My granddaughter Isabelle.
I WONDER SOMETIMES HOW I, a woman who has birthed and raised three children, can find such novelty in the transition of a baby girl into her own person.
Izzy stole Grandpa’s lawn chair and settled in for a few seconds.
But every time I see my 17-month-old granddaughter, I delight in the new things she can do. Her personality is emerging with each skill learned, each developmental stage reached, each step of independence. And it’s a joy to watch.
And then Grandpa found an Izzy sized lawn chair in the garage, saved from when our kids were little.
I’ve seen it all before. Thrice. But this is different because I’m not the mom. I’m the so-in-love grandma.
My eldest, Amber, helps her daughter with a bubble blower because Isabelle wants to blow bubbles all by herself.
This time the let me do it attitude charms.
Grandpa stands nearby just in case Izzy needs help. She didn’t.
The climbing onto and off an adult-sized lawn chair is not dangerous, but applause worthy.
I love this sweet photo of two of my three children (Caleb and Amber) and darling Isabelle back in Faribault for a recent family reunion. Caleb flew in from Boston for a long weekend. Our other daughter, who lives in northeastern Wisconsin, was already gone when I shot this portrait.
In my eyes, I see only a sweet little girl whom I adore with a love I never imagined.
Getting a 17-month-old and her uncle to sit still is not always easy. But I find the photo still endearing.
I love being a grandma.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Anyone I know that is a grandparent, goes gaga with the arrival of a new generation. I can see why. It has to feel grand to relive some of your own “knowing”, and to enjoy the perks of being a grandma… a real gift to share what you know and love, and relax a little – and have a lot of fun. I remember my grandparents… those relationships were different than any other – sort of a sacred and very special bonding that cannot be explained. Even for Caleb, the role of being the uncle is an important and fun one. We never know how important we are in a child’s life as the giver of gifts. I’d say Izzy has her hands full with such a captivated audience! 😀
Oh, Lori, I appreciate how you always view all aspects, especially the importance of Caleb’s role as uncle, just as you hold that important place as a loving aunt.
Isn’t it about the best thing ever. I love love love seeing your post on Izzy, she is so adorable and the love you and Randy have for her is right there in your words and in the photo’s you take. I love the one of Randy standing guard, and there’s just something about that last photo, sometimes we just delete those blurry ones, I bet you’re glad you didn’t… it speaks words!
Thank you, Jackie.
She is getting so BIG – quite the little lady 🙂 Happy Weekend – Enjoy!
She’s really tall for her age, taking after her daddy.
being a grandparent is the Best! 🙂
You got that right.
I really enjoyed looking at the pictures of Isabelle, she is really getting big and is so cute. Being a grandma is a wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome.
Me too!!!
Of course, I love being Grandma too. Can you believe the twins are 16!!! Years go by very fast. Robin and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary today! Where have the years gone? We will be with Bob and Rae and cousins for dinner tonight. We should hear from our kids and grandkids too. Four grandchildren are what we have.
Love to you and family. Your loving aunt Dorothy
Happy 50th anniversary to you and Uncle Robin! I love you both!
Ahh super cute pics of Izzy!
Thank you!
You have a beautiful family! I love the last pictures
Thank you.