Of course, when we do see each other it’s extra-special for everyone. Which is not to be sniffed at when the alternative could be a rushed visit on a Sunday afternoon. We’ve also found ourselves sticking to a fun keep-in-touch ritual:
Skyping on a Saturday morning
And of course, they oblige. They make virtual coffee together and sing songs. The Bean dances for them and demonstrates the new words he’s learned.
I don’t think he understands the concept of talking to someone who’s not there - I’ve seen him try to hand them something or look behind the screen. Moments like that, when he’s clearly a bit confused, obviously tug at my motherly guilt strings.
Video calls are in no way a substitute for real-life grandma & grandpa time, but I think it helps. It helps with the knowing and remembering. It helps with the missing, after we’ve been there or they’ve been here.
The Saturday morning skype calls are a habit we’ve fallen into unintentionally, but they are now such a lovely part of our weekends that I’m certain all five of us look forward to them!
*For the record, we also skype regularly with the other set of grandparents! We just don't have a routine for it :-)