In an Instant
Last year my first born and his wife announced they were pregnant and were going to make me a first-time Grammie. It completely took me by surprise. So much so, my reaction was almost non-existent. I had misunderstood the announcement and my brain didn’t compute. The blog post was titled, Wait, what?
They were due May 26, 2022, and had decided they wanted to know if their baby was a boy or girl. It didn’t matter to me in the least but once I learned it would be a girl, I was excited for all the things we would experience together in the coming years.
Even though I knew the baby was on the way, it didn’t really register until the day they left for the hospital. My son called me and I immediately asked if Crystal was in labor and he said he didn’t think so but the doctor wanted her to come in to make sure. She had been experiencing some symptoms but was a week away from her due date. I had my monthly board meetings within the next few hours and wanted to know prior to the start if they were staying at the hospital or going home.
He vowed to call me as soon as they met with the doctor. Ultimately, he called and said the doctor was sending her home. Phew….I went to my meetings without another thought. In between meeting number two and three I checked my phone and had received a message stating the doctor decided to keep her after all. Holy new born baby, Batman! I was going to be a Grammie. QUICK, someone boil the water …. Haha.
For the next few hours my son and I kept in touch and told him I didn’t care how late it was to call. The waiting began and my daughter and I were both tossing and turning in our beds 40 miles apart. We were texting back and forth and both admitted neither one could sleep. Then a little before 2:00 am the phone rang and Andrew was on the other end. Everything went well and Crystal and the baby were resting. I cried tears of joy. My grand daughter was born on May 20, 2022.
Since the hospital had strict rules due to covid, I wasn’t able to visit in the maternity ward. I was however, able to drop off dinner for them. Andrew was able to meet me in the lobby and I was able to give him a great big mama bear hug. He was excited but looked like he was ready to fall over from exhaustion. Ah, welcome to parenthood.
Once they were released to go home, Andrew invited me over. I was so excited to meet my new little bundle of grand baby joy and couldn’t wait to get my hands on her. What happened next took me by surprise. The moment I gazed at her and she gazed back, we locked hearts and I could instantly see my life and my legacy in her eyes. I was a goner, completely smitten and so in love.
She took my heart by surprise. It was overwhelming and the love was greater than I imagined. I’ve often heard people say, “There’s nothing like the feeling of holding your grand baby for the first time.” They were right. Tears of love kept falling. I was able to hold my precious grand daughter in my arms and time stopped.
What a beautiful moment between us, something I’ll treasure for a lifetime. It was in an instant she had my heart. I’m guessing for those grandparents reading this post, you most likely had profound experiences as well. Welcome to the world baby girl; you are cherished and loved. “A grand baby is a bit of stardust blown from the hand of God” - author unknown.
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS….Bubble baths are a favorite of this little lady!
