Babbie and Ya-Ya

Spence and I knew we were the luckiest new parents in the world when Spencer's mom, Pat offered to be our child care when I went back to part-time.  Not only would our infant daughter be able to stay in her home but Elliott would be under the careful watch of a dear family member.  Pat, affectionately called "Ya-Ya," has been fabulous with Elliott.  Ya-Ya drives down from Northern Virginia and rents an apartment in Roanoke so that she can spend three long days with her granddaughter in order to facilitate a part-time schedule for me.  She keeps a very detailed journal of Elliott's daily activities and adventures.  I love coming home from work and seeing everything that Elliott has done from fussing to eating to laughing and playing.  Both Elliott and I are so fortunate that we can meet up at lunch and spend even 45 minutes together during my work days.  And Ya-Ya is truly in her element as she cares for her granddaughter.  She is super excited every morning to see how much Elliott has grown and how interactive she has become.  Elliott's days are filled with developmental activities and by the time I arrive at home, she is exhausted and ready to wind down for the night.  This is an ideal situation for all Wiegard family members.

And when Ya-Ya has been ill or had to remain in Northern Virginia my wonderful mother, affectionately named "Babbie," has come down to Roanoke to our rescue.  Babbie has driven down on a moments notice to help us out and keep Elliott so that Spence and I didn't have to take off of work.  She drops everything to come to our aid and spend some time with her 4th granddaughter (My brother, Tripp and his wife, Jean, have three daughters!).  Babbie loves to take Elliott on long strolls so that she enjoy the outdoors and the neighborhood.  Babbie sings Elliott a large repertoire of songs to soothe her (including Elliott's favorite, the "ABC song."  And not the Jackson-5 song.).  Elliott loves to sit on Babbie's knees and belly laugh with her as she learns to prop herself up like a big girl.  

So are we spoiled?  Yes.  Are we exceptionally blessed?  Yep.  Do we have the best of all worlds?  You bet.  Do we thank God every day for wonderfully loving family members?  Of course.  Our hope is that Elliott will learn to appreciate the sacrifices that her two amazing grandmothers have made on her behalf as much as Spencer and I do.  We love you both.