Granny's Visit

My mom was on the first thing flying East when she got the word that I had been hospitalized early and the baby was going to be delivered. She stayed for 10 days then, first watching over me & DJ in the hospital, then taking care of Barry and me at home. When she left, we had a refridgerator and freezer full of food, a clean house and were steady on our feet... then she came back and she and my sister Courtney threw us the best baby shower in the world. Unfortunately, DJ wasn't out of the hospital until after they left...and her commitments in LA and Long Beach (see the link to our B&B, Beachrunners Inn on this blog) kept her from seeing DJ in the flesh again until recently..much to her consternation. Her recent visit re-established that important "Granny to Grandbaby" bond as Barry and I went to work, gave Ericca the week off and let my mom do her thing...

Mom taught me some great infant massage techniques to help alleviate gas and get movements "moving"... She also came bearing prose, DJ now has his own copy of "Little Brown Baby", Paul Laurence Dunbar, Poems for Young People. My mom shared memories of her father reciting to her and my aunt verses from In The Morning. She also brought with her "Tales From Uncle Remus" and my son will grow up knowing of his rich Southern heritage as well as Baby Einstein and other more current baby books.

Not only did mom bring with her literary culture, she made sure we ate well too! Soon after she arrived, a cooler full to the brim with the best Omaha Steaks seafood selection arrived as a Father's Day present for Barry. What a treat! Above, you see DJ and mom reviewing the memorabilia on the walls at Red, Hot and Blue - our favorite DC area rib joint.

Mom brought the delightfully humidity-free weather with her...and she and DJ enjoyed lots of outside time while she was here. On the left, they are relaxing on our 2nd floor balcony. Below, we took a stroll to nearby Lincoln Park.














Of course, mom's visit included gifts to all..Barry received the generous Father's Day package, I received a complete wardrobe overhaul - 3 summer suits, a dress and a pair of trousers - and for DJ, in addition to the new collections for his library, there was the new fancy swing as well as a new Baby Einsteing play mat (thanks to Dr. Willie and Michael who gave DJ a generous gift certificate to Baby's R Us!).

Mom wasted no time assembling the play mat then the swing - he really enjoys them both (as do his parents).