I think I’ve mentioned before that my mother-in-law Carmen will be coming back with us from Colombia to care for Elian when I have to return to work full time. I think I might have also talked about how we let her pick Elian’s middle name because we greatly appreciate this act of love because she is extremely afraid to come to the US. Abuela Carmen is terrified of planes. She is to planes as Indiana Jones is to snakes. It has always been my hope though that my children would be able to have a close relationship with their grandparents the way I was able to spend everyday with my grandmother. But I have a feeling that Abuela Carmen and Elian might end up having more than just a close relationship because I am now convinced that Abuela Carmen has superpowers.
A bit of background: Elian is a hyper-active kid, I mean even for a toddler he seems a little bit on the Richard Simmons side. He is a ton of fun every day, but he is not the type to quietly play with his blocks in the corner. He is the type to open and close the door while shrieking at full strength for 2 hours or so. He can also spend hours throwing cell phones or screaming because we won’t give one to him.
Abuela Carmen has not yet met Elian yet because she lives in another state. She’ll probably be coming in a few weeks to Bogota to get her visa etc. but she is VERY anxious to meet Elian so she calls everyday. Tonight we decided to make the extremely dubious choice of letting her talk to him on the phone. I was pretty sure that he would try to throw the phone across the room and then scream when we wouldn’t give it to him. If we were extra lucky we’d get a full blown-parents start-counting-to-100-must-stay-calm style temper tantrum.
Instead something unimaginable happened. The second he heard her voice he was lulled into a state that was equal parts comatose and tender. He smiled sweetly, placed his hand gently on the phone and snuggled into Arnold’s chest for a long chat with abuelita. For the next 10 minutes or so he laid on Arnold’s chest babbling softly to her and when they were done chatting he turned to Arnold’s face and I held my breath as I saw my son kiss his Dad’s cheek for the first time.
First conversation with Abuela Carmen
13 responses so far ↓
Lee Anne // December 31, 2009 at 9:27 am |
I’m so excited and happy for you all. Elian is adorable and sounds like any active 17-month old. You all look and sound wonderful. I can’t wait to meet him. Hugs coming your way.
Tyler // December 31, 2009 at 10:47 am |
Great story. Here’s to grandparents with super-powers.
Justina // December 31, 2009 at 11:00 am |
Aw…this made me tear up a little. I’m so happy that your son will have a relationship with his grandparents. As you know I loved my grandparents and miss them everyday. This will also provide for many great memories…
notoriousmle // December 31, 2009 at 3:17 pm |
Justy, you made me cry, you dastardly fiend! I know you loved them very much and I say a little prayer for Grandpa on our anniversay each year.
Rashelle // December 31, 2009 at 11:21 am |
I dont’ know how much longer I will be able to read these wonderful updates as they always bring tears to my eyes! So happy for you!!
notoriousmle // December 31, 2009 at 3:16 pm |
Aww.. Rashelle, you are sweet.
Dahlia // December 31, 2009 at 2:21 pm |
Too sweet – she must have a gift. And can I just add that you three are going to have your hands full with your little boy, and your little Nutty who makes Jessie and Boutros appear to be drugged by comparison.
notoriousmle // December 31, 2009 at 3:16 pm |
I know! I am afraid, very afraid! Ha ha ha.
Eileen // December 31, 2009 at 7:28 pm |
My mother has the same effect on Gregory…it’s like fairydust.
I can’t wait to meet hm! I’ve been asking Renee every day when you’re coming home
Love and miss you, Em!
~E
Debbie // January 1, 2010 at 9:58 pm |
Happy New Year! Keep posting the pics dad and I are checking the site every day
Love,
M&D
notoriousmle // January 2, 2010 at 5:12 am |
Hi MOm, Good job abuelos!!!
adelman622 // January 1, 2010 at 11:30 pm |
The bond between Abuelita and grandbaby is SO special. My mamí takes care of Alejandra in the day and I love to see those 2 together. My mamí also lives with us as well and it has been the BIGGEST gift ever. I’m so happy Elian will get that relationship with his grandmother.
notoriousmle // January 2, 2010 at 5:13 am |
That is so good to hear. Maybe you can give us tips when we need them later. We will try to visit my parents as soon as we can after we get back and perhaps we can stop by and meet you guys too!