Is there a Grandma in the house?

As you already know, I am totally wrapped up in the care and adoration of the new baby, Emilie.
I can't think of too much else, or talk about much else, so please pardon this silly grandma,
 I  just can't help it.

But today, we went out for a bit and stopped at a local market, roadside stand. You do know that new Jersey is the Garden State, right?  Even this early in the growing season, the produce looks wonderful.
 Mostly it is coming from California or Florida or somewhere, right now.  But they had some hot-house tomatoes.

Just had to have a Jersey tomato sandwich as soon as we got home.

Thick slice of tomato, a  generous slather of mayonaise,  pinch of coarse black pepper and a sprinkle of salt on toast, that's the way I make them.  A deliciously simple  local favorite!
 Even though they are hothouse "maters", they're pretty good!
I got this good multigrain bread at Aldi's, for  only $1.89.
I've been making meals for the little family, trying to come up with some new ideas.

Easy hostessing with fruits and vegetables!  Attractive and wholesome too!

 Watermelon-high amounts of vitamins A and C, and  lycopene, for cardiovascular health.      
Blueberries-antioxidants, and fiber, lower cholesterol and protect heart.                               
      Strawberries-contain phenols, are anti-inflammatory, fight disorders such as osteoarthritis.           Cauliflower is rich in Vitamin C , and K and lots of other nutrients.                                      

 I just keep cutting up fruits and veggies for the family and friends stopping by to see the baby.

I bag up leftovers for healthy snacking anytime and use surplus veggies for stir-fries, or steam for dinner sides.

Fruits can be thrown in the freezer then whirled in the blender with milk or yogurt for delicious smoothies. 

Oh, and we had an important birthday for Aunt Amy,  Mother's Day, and Memorial Day! 

Also Amy, my youngest daughter just graduated from Rutgers School of Law! What an accomplishment! 
She has such determination and brains!

   My,  what an eventful month of May!

My daughter, me and baby Emilie on Mother's Day

My baby girl graduates from law school!  So proud!

So we've been pretty  busy with the new baby,  graduation ceremony, family celebrations and it's been wonderful.  But there are complications and some drama in every family, and it takes a bit of  humor, and grace to pull it off and keep everybody happy.

 3 year old Tommy and his brand new baby sister Emily.

Grandma's tips to keep the older siblings from feeling left out.

• Be patient. Don't push them away, even when they are bothering the baby or you.  If you embrace them and gently guide them they will learn to be gentle and not feel       neglected. They will be helpful if included.
• Realize they have been dethroned and may have some normal jealous feelings.
• Invent ways to make them feel special. Let them fetch things for you, like a blanket or       pacifier.
• Let go.  Grandma or other family members can take older siblings on walks and other outings, or just  outdoors so Mama and baby can nap in peace. You'll appreciate the break and they will feel special.
• Show them pictures of themselves as a newborn, and tell them they were just as cute, sweet, precious.
• Pray with them at table grace time and bedtime, asking God to help them  obey, behave,  and be helpful, and thanking God for the new baby and the family you have.  You can express your values and gratitude. You can teach them while saying a prayer, and it doesn't hurt for a child to see you  talking to God.
• Try to keep normal routines, but allow for extra treats, like staying up later than usual to play a game with Daddy.   Be flexible, understanding, everybody is adjusting!
• Praise them!  Positive reinforcement  creates more positive behavior.

You shall teach them to your children,

 talking of them when you are sitting in your house, 

and when you are walking by the way,

and when you lie down,

 and when you rise. ..

                                                                                        Deuteronomy 11:19 ESV

I am reassuring my daughter that life will settle into more normal patterns, 

as the baby learns to eat on more of a schedule, (and not every hour and a half), 

when we begin to get more sleep. 

In the meantime, I am doing everything possible to make the house run smoothly.  Besides diaper changing, and rocking the baby, I'm playing with Thomas, cooking, cleaning, and  doing all the dirty work, so my daughter who's nursing can concentrate on her mothering roles, and get some rest while she heals and everyone adjusts to all the changes.

 I am also helping with grocery shopping and being an an extra pair of arms when we run errands. Did you know that they make the car seats now, so that they no longer fit in the shopping carts, so I don't understand how a young mother can  possibly do her shopping alone, especially with more than one child!  Frustrating!  So I can solve some problems, just by "being there".

 Anyway, here's a solution I used to get rid of some pesky ants.

Easy Ant Killer Cotton Balls
Make a solution: 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 Tbsp. Borax.
Soak several cotton balls in solution. Squeeze gently and place soaked
 cotton balls wherever you've seen ants making trails.
They will feed and die immediately.
 Use care when placing the cotton balls where children and pets are present.

"Every house needs a grandma in it"

Hope you're having as much fun as I am! 

                               Love, Linda