Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Only As Old As You Feel...

You may recall from yesterday's post that Agnes and I spent yesterday at our daughter's home, helping take care of Leya while a workman installed their home security system.

Well...

If it's true that you're only as old as you feel, this morning I feel like I've passed Mike in the superannuation sweepstakes. Amanda's comment on yesterday morning's post is particularly appropriate...she said: "I think all grandfathers have that kind of dread about a full day with the grandchild. They love it but at the same time, they know they are going to be completely wiped out. My mom told me that my dad would keep disappearing whenever they were watching Aaron. It turned out that he was sneaking cat naps!"

I didn't get any of those cat naps, but we did have a great ... if exhausting ... time. Here's part of the story in pictures...

In Japan, I've heard that the girls walk on your back. In Virginia, it's a little different...

An energetic toddler can be challenging enough...but when she double-teams you with the dog, things are tough...

No lying down on the job, Opa! Sit up!

Now roll over!

This was the prelude to her patting me gently on the back to make me go to sleep, the way the teachers at her day care center do. As you might suspect, no actual sleep was involved.

Time to help mama fold the formerly-clean shirt from the laundry basket...

But there are more important things to do with that shirt, like playing "Where's Leya?" ...

Or having a tug-of-war with Oma...

Or helping mama polish the floor ...

Want to know how I felt at the end of the day? Check my profile photo. But there's nothing like a happy, loving grandchild to make you feel both exhausted and fulfilled.

Now, it's time to go to work so I can relax.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

11 comments:

Amanda said...

Awwww! It really looked like a fun and loving day for all of you. Leya is so cute and she definitely looks like an energetic little toddler! I bet she adores her Opa and Oma and will hopefully have some memories of these times.

Have a good rest at work :)

The Mistress of the Dark said...

Soo very cute!!! Now you can take a nap!

John A Hill said...

I've heard that kids can generally walk all over their grandparents, now I've seen it!

Looks like a great day!

wv: berepreg--when you are expecting your second child

Anonymous said...

She is precious!! I have a new grandson that is just 7 months old (my 1st grandchild) and is awesome of course. Looks like you made some wonderful memories!!!

Looks like you are a prime candidate to become a member of our adolescent baby boomer's club.

an orange county girl said...

OMG. she's so adorable!

fiona said...

She's gorgeous!
Looks just like you ;)
Her grandpa training skills are amazing.

wv-haldesoc- sock worshiping french style

Capitol Hill 20210 said...

awww this is the cutest post ever. She is beautiful!!!!

Anonymous said...

ha. I love it! Love the pictures and captions.

Also, I always say that about work. In fact when I clock out at the end of the day I like to say, "OK, I'm off to my REAL job." Because work is actually a nice rest from my home responsibilities.

craziequeen said...

Hey Bilbo, what wonderful pictures of Leyla - what an amazing day you all had together. You have a marvellous family, dear man :-)

btw - I'm on Facebook, if you want to see a friendly face :-)
My email is on my blog.

cq

Jean-Luc Picard said...

What a great session of pictures. You're the one that gets worn out!

Mike said...

Cute kid. What's sad is she doesn't know how good she's got it right now.

Wv - restryp - a vacation