There’s nothing more precious than a granddaughter who’s the perfect combination her Mama and Dada whom I love with all my heart. Nicole is so smart, happy, healthy, funny and so beautiful! She’s such a wonderful and sweet blessing to our little family.
It’s a special blessing because I see how happy Talia and Donnie are, like Bobby and I were when we became parents. Now as we are Papa and Nannie, it’s a second time for us to love and watch a sweet little girl as she grows. In case you’re wondering about Nannie, my grandmother was Nana and so was my mom when Talia was born. Being called Nana didn’t fit for me. The difference is in playtime! We jump and flip around on the trampoline and play on jungle gyms and swings at parks like we’re all kids! Talia finds different parks for us to go to and have lunch afterwards. We go different places but we have a friend named Victor at Chick-fil-A and we really like ice cream! Nicole and I play hide-and-seek and she laughs when I run and slide down the hall in my sock feet. No matter what we’re doing, I love to hear her say “Nannie come”! Her voice is so sweet and her bright, beautiful smile is like sunshine!
“A granddaughter fills a space in your heart you never knew was empty” – Susan Winget
The Museum of Life and Science is one of our favorite places to go! We start our adventure in the tropical Butterfly House that feels like Florida with gorgeous plants and all kinds of exotic butterflies. There are fun things to see and do inside (good for chilly or rainy days) but we usually head outside to the trail. We watch black bears, lemurs and wolves in their own habitats; explore Hideaway Woods with really cool treehouses, the farmyard and of course, the park with lots of things to climb! Taking the train ride through 84 acres is a special treat that’s always fun!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Nicole’s little”Lambie”, an adorable little stuffed lamb she never goes without! She has about a dozen or more, just in case one gets lost. Very important just like Talia and her “blue eyes babies” when she was a little girl 😉
I’m so proud of Talia and thankful she can work from home because it’s truly amazing how well-rounded Nicole is. She‘s not even 3 yet and she’s a do-it-yourselfer. She dresses herself, packs her bag, locks the front door, climbs in the truck and buckles herself in her car seat. I used to try to help but she doesn’t need or want that. What a difference it makes in a little one’s life when you teach lovingly, play together and make learning fun. To say I’m proud of Talia and Donnie is an understatement. Our family means everything to me and I’m really looking forward to our family vacation in FL next week!! I’m sure we’ll make wonderful memories to keep us going until we can move back to Florida, our home sweet home.
I’m happy to see you back writing and sharing your thoughts, memories and life experience’s. I love reading about your special relationship with Nicole and all the places you go and things you do with them. We all have special relationships with our children and grandkids they surely are blessings
Wow!! This makes me want to cry happy tears 🥲 I am so incredibly thankful that she has the BEST Nannie that she could possibly have. We love each and every day that we get to spend together and make the sweetest memories 💕 The way you play, love, and protect her means the world to me and I know it does to her as well. There’s not a day that goes by that she doesn’t talk about Nannie and all the fun things we do together 🥰 Thank you for being such a big and great part of her little life and for being someone she will always have in her corner. We love you so much ❤️❤️
Granddaughters are very special!! I love being a Mimi ❤️
Wonderful writing Kim. I’m thrilled to see you are putting words to life again. ❤️
Beautiful writing and such a wonderful subject, our granddaughter Nicole. I get so excited to see the photos taken after a day spent with Talia and Nicole. We both have that special relationship with Nicole but her Nannie is also a play friend. I see the child like happiness in you when you are with her or even talking to her over the phone. I’m so glad and proud of you for returning to your writing
Love you.