Becoming a Grandparent-and a personal choice
I suppose I always knew that one day I would become a grandparent. After all-it was a topic I brought up (much to my daughter, Mel's- chagrin) many, many times over the last few years. Obviously a baby WAS in the plan, because each time I brought it up- I was given the same answer. "We will have a baby when WE are ready!!"
Well, what about when I'm ready!! That's what I wanted to say-but of course-I didn't. Instead, I waited impatiently (VERY) for my day to come-and watched with envy-as one after another of my friends, began posting announcements and photo's of their grand babies on Facebook!
If you've been following along for awhile-you'll know that my dream of becoming a grandparent FINALLY came true-a little over two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the only way we could see our grandson was through photo's or Facetime chats-because I was still recovering from a nasty flu bug.
Last week we were given finally given the 'go ahead' that I was no longer contagious-so hubby and I packed up the truck-and with camera in hand-made the 3 1/2 hour trip to see the kids and our beautiful grandson this past weekend.
I'll admit-my excitement grew and grew, the closer we got to their house- but I felt something else. Something equally as strong.....
I was nervous.
It's been a long time since this old gal had held a newborn-and as silly as it sounds-I was worried that I may have forgotten how. And what about diapers? I hadn't changed one of those in years either!!
What if I did something wrong? God knows I'd made PLENTY of mistakes as a parent-what if I made even worse ones as a grandparent??
The more I thought about it-the more inept I felt. Thankfully, hubby knows me pretty too well-and when I suddenly became very quiet-he understood why.
"It's going to be okay, Chris," he said, as we turned onto Mel and Andy's street. "You're going to be an amazing grandma."
Although I appreciated hubby's words, I still had my doubts-and I was just about to tell him all about them-when I caught a glimpse of Mel and Andy walking up the street-pushing a stroller. There they were-all bundled up and smiling from ear to ear-as they turned the corner and made their way towards us. And suddenly, my silly fears didn't seem all that important.
Moments later, that precious little boy, who I'd only been able to see through a small screen on my phone-was now in my arms-and as I gazed at his beautiful face and listened to him coo-I couldn't help but fall totally and completely in love. And any feeling of ineptness I'd had before, was quickly replaced with an overwhelming need to protect this amazing blessing that the Good Lord had gifted us with.
As the day progressed into night-I found myself in awe at how quickly and easily Mel and Andy were adjusting to the new role of parenthood. As a single parent-I knew how difficult it was to take on the 'extra' daily chores and responsibilities that come with little ones, but thankfully, my daughter would never know that struggle. Together those two worked like a well oiled machine-sharing in the duties-decision making and care of their child, and my heart was filled with joy to see the love and devotion these two not only gave to Maxwell, but to each other.
Of course, the fact that they were both surviving on little or no sleep, and it didn't even seem to faze them-was also a surprise! And worrying-for me. But, by the next day, it became glaringly obvious that there were more important things to worry about then just the kid's lack of sleep. You see-as a newbie, I hadn't yet learned that there are RULES to abide by when one becomes a grandparent.
And the #1 rule is- Don't worry. (As if!!) This rule is at the top of the list for a very good reason-because it is the 'new' parent's answer to everything that comes out of a 'new' grandparent's mouth. For example-
Grandparent question-"Isn't it too cold outside for you to being taking _____ for a walk? Parent answer: "Don't worry!! He was just fine-besides it's 40 degrees outside!!" Ah yes, a regular heatwave-let's bring out the swimsuits and jump in the snow bank while we're at it!!
Oh yes, and let's not forget RULE #2- Don't help unless asked. (WHAT in all that is holy-does that MEAN!!) Obviously, for someone who likes to wash a dirty dish here-or pick up a piece of lint there-this rule was a hard one to follow. But take my word for it-either keep your OCD in check-or find something else to keep you occupied-like pulling your nose hairs, or plucking your eyebrows. Trust me-the pain will be far less to handle- than the scolding your child gives you when you're caught unloading the dryer!
Yes indeed, just like parenting is a never ending, learning experience-so too, is grand-parenting. I'm sure I'll adjust to these rules-and others.....eventually. But until then-I'm just going to take it all in-and enjoy every precious moment of it all.
With that said-there is one more thing I must share with you-my dear, sweet friends, before I end this long post. I know many of you have been waiting patiently to see photo's of our grandson. I would love for you to see Maxwell's big blue eyes (although I have a strong feeling they will be brown like his daddy's very soon) and his cute button nose, that he shares with his mama, but Mel and Andy have made a personal choice not to share photo's of Maxwell on a public forum(which my blog definitely is), and I must respect their wishes. I know this is disappointing news, and I will admit-when we first discussed this very important subject, I too felt sad that I wouldn't be able to share our pride and joy with all of my readers and friends. But, as a parent, and now, a grandparent, I do understand their concerns. The internet can be a wonderful, resourceful place-but it can also be so very hurtful and destructive.
This is a special time for Mel and Andy. And for the rest of our family. I would love to share that with all of you-and I will, but for now, I will do so with my words-and not photo's.
I hope you will understand-and continue to support me as you have so generously done this past year!
I will be sharing some photo's of Maxwell's nursery tomorrow-and more stories later in the week.
Blessings,
Christine
Well, what about when I'm ready!! That's what I wanted to say-but of course-I didn't. Instead, I waited impatiently (VERY) for my day to come-and watched with envy-as one after another of my friends, began posting announcements and photo's of their grand babies on Facebook!
If you've been following along for awhile-you'll know that my dream of becoming a grandparent FINALLY came true-a little over two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the only way we could see our grandson was through photo's or Facetime chats-because I was still recovering from a nasty flu bug.
Last week we were given finally given the 'go ahead' that I was no longer contagious-so hubby and I packed up the truck-and with camera in hand-made the 3 1/2 hour trip to see the kids and our beautiful grandson this past weekend.
I'll admit-my excitement grew and grew, the closer we got to their house- but I felt something else. Something equally as strong.....
I was nervous.
It's been a long time since this old gal had held a newborn-and as silly as it sounds-I was worried that I may have forgotten how. And what about diapers? I hadn't changed one of those in years either!!
What if I did something wrong? God knows I'd made PLENTY of mistakes as a parent-what if I made even worse ones as a grandparent??
The more I thought about it-the more inept I felt. Thankfully, hubby knows me pretty too well-and when I suddenly became very quiet-he understood why.
"It's going to be okay, Chris," he said, as we turned onto Mel and Andy's street. "You're going to be an amazing grandma."
Although I appreciated hubby's words, I still had my doubts-and I was just about to tell him all about them-when I caught a glimpse of Mel and Andy walking up the street-pushing a stroller. There they were-all bundled up and smiling from ear to ear-as they turned the corner and made their way towards us. And suddenly, my silly fears didn't seem all that important.
Moments later, that precious little boy, who I'd only been able to see through a small screen on my phone-was now in my arms-and as I gazed at his beautiful face and listened to him coo-I couldn't help but fall totally and completely in love. And any feeling of ineptness I'd had before, was quickly replaced with an overwhelming need to protect this amazing blessing that the Good Lord had gifted us with.
As the day progressed into night-I found myself in awe at how quickly and easily Mel and Andy were adjusting to the new role of parenthood. As a single parent-I knew how difficult it was to take on the 'extra' daily chores and responsibilities that come with little ones, but thankfully, my daughter would never know that struggle. Together those two worked like a well oiled machine-sharing in the duties-decision making and care of their child, and my heart was filled with joy to see the love and devotion these two not only gave to Maxwell, but to each other.
Of course, the fact that they were both surviving on little or no sleep, and it didn't even seem to faze them-was also a surprise! And worrying-for me. But, by the next day, it became glaringly obvious that there were more important things to worry about then just the kid's lack of sleep. You see-as a newbie, I hadn't yet learned that there are RULES to abide by when one becomes a grandparent.
And the #1 rule is- Don't worry. (As if!!) This rule is at the top of the list for a very good reason-because it is the 'new' parent's answer to everything that comes out of a 'new' grandparent's mouth. For example-
Grandparent question-"Isn't it too cold outside for you to being taking _____ for a walk? Parent answer: "Don't worry!! He was just fine-besides it's 40 degrees outside!!" Ah yes, a regular heatwave-let's bring out the swimsuits and jump in the snow bank while we're at it!!
Oh yes, and let's not forget RULE #2- Don't help unless asked. (WHAT in all that is holy-does that MEAN!!) Obviously, for someone who likes to wash a dirty dish here-or pick up a piece of lint there-this rule was a hard one to follow. But take my word for it-either keep your OCD in check-or find something else to keep you occupied-like pulling your nose hairs, or plucking your eyebrows. Trust me-the pain will be far less to handle- than the scolding your child gives you when you're caught unloading the dryer!
Yes indeed, just like parenting is a never ending, learning experience-so too, is grand-parenting. I'm sure I'll adjust to these rules-and others.....eventually. But until then-I'm just going to take it all in-and enjoy every precious moment of it all.
With that said-there is one more thing I must share with you-my dear, sweet friends, before I end this long post. I know many of you have been waiting patiently to see photo's of our grandson. I would love for you to see Maxwell's big blue eyes (although I have a strong feeling they will be brown like his daddy's very soon) and his cute button nose, that he shares with his mama, but Mel and Andy have made a personal choice not to share photo's of Maxwell on a public forum(which my blog definitely is), and I must respect their wishes. I know this is disappointing news, and I will admit-when we first discussed this very important subject, I too felt sad that I wouldn't be able to share our pride and joy with all of my readers and friends. But, as a parent, and now, a grandparent, I do understand their concerns. The internet can be a wonderful, resourceful place-but it can also be so very hurtful and destructive.
This is a special time for Mel and Andy. And for the rest of our family. I would love to share that with all of you-and I will, but for now, I will do so with my words-and not photo's.
I hope you will understand-and continue to support me as you have so generously done this past year!
I will be sharing some photo's of Maxwell's nursery tomorrow-and more stories later in the week.
Blessings,
Christine
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