
Congrats to you both on your retirement, you beat me to it. I am retiring the end of 2023 and Everett has already retired, just wanting on me.
We are so enjoying your travels and pics, definitely a trip of a lifetime. We are planning something similar for 2024, destination is Key West on our Egg Harbor which as you know is a power boat.
Keep the tips and insights coming.
Thanks for allowing us to be part of your amazing journey as we look forward to seeing and reading you and Jim’s adventures.
Please be safe and wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year.
Luv Always, Edwina
Hi Edwina, First hope you had a Merry Christmas and wishing you a very Happy Healthy Safe New Year!
Yahoo., so glad you’ll be retiring in 2023, you’re gonna love it!!!💕💕💕
Yes, being Vavo feels great!!!
Once we complete this trip, we’ll have to get together to do a knowledge transfer for your trip .. we”ll be back some time late April. We just applied for a 3 month visa to the Bahamas and hope to leave Dec 31st🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻. 😘😘😘 Love ya
Congratulations to all! Shay is a beautiful baby and very lucky to have you all. Enjoy your time together and safe travels. What a way to start your journey.
Thanks Nancy for your kind words and following along.. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻no lighting 😘
You are both so very right. Every family member gives each grandchild a different type of support, love, vibe, and security. I’m so glad you’re all having a wonderful time. Grandchildren truly are the biggest blessing of all!
So true Trish!!! It’s going to be so hard to leave this cutie pie😢
Beautiful family! So glad you have this special time together. Enjoy every minute.
Thanks Sally! It’s such a great feeling.. I’m making Deposits, I’m making deposits💕💋💕
Well said! Totally agree! We are all so blessed to have our newest family member 💕 and to have you able, ready and willing to spend time helping out! I know you are cherishing every moment. Love you all!
Thanks Sandy !!! I agree Jim nailed it. This is way better than picture of the day 😜
What a great photo & story. Life, Love, Laughter & Happiness are all part of your wonderful journey. Enjoy!!!
Thanks Gil! So true .. every time I hold her I think of mom.. she is smiling down from heaven looking at her too 😘
Lol, I love it! Great commentary!
Thanks Leslie! I’m so glad you live it 🤭It’s going to be hard to say good bye on Friday night😢
Ohhh, I love your post about the family! So much beauty! But where is the grand-father?
Also, this is so true that it takes a village to raise a child… I am pretty sure you will be available when they need you! The whole family is so important!
Thanks Sabbatique! Yes, since Jim is the captain he wants to take the picture.. he’s like the unsung hero 😘
I love the commentary!
Great job everyone.
So glad you are spending this time together ❤️
Thanks Beth!!! Also, don’t know what I would do without you for all last minute boating chores and for being our Remote concierge, ya the best!!!! 😘💕💋💕
That’s what friends are for 💕