Grilled Grandma: Monique

How many children do you have? 2

How many grandchildren? What are their ages? 1, Ryan is 11 months old now

Any great grandchildren? No

What do your grandchildren call you? Nana

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? Not enough – (3 - 4 times per week)

What is the best thing about being a grandma? Watching them discover life and the excitement and pure joy in his eyes in the discovery.

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? Sharing…definitely sharing!

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud. My grandson was watching my dog and his dog chase each other and wrestle.  He was so excited and yet so scared at the noises they were making and fascinated at how they chased each other and wrestled, that he was giggling, laughing then clutching and moaning within seconds of each other.  He didn’t know what to feel, yet he was mesmerized by the dogs.  It was really quite funny.

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house?  Watch him discover and their unconditional love!

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? Watch him play and talk to himself.

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? Phone calls and pictures through text messages that can be shared.

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? Love and the ability to feel secure in their environment to do whatever is in their heart.

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you? Love!!!

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent?  There is no wrong way of doing things.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? Cherish every moment.  It goes by too quickly.