Grilled Grandma: Gwen

How many children do you have? I have three perfectly imperfect, outrageously talented, uniquely incredible children, and two equally amazing children by said children's matrimonial choices.

How many grandchildren? What are their ages? One boy 8, one girl 5 (both gifts from my daughter and her husband).

Any great grandchildren? ZERO

What do your grandchildren call you? I'm NEE NEE

After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would soon be a grandmother? Mirror, mirror on the wall—I am my mother after-all.

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? As much as possible—they live in town

What is the best thing about being a grandma? Being a grandma erases all the fear and concern that you used to have about being a grandmother.

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? It's always a challenge when I see them, to remember to say hello to my daughter too.

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud. The grown-ups were talking about how everyone has lost something in this economy when my granddaughter chirped up, "Yes, I know...........I lost my tooth!

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house? My grandson and I love, love, love to put together Lego machines—(but secretly he'd rather do this with his grandfather). My granddaughter and I love to paint (She's an artist, you know).

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? Go for walks and bike rides and READ, READ, READ.

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? Frankly, I try not to visit everyday—don't want to wear the ole welcome out.

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? Life is not fair but it is grand. You are special and you are loved.

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you? Life-lover (oops, that's two).

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent? Go ahead and buy your own car seat, highchair and crib.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? Enjoy

Do you have a website or blog? What is it about? I blog about the grand life......www.play-grand.com.

This is an archived version of Gwen's Grilled Grandma feature. See her original grilling—including reader comments—by clicking HERE.