Yes I am being unreasonable and I know it....

In just over two weeks I'm flying out to see my son and family - it's been over 15 mths since I last saw them all. I feel my grandmotherly skills are non-existent, and I am completely different from their Italian Nona who lives 5 mins away. In fact, thinking about it (which I try hard not to do), I've only been with the grandkids for about 9 weeks in total since they were born.
I don't how I will be, but I will be there, and that will be enough.
I really don't know why I'm writing this because it makes me cry! My son and daughter-in-law are thrilled - and that is more than enough.
It's going to be emotional, that's for sure!

butty, you will have a glorious time and be a fabulous gran. Your son and DiL clearly think so too

jess, I like your list. It's a useful way of looking at relationships. I feel extremely fortunate to be in the first category and also fortunate not to feel pushed out in the least by the lovely and healthy relationship my daughter and son-in-law have with his parents who see them every week or so whereas I see them maybe three times a year. In fact, I'm very pleased for my grandsons that they have this contact with their father's family because it provides them with five playmate cousins of similar ages, whereas there are no cousins yet from my side of the family.

DD1 and family will arrive later today for a visit. Just moved my harp from the room where they will sleep to give them more space. DD2 will pop over for an overnight visit later in the week laden, she says, with sausages (I've to provide the shallots to cook with them) and bubbly because she hasn't met her younger nephew yet and her big sister has just been awarded her OU honours degree after, as she put it "fourteen years, two babies and twelve house moves." MrBags, who is not DD1's father, also came home with a bottle of (VG!) bubbly on Friday, saying "It's not every day someone gets a degree." It will be a very celebratory week

It's not the amount of time you spend with your grandchildren but the quality time sometimes. They may see the other grandmother all the time, but your visits may stay in their memory forever [no pressure, Butty ]. I think that's why I wanted to holiday in Cornwall, in the hipe that they would associate the place with me, and the love I have for them and Cornwall itself would somehow intermingle [does that make sense?]. I used to look after some children who had, sadly lost their mum and their granny was a constant and dominant figure in their lives; one of them confided in me once that she drove them all bonkers. I bet theyr'e as excited as you are about the visit and it's going to be wonderful .

hipe ..my typos are getting worse ....

Just go with the flow, Butty. Children are no respecters of actual time spent when they are in the moment and they realise how interested you are in them. They'll be wrapped round you in no time when you've got yourself sat down with them.

Just enjoy your DCC , Butty , bet you have a marvellous time !!

Lovely positive comments, and will remember them.

I shall endeavour to be a fabulously different granny where quality not quantity matters and have a joyous time.

B Lots to celebrate. Have a happy, fizzy, sizzling week.

I remember my auntie visiting us - a rare occurrence, especially when she lived in Canada for a couple of years. She brought cinnamon flavoured chewing gum and we were enthralled at its novelty. That memory has stayed with me for nearly sixty years. It was such a fun visit!

I'm sure you have special skills, talents, knowledge and approach to grand mothering butty - share with them what you enjoy and what they enjoy. I don't think I had the patience to do things like playing with toy cars or pretending games when I was a mum. But I have played in all kinds of ways with my two - including endless repetitions of playing rita the rat, watership down, harry potter etc
Last time I saw them I bought them a cricket kit and discovered that I was not nearly as bad at underarm bowling as I would have thought. cricket? moi?

Oh Butty - that is going to be wonderful! Full of wonder might be a better description! Something to cherish. xx

I seem to be the opposite. Played endlessly with my kids when they were little but can't seem to get into pretend superhero games with the boys now. I was happy with Thomas the Tank for several years but can't summon up any enthusiasm for Spiderman .

Forgot to mention - nipped across town to see DGD, who - unbelievably - never stopped talking! We discussed all sorts, from Chariots of the Gods to God/no God and also Egyptian Pharoahs......glad I went! It was a lovely visit - (bet she doesn't have those conversations with her other grandma !

I've still got that book; borrowed it from someone when if first came out and never gave it back .

Tegan - I had it when it first came out, then must have passed it on at some point! However, I've just ordered a 1p copy from Amazon for DGD, just in case she'd like to leaf through it. She's only 13, so it might be a bit overwhelming, but she might find some interesting bits in it that she can understand.

If for any reason you don't get it you could borrow my copy [it's probably a bit mildewed wherever it is, but I'll definately have it; I never throw anything away]. It was quite a talking point at the time, wasn't it?

Marelli I'm so pleased you had a good day with your grand-daughter.

Oh thank you Tegan, that's really kind! Hopefully it should come from Amazon this week, though. It really was quite a talking point at the time and according to DGD, she and her dad have been following something on TV about the type of thing that I remember the book covered. My sister-in-law and I got quite interested in it all at the time, too. Might have another squint at the book myself.
Butty, thank you, too. xx

Oh Teagan I know what you mean. I used to have the energy to play monsters, superman, etc but now try to distract them to craft things so I can sit down and enjoy their company!!

Different grandparents will have different (not better or worse) relationships with their DGCs...that is what makes us so special!
Enjoy every moment with them and they will enjoy it too.