Nana and Bapa

Today is national Grandparents day and if you didn't know that no worries (I don't even know if my parents know such a thing exists). This is the first year I actually remembered, wahoo. No guarantees though that their card is ready on time, I'll just use the excuse my daughter isn't here to give it to them this weekend (thanks co parenting). But regardless of my inability to remember things, happy grandparents day! Thanks for always giving into any ridiculous request, call for the millionth snack of the day and above all, loving our children more then you love us. Here's to you.

If you search the definition of grandparent odds are you will come up with a definition that goes a little something along the lines of; one who breaks most of the rules and loves every second of it. Ain't that the truth. If I tried to get away with half the stuff my daughter does now when I was little, well lets just say I wouldn't be here today (hah). Cookie for breakfast? You got it. Sandwich cut into fun shapes? Why not. And best of all, mom said no? Well yes then (okay sometimes). I think its safe to say (and my daughter would agree), Nana and Bapa make life more interesting.

Usually when a child wakes up in the morning the first thing they ask for is either mom or dad, not my child. Her first question every morning is, "Is Bapa awake?" And if no, it is quickly followed up by pounding on their bedroom door to wake him up. Sometimes I feel bad for the 6:30am wake up calls on his day off, but then when I see how nicely she procceds to wake him up compared to me, I don't feel bad anymore. And where's Nana you ask? Oh she's in the kitchen making whatever breakfast my child requested the night before. Did I hear you say wrapped around their fingers? Cough cough yes, I mean no, they just love her to the end of the world. Thank you for getting up at the crack of dawn to show my daughter love and for always making sure there's M&M's and chocolate chips for morning pancakes (learned that mistake the hard way). We love you both.

On top of accepting wake up call's and making breakfast, Nana and Bapa make the best play mates. I am blessed that my mom can (and does) watch my daughter when I go to work. My daughter looks so forward to her time with Nana and when I come home the house is usually a mess, filled with either homemade cookies or crafts everywhere, a sign of a day well played at its best. My mom sees my little girls imagination and runs with it. Everyday she allows her the space and materials to bring her dreams to life. My daughter is going to grow up knowing she is so well supported in whatever she may choose and I know a huge part of that is because of my mom. And now my dad well, he likes to give into all of my daughters ridiculous play needs. Whether it's pretending for hours to be beast, wearing all her bead jewelry or singing and dancing to "Let it go", Bapa is my daughters go to right hand man. They are the best of friends and more times then not eachothers partner in crime. If Addie ever needs anything she knows she can count on her Bapa, and for that I am grateful.

It’s hard to express into words how much you love or appreciate someone who means so much to you. In simple terms as Addie would say, “thank you for everything you do.” But more so thank you for being the role models she needs. For showing up no matter what, cheering her on every step of the way and being there to help pick her back up when she falls. Thank you for providing her with a home so loving she never wants to leave and one where she always feels wanted.

Napa and Bapa, Addie is going to grow up so loved, supported and confident of herself thanks to you both. I know that may come some days with the sacrifice of your sanity and/or hearing (thanks threenager tantrums), but regardless of that you never stop helping keep a smile on her face. You have given us so much more then we could ever repay and I know our situation isn't always the most ideal, so thank you for sticking by us through it all. We love you both, happy grandparents day.

P.s. Addie says thanks Bapa for making THEE best snacks and always putting a few extra special surprises in it. You truly know the way to her heart.

~Grandparents make the world a little bit softer, a little bit kinder and a little warmer.~