And then there were three...

Meet grandbaby three. I was away from home for three weeks to support my daughter and her family as her second son joined our world.

There is much to do when you have a kindergartener and a new baby, made more complicated after a difficult delivery, so it was all hands on deck. I spent a week on Saltspring Island caring for grandbaby 1 while mom and dad went to Victoria to await the arrival of the new addition. Then my husband joined us in Victoria for another 10 days before returning to Saltspring to get everyone settled.

We cooked, cleaned, shopped, did laundry, made forts and did some weaving. Many pounds of apples became many cups of applesauce. We read lots of books. We fed the dog. Whatever would be helpful. And then we came home.

I am a homebody. This is my sanctuary. I'd rather be home than anywhere else, unless my family needs me. Then I go. Three grandbabies - lucky grandma. Such joy in watching them grow and learn, such delight in hearing their parents comment on their kids' responses to me. ("You can tell he's been spending time with grandma! He just said wowzeronie") My four year old grandson is learning to weave and enjoys gardening because grandma does. Who knows what the two younger grandbabies will learn from me?

Each family has its own way of doing things. It is important that I show respect for their preferences and choices, confident in my belief that I raised my son and daughter to be kind and generous people with integrity. Every time I visit their homes I appreciate the thought they put into how they live their lives and raise their children. I don't have to agree. I offer advice and suggestions, cuddle the kids and kiss the bumps and bruises, read books and sing songs. And then I go home.