Being a grandparent is like having a second chance at parenthood, but this time, you're allowed to spoil them rotten.
When my cousins started having grandchildren, I looked forward to that possibility myself. As the years ticked by, I began to think it might never happen.
One Christmas, my daughter gave me a coffee cup that said, "What do you mean my grandchild is a dog!" I took the hint and left the subject alone.
Then, a miracle happened. My daughter announced she was pregnant in 2022.
I was excited and nervous but above all, hoping and praying for a healthy baby. I wrote this right before I flew home to be with them for the big event.
Anticipation
My baby is having a baby.
It’s been nearly 37 years since she changed my life. I gave up being a grandma when she had a female partner who didn’t want kids. Now that I’m retired, traveling, and exploring, she’s nine months pregnant. I wonder how this turn of events will change my life.
My kid is having a kid.
When I was pregnant, her head was tucked under my rib cage so securely, she couldn’t turn and had to be delivered by C-Section. I used to joke she had a mind of her own in there and didn’t want to work saying, “if you want me, come in and get me.” Her kid is breech so they are going to try to turn her on Wednesday…labor or a C-Section will likely follow. Will history repeat itself?
My girl is having a girl.
I didn’t want to know the sex of the baby I was carrying. We had a girl and a boy name picked out, but I secretly hoped it was a girl. Though we wanted a boy too, we didn’t want to press our luck, so she was an only. My girl wanted to know the sex as soon as it could be determined so she could remodel the office into a nursery. She got fixed so my only will have an only.
My daughter is having a daughter.
I was a motherless daughter three months after I gave birth at 30. My father died in 2018 at age 85…this end of the circle of life is much more exciting. My rising excitement was tempered by my partner saying, “So do you know you’ll be 85 when she graduates from high school?” Dammit, I better start taking better care of myself so I can be there as her biggest cheerleader.
My Jessica is having a Madison.
It’s hard to believe that after all these years I’m finally going to join the Grandparents club. I’m flying back to North Dakota tomorrow to be there for the Wednesday turn procedure. If Madi is anything like Jes was, she’ll have a mind of her own about when and how she’ll come screaming into the world.
My baby is having a baby.
Life has had twists and turns over the years. She tucked me under her wing when I first left my marriage of 27 years to come out. I took care of her when she had emergency abdominal surgery. She nursed me while I recovered from a rotator cuff/bicep tear surgery. And I will be there for her as she brings new life into the world.
Full circle…cycle of life wonder.
My beautiful granddaughter was born on her mama’s birthday during Bismarck blizzard.
The downside of living the retired snowbird life is that I’m not close by to be called in a pinch. I know I miss a lot, but I’ve made a conscious effort to see my girls nearly every other month…
so I can have moments like this with my growing 14-month-old grandbaby <insert melting heart>.
That adorable photo at the end makes it crystal clear the heartstrings between you and her. Ahhhh and awe.
Beautiful piece. Scrumptious baby. Congrats. 🥰