Gilkersons share joys of being grandparents

Suzy and Bill Gilkerson of Monticello are blessed with three granddaughters as they celebrated Grandparents Day on Sunday, Sept. 8. 

Lydia is 3 ½ (and to a child, that half year is pretty important). She is daughter to Lauren (Gilkerson) and Chris Sokin who reside in Peoria, Ill. Eleven-month-old twins Quinn and McKinley are daughters to Phil and Amy Gilkerson of Monticello. In fact, Grandpa and Grandma Gilkerson reside just a few houses away from their newest grandchildren; steps away from seeing the girls almost every day. (Perfectly situated for babysitting, which is never an issue for the Gilkersons.) 

When Suzy and Bill found out about becoming grandparents for the first time, their grand dog assisted in the occasion. 

“We were out to dinner with Lauren and Chris and they wanted to show us pictures of our grand puppy,” recalled Suzy. That puppy was wearing a t-shirt announcing that he was going to be a big brother. 

“I just screamed in the middle of the restaurant,” laughed Suzy. 

A couple years later, Suzy and Bill were over at their son and daughter-in-law’s home for supper. 

“They said they had a present for us,” shared Suzy. Then they were presented with the children’s book “Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa” by Anna Dewdney. That was followed by an ultrasound image. The cat was out of the bag. 

However, it took the Gilkersons a bit before they realized the ultrasound depicted “Baby A” and “Baby B.” 

“We didn’t notice,” said Bill. 

In both cases of hearing the wonderful news, their children revealed the gender of the coming grandchildren. 

“Everyone knew the gender,” said Suzy. 

“We were blessed with three healthy ones,” added Bill. 

Every time they heard the news from their children and their spouses, the Gilkersons said it was exciting news. 

“Everyone says it’s the greatest thing ever,” they said of becoming grandparents. “We were anxious to experience that.” 

With Lydia living a few hours away, Grandpa and Grandma make it a point of seeing her multiple times a year. Holidays and special occasions are special times for everyone. 

They see Quinn and McKinley quite frequently. 

“We’re very willing to babysit,” they said. “Any chance we get.” 

Babysitting the twins is always a two-person job, though. 

“They’re getting busier every day,” Bill said of the little girls. 

Suzy and Bill said having grandkids also means the excitement of their own kids becoming parents, too. 

“We’re thrilled they could experience parenthood,” said Suzy. 

With Lydia being older and starting preschool, Grandpa and Grandma enjoy taking her out for ice cream (always a treat), visits to the zoo, the swimming pool, and walks to the playground. 

“She likes to read and watch cartoons,” said Suzy. “She also likes to hear stories.” 

The Gilkersons quite enjoy being grandparents, evident by the smiles on their face any time they talk about their granddaughters. 

Unlike being parents, they said as grandparents they can spoil their grandkids, leaving the responsibility and discipline up the moms and dads. 

“We can give them anything they want and go home,” joked Suzy. “We’re expected to spoil them.” 

“You said it,” added Bill. “We’re happy any time we get to spend time with any of them.”