At times being a grandparent is like experiencing a massive déjà vu.  I might be picking up a little play person from the floor while babysitting Sarah, or reaching for a diaper while she squirms on the changing table and suddenly, I mentally morph into the young mother who thirty years ago did the same thing for Sarah’s father.  At times, it’s unnerving, but always bittersweet.  Those days were rough with the total sleep deprivation and the longing for adult company, but, they were also filled with warm, sticky hugs and kisses that are sorely missed at this time of my life. 

It happened again today.  In order to review the grandparent books for my Nona Nita’s Nook website, I had ordered about 8 of them to look over.  One of them is titled "101 Ways to Spoil Your Grandchild"  by: Vicki Lansky.  A cute book written in a style that hinted familiarity…and the name, Vicki Lansky…where is that memory from?  I finally went  on line to look her up.  When I finally figured out the mystery, a broad grin spread over my face,  Of course… Vicki Lansky… "Feed Me, I’m Yours!"  and "The Taming of the CANDY Monster" … the bibles for homemade baby food in the late 70’s.  Hers were the books that inspired me to make my own teething biscuits, to buy a yogurt maker and… oh my goodness…did I really make a first birthday cake out of carob in the shape of a train with dried pineapple for wheels? And worse than that, did I really make all the guests eat it?   Making the connection made me feel like I had stumbled upon an old friend.  We had both weathered the raising of young children together and here we were...together again, facing grand parenthood.  It's interesting that she is still giving advice... but even more interesting is the fact that I am still looking for it!

101 Ways to Spoil Your Grandchild