My grandson is coming! My grandson is coming! And yes, of course his parents are coming too. Just kidding. We can hardly wait to see all of them.
So we've made a list and checked it twice, gone shopping, and checked it a third and fourth time. We have diapers, baby wipes, baby food, pack and play, toys, car seat.... what else?
I'm trying to figure out what I should be moving out of reach, what is dangerous, what is breakable. I remember our granddaughter, KC coming when she was about 19 months old (here's a photo of KC and mom) and she's been to Hawaii almost every year since, but she's now 10 and it's been a long time since we've had a toddler.
A few years ago, I was going to put up the gate before they came to visit to prevent her from falling down the stairs and Tif had to remind me that KC was no longer a baby.
But now we're going to have a toddler who will be about 17 months old and he's a boy. If he's anything like his father and there's every indication he is, I'm going to have to pad the floors, the walls, the doors, and everything he might come into contact with.
Stressed? Who's stressed?
I'm so excited!
So we've made a list and checked it twice, gone shopping, and checked it a third and fourth time. We have diapers, baby wipes, baby food, pack and play, toys, car seat.... what else?
I'm trying to figure out what I should be moving out of reach, what is dangerous, what is breakable. I remember our granddaughter, KC coming when she was about 19 months old (here's a photo of KC and mom) and she's been to Hawaii almost every year since, but she's now 10 and it's been a long time since we've had a toddler.
A few years ago, I was going to put up the gate before they came to visit to prevent her from falling down the stairs and Tif had to remind me that KC was no longer a baby.
But now we're going to have a toddler who will be about 17 months old and he's a boy. If he's anything like his father and there's every indication he is, I'm going to have to pad the floors, the walls, the doors, and everything he might come into contact with.
Stressed? Who's stressed?
I'm so excited!

You have the most wonderful Christmas ever Kay, sharing in your excitement.
ReplyDeleteThis is thrilling. Can't wait to hear about the visit. Is Great-Grandma excited too? My grandchildren are all adults and I miss those toddler days.
ReplyDeleteGreat grandma is very excited and is looking forward to cooking for her grandson.
DeleteChristmas in Honolulu should be and it sounds like it will be, a blast. Grandchildren are great at home--only kidding, of course. Our grandchildren are getting older all the time and they all drive cars now or are getting driving experience. There is a new law here where the student can drive or has to have driven with a registered and licensed driver for 18 months before they can take a test and get their own license.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun you will have. I won't see my granddaughters again in person until April when we head up to NH. Hoping they will visit us here in June. Have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHave a great holiday with your grandson love from sunmy Poland
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I absolutely love that picture of Mom and KC. You will be having a wonderful time with your grandson. I'm excited for you. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! Your excitement zings off the page in this post. Have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteKay, your Christmas will be very special! Have a great one! I am in Florida now but I took my laptop so I could follow the blogs I read, including yours, and post to my blog too.
ReplyDeleteYou'll have a WONDERFUL time! Do you know anyone who has a toddler in their life? Perhaps you could borrow the tot for a few hours and follow them around your house to see what needs to be childproofed.
ReplyDeleteBless your Ohana at Christmas time!
ReplyDeletetoddlers are fun but remember it's their parent that suppose to supervise them...lol! I remember visiting Sweden with my toddler son Jeff-they all have so many little things everywhere for decoration that are breakable. My job as mom was to follow my son around saying no-don't touch that...not fun but necessary-go outside lots-you are in Hawaii...lol~
ReplyDeleteNo matter what you have done to "protect" your grandson, those little hands will find something to get into, so relax & enjoy.
ReplyDeletePatty
Oh... I know... I know... Only too well. I think I'll be fine once they get here.
DeleteYou are going to have a wonderful visit. :)
ReplyDeleteSun, water, beach time! That's what will keep him happy!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for being excited. It's a great time having the little guys visit.
ReplyDeleteA toddler in the house for Christmas! What could be more wonderful. Have a good time with his parents, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteyou'll have a blast, but you will be exhausted once they leave. LOL I know you will make great memories, and I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteYoungsters are the reason Christmas is such a great day. See it through his eyes and don't worry--he will have lots of loved ones keeping an eye on him. Take lots of pictures.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I remember how wistful you were in last year's post with a photo of your grandson reaching out to [snow? was it?]. Now you will have him running amok and stirring up your lives. Have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteFrom Linda in Kansas:
ReplyDeleteOK...my "baby boy" is 29 now, but I remember a "child-proofing" method. Crawl on the floor and look around: Home Depot has those child-proofing items, like the little plastic fake plugs to put into empty electrical sockets; and latches for lower cabinet doors; keep cleaning supplies up and unreachable. My Dad said to put one chicken drumstick in each hand, then they won't grab other stuff! A dog gate/crate around the Christmas tree? If he's into learning to swim yet, the local indoor pools may be warmer than the ocean. Between 2 and 4 years old, my son went to sleep quickly after toddler swimming lessons. Rest up so you can enjoy them! If in doubt, ask the parents what they want done or protected.
Cheers!
Hi Linda! That's a great idea! I actually covered up all the empty sockets with painting tape. He'd have a hard time peeling if off before we stop him. I think we're just a little worried because we remember the amount of emergency visits we had with his father.
DeleteI hope you'll have fun
ReplyDeleteMy grandson is almost 5, and I remember putting everything breakable up high on closet shelves. We used a gate at the top of the stairs but he learned how to go up and Down stairs very quickly. I cleaned out under the sinks and put all the cleaning stuff in the garage. Moved all the side tables to the wall so there was lots of room to run. It took me a month after he left to get the back in order. But what fun. Have a great Christmas
ReplyDeleteHello MaryAnn! Thank you for your visit and kind comment. Hmmm... I need to look through the storage under the sink too. I think I'll put the garbage cans out of reach as well.
DeleteDon't over stress this. Remember there will be five adults to watch one little boy. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteA merry christmas to you and your family. Yesterday my granddaughter of almost five fell down the stairs, but fortunately not on her head.
ReplyDeleteOh nooooooooo.....
DeleteI can feel your excitement!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely time and good wishes to you and all the family.
Merry Christmas
All the best Jan
So wonderful that your grandson is coming! This is a very fun age, too, as I'm sure you know very well. I wish you all a merry Christmas together as I'm sure it will be!
ReplyDelete