OLIVER LOVES HIS NANA...AND HIS NANA LOVES HIM!!

Oliver darling,
When you returned from Sydney Australia, you were 1 year old and I hardly knew you. Yes, we SKYPED all the time and I visited you for over a month in Australia...but, unlike your brother Jake, we really didn't have much of a "history" together. (HOW MUCH "HISTORY" CAN A 1 YEAR OLD HAVE?)

And now, 6 weeks after you have returned, we have developed a love affair that I know in my heart will endure throughout your trip to China.

You knew how much I loved you from the moment you came back into my arms. And throughout the month that I moved into Hoboken, you loved me more and more, and the closer we became.

In answer to the question, does the Nana have favorites??? I say...NO! NO! NO!

Jake will always be my first Grandchild, yet as with Jake, I was "the Nana" who developed a closeness with you, that fills my soul. Your kisses, even at 1 year old are given from your heart. I feel it. And I will always remember the book..."Can you kiss the baby!'

We had a wonderful 1st birthday party for you that brought friends and family together. All the months of planning made it all worthwhile! And right after your birthday party you started to walk and you have been so happy with each step you take. I predict that you will start talking the same way, non-stop!

You attended your Aunt Jennifer's wedding, and we have the most beautiful photographs of you.

YOU ARE OUR HAPPY ZEN BABY. You know who loves you and welcome them into your arms with hugs and kisses and tenderness.

After having Jake for a Grandson...I never would have dreamed that another child could touch me and love me like my precious 1st Grandchild. You are a blessing!!!

When You Come Home...

When you Come Home to me, I will teach you what a Nana is. To love, and learn and be a part of your soul. It won't take long, I will work on it swiftly. I have just lost a little time, but I will make up for it and we will bond. Nana and OLiver, my little "Zen" baby.

One day!

Darling Baby Boy,

To my little "Zen" grandchild...
so loving,
so gentle,
so happy!

I cherish the day when we will be back together.

I dance with you to "The Thorn Birds", everyday of my life.
Love,
The Nana

My darling baby boy...G"DAY!

Sweet Oliver...I know that you know who I am. I have spoken with you on Skype and you always recognize my voice and my face.
When I get off the plane in Australia and I go over to you, before I grab you I will sing the songs and say the words that will let you know that I am "The Nana"

I will sing...

HELLO, HELLO
IT"S OLIVER MILO

I will play...

Peek a boo, Peek a boo

and I will say...

Where's the Nana?, Where's the Nana?

And then I will hold you in my arms and never let you go!!!

'LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!

AUSTRALIA...HERE I COME!!!

Dearest Zuli and Jessica,
I am finally leaving for my much anticipated 2 month trip to Australia and New Zealand.
Thank goodness SKYPE kept me connected to Rebecca, Eric, Jake and Oliver every single day for hours at a time. I felt much more connected to them than I could ever have imagined.
In addition, as I mentioned...I took a full time job selling jewelry which I adored and it kept me busy at all times. That is what I needed. (MY sister Sherry goes to Florida from November-May)
The children are more amazing than ever and if you have been following their websites, Oliver is another Jake. Magnificent!!!!
I could not bring myself to go to Hoboken. I tried one day and it was too emotional for me.
The children are adoring this experience and they are all thriving. So as a Mom, I couldn't be happier. Thank goodness Harvey and I are like 2 peas in a pod, so we just clinged to one another.
Lesson learned: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
When I came off my cruise last July and Rebecca told me that the family was leaving in October to go to Australia for a year, I thought that someone punched me in the stomach!
Crying,I begged her to leave me Jake. She said she couldn't split up her family, and I felt "How could she do this to me".
But you are never too old to learn and I came to realize the big picture and that they are a family unit who sometimes needs to do things on their own. And miraculously...I am surviving.
The kids, Eric and Rebecca are waiting with great anticipation for me to come. Shortly after, Harvey will join me and when we leave for our cruise to New Zealand, the Rubensteins will be visiting and then Rebecca's best friend Allisyn.
So before long we will be back into the loving cocoon of Hoboken...and our first stop will be seeing both you Zuli and you Jessica.
All my love,
Jake's Nana
Oliver's Nana
Beyond Basics Nana
Roberta