Catching Up

It's been a long time since we had to manage a baby and the associated equipment.  The other day we took him out for dinner.  Can you guess how many people it takes to put a baby in a car seat?  That was after we had to figure out how to install the car seat.  And yes, that is a puzzled expression on his face.  Apparently Mom and Dad don't take as long to secure him.

When Jeff was the same age, Gayle's mom was in and out of the hospital.  Everyday she would load Jeff up and take him to go visit Grandma Miyoshi in a two door Corolla.   This picture was taken in a mini van with two sliding doors.  Jeff was the miracle baby as every time Grandma saw Jeff, she seemed to rally in strength and spirits.  We now have a deeper understanding of being a Grandparent..

What did we do to celebrate the two year mark of my surgery?  Babysit of course.  I could not think of a better way of remembering my heart attack than spending time with a Grandson I almost didn't meet.

Being Normal

Two years is coming up next week.  I’m not sure what I will do that day to celebrate my survival, but it will probably involve visiting my grandson.  Every time I visit him, I am thankful that I am here to see him.

                                                                     Jeff's birthday

Respect, or Letting go…

With the recent birth of our grandson, some issues have come up as to how to raise the boy Wada.


As last I looked, Gayle and I raised three sons, or I should say Gayle guided the process of caring for the boys and I followed. All three are different, and have different life stories to tell of their upbringing. So why was it a shock to our senses when we were asked to attend a parenting seminar at their church with them. I repeat, didn’t we raise three young men?

Before Camden was born, Gayle and I had discussed the issues of helping to raise the grandchildren. We weren’t just thinking of Cam, but of him and all of his future cousins. Gayle sat down with Tiff and assured her that we would follow their philosophy and methods of raising Cam. Of course she told me this afterwards.

Gayle had anticipated my response of they can’t really control what I do when I am with Cam outside of their presence. A Grand parent’s prerogative is to spoil their grandchildren. But she explained it was more of an issue of letting go, and respect. As Jeff and Tiff chose to marry and start a life on their own, they also decided how they were going to raise their children just as Gayle and I did many years ago.

Now of course this does not mean we always agree with the methodology or web related research. But as I consciously raised my kids in opposition to some aspects as to how I was raised, my sons must do the same.

Gayle has recently been babysitting during the week as Jeff started working full time and Tiff prepares for the new school year, she comes home tired, but happy. She also comes home with a greater understanding of why they chose certain ways of raising Cam. And increased respect for their choices.

But I still have the urge to sneak in a toy or trip to get Ice Cream with Grandpa and Grandma Wada.

What does it feel like to be a Grandpa?

That question comes up a lot lately. Jeff and Tiff invited us to join them at a parenting seminar at their church this past weekend. Gayle and I naturally agreed along with Tiff’s mom. The first thing we noticed was that there were a ton of kids running around and a lot of pregnant mothers. I guess there is no fear of the next generation withering away.

The second most obvious observation was that we were the only grandparents there. All others our age were church members assisting in the running of the program. It didn’t take much for people to figure out we were not parents of young children.

So how does it feel to be a grandparent?

One: the equipment and methods have changed. Cribs with drop down sides are outlawed. Strollers are multifunction (they even have built in cup holders) and multi, multi dollared. There are changing tables in every men’s public restrooms. And don’t even think about using an old car seat from the garage.

Two: You get this urge to purchase all kinds of stuff. I almost bought a Boston Celtic Musical Baby Crib Mobile off of Amazon. I did buy a Batz Maru (Sanrio’s attempt to duplicate the Hello Kitty for boys) stuffed animal when shopping at Marukai. Most of the stuff I would buy is more for when he is older. Little tykes slides, tables, cars, etc. And yes, I did get him his first basketball.

Three: I stare at this kid in wonderment. He amazes me that he exists and that I am alive to see him. He is actually part me. It is verified that he did not inherit the Wada eyebrows, but somewhere buried in Cam’s persona, there is a bit of me. Scary yet exciting.

Four: Whenever I see him, I smile.

Five: I look forward to more grandkids from the three boys, in their time.

Ahhhh

A cousin related the story of her father when her son was born.  He was a man of few words and not that demonstrative in emotions.  But her mom and dad would just drop by unannounced just to hold the baby then leave.  I didn't understand until now.

Day 3 and 4 Deja Vu

Camden was found to have jaundice on his third day.   Cam was able to stay in his bassinet, but with a ultra violet mattress.  Needless to say, he was not happy with the setup and little blindfold.

No, that is not the alien glow, but his home version of the ultra violet blanket .

Uncle Irving just before he leaves for Korea.  He will be Skipping with Cam for the next year in between his English classes.  He has to make sure Cam knows all 4 of his uncles.

 Uncle Jared still trying to find that comfortable position.

 

              

                                                                    Grandma and Grandpa Chu


It took three  of us to change his diaper today (Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Jared).  And we did it unprotected and escaped with no surprises.  We kind of forgot how to do this. 

Deja vu is because we went through this with Jordan.  Jordan was a little more extreme in that he was once count short of having a transfusion.  He was in one of those plexiglass incubators with an ultra violet light.  Im still trying to find a picture to compare with Cam.

Camden: Day 2

 So I finally figured out how to upload pictures to the Blog.  But not how to rotate the pictures.

Tiff claims it is her nose, and Jeff's eyes, but does he have those famous Wada eyebrows?  There is even a hint of Jared's uptick eyebrow.

Wada eyebrows?

Great Uncle Cliff

 Cliff has decided his title was Great Uncle Cliff vs. Grand Uncle Cliff.  He will claim the title Great before his brother, now Great Uncle Buddy.

Grandma Wada

Grandma and her new #1.  I guess I'm down to #8 behind Gayle, Jeff, Jordan, Jared, Tiff and Jade the dog.   Love at first sight. 

Just Plain Uncle Jordan

 Since Cliff took the Great title, Jordan becomes ?  He was surprised as to how heavy Cam is.  He is no sack of flour.

"uncle" Sean

Sean was the first one there, but patiently waited his turn.  You just need to assist by pushing his glasses up.  Camden sleeps through noise, and eats a lot.  He may never see the floor.