James Robert Maxwell Elam (aka JR) Whitman is going to “work” today. But it’s not just any day and not just anyone he’s working with—he’s working with GaGa today at her house. And he can’t stop smiling.
A bright-eyed and smiley 2 year old, JR’s mom is Kimberly Schlegel Whitman—hostess extraordinaire and an expert on entertaining (she has four published books already under her belt). The little preschooler models with the Kim Dawson Agency, and calls photo shoots “work” (although he clearly enjoys every minute). Like a professional, he’s “on” exactly when he needs to be, peering directly into the eye of the camera and lighting up on cue. And the GaGa JR is so excited to work with? Kim’s mother, Myrna Schlegel (who coined the nickname JR).
Empty nesters now in their Preston Hollow home, Myrna and her husband Bob (known as BobBob to grandson JR) own Dallas’ Pavestone, a company that produces pave stones and other landscaping products. The couple have already raised four kids in this stately home, Kimberly, Kirby, Kari and Krystal. Now, another generation, beginning with JR, is romping about in the halls of the French-style chateau.
Raising kids in your home where they live day in and day out is one thing, but preparing your home for visiting grandchildren who aren’t there every day would seem to be a challenge, especially once they are old enough to walk around grabbing everything in sight. Not a problem for Schlegel, who leaves fragile objects in plain sight and within her grandson’s reach. And amidst the Louis XV and XVI decor, there is plenty around to break. She tells us with amazement that JR knows exactly what’s a “no-no” (such as her porcelain four seasons collection on a coffee table in the two-story high living room). Electronics, on the other hand, are a different story, and JR can’t help but to play with any iPad or cell phone within sight.
Not only does the lone grandchild light up around his grandmother, but the reverse is also true: She lights up around him. “[It’s the] best gift ever,” says the lean, blond Canadian of her role as grandmother. Schlegel confides that JR has stayed over at their home for two days in a row without shedding so much as a tear—not something that all grandparents can boast about. The Schlegels even set up a crib in their master bedroom for JR, and as the 2 year old wakes up in the morning he says, “Hi GaGa. Hi BobBob,” and waves and plays quietly until they get up. JR often fills the rest of his time at the home on the tennis courts playing hockey, tennis or basketball with BobBob, not to mention sneaking into the candy bowl together.
With a home that’s hosted parties for the likes of royalty, politicians and social figures, it would seem unlikely that a grandmother would feel so at ease with her curious grandson running about in such a formal and regal space. But Schlegel says she wouldn’t have it any other way.
