Pure Joy of Becoming a Grandparent
My first grandchild was born last week. His name is James and I am over the moon with happiness for my son and his wife. For me too. I keep reminding myself that having a grandchild is not a redo for my parenting but an opportunity to love unconditionally and not sweat the small stuff.
And so begins the life of being a Dad, for my son.
I raced up to see our first grandson, but my husband was traveling and couldn’t get there until today.
His face was already puffing out by day two.
Adoration and total awe were written all over my husbands face.
It was so similar to his reaction when our son was born…32 years ago today.
James has already been to the pumpkin patch…
…and was not impressed. His goblin face…sums up his reaction.
As I watched my son and daughter in law nodding to sleep during our visit, I was vividly reminded of the sleep deprivation that goes along with a new baby. It’s a wonder we all survive it.
They’ve been plowing through the meals I stocked their freezer with… so this week I’ll be making up a batch more.
This has been a tough year for our family and the explosion of joy that James has brought to us all is a miracle. We have been blessed. My daughter in law is a true gem. My heart explodes with gratitude that James is healthy, and pride for the man my son has grown to be.
Congratulations!
bisous
Suzanne
But you do not look old enough to be a Grandmother! Congrats to you and your bundle of JOY.
Texting really has changed the way we live and give new life.
pve
I’m so thrilled for you Jennifer!!!!! As you know, I have two grandchildren, and they are such a joy, as is watching my son be the best dad I could have ever imagined!
Can’t wait to see more pictures, and hear more stories.
Love,
DeeAnne xxx
Thanks DeeAnne! It is so special.
Congratulations! Love and warm wishes to you and your family!
Congratulations ! Plus that baby is going to be a Libra, like all the best people !! š xx
Both of my children are Libra’s and now my grandson, so I have to agree!!
I’m in shock!! You are a grandma? Surely you are not old enough. The bubs is so totally adorable, I love newborns, the skin so soft and peachy, there is nothing like a newborn’s smell. Lovely photos, you all must be so chuffed.
Gotta love those slightly out of focus cell phone photos:-) thanks!
This post has made me completely misty eyed Jennifer! What a touching and inspiring story to share. The photos are so memorable. The one of you and your husband with sweet baby James is priceless. I see that your son has your sense of humor by the way.
Love, love, love this post ‘gma’!
xx, Heather
Congratulations, Jennifer! My favorite pic (although they’re all wonderful) is of your son holding his newborn. Well, the fatherhood journey begins for your son and a new one for you and your hubby!
Congratulations to all! James is adorable. You must a proud Grandma (and your son must be proud too to have such a lovely Mom).
As for sleep deprivation, gooooooooooood luck to the parents.
xoxo
Congratulations to you and yours. Blessings upon James.
Oh – I have chills just reading this play by play of James’ birth! Many, many congratulations and best wishes to you and your family! 9 something – baby almost here – 11 something – a new life arrived and your lives will never be the same! Another stage and joy in motherhood – a poignant, rich one when our children become parents themselves. Doing a happy dance for you from here, Jennifer!
WOW!A new chapter for you…………..CONGRATULATIONS!
Have just returned from PARIS………lunch next week in the ROTUNDA?
Ah, Paris. Lucky you. I’m out of town for the next couple of weeks. Exciting new changes. Let’s chat when I get back.
Beautiful post and baby, Gma! Congratulations to your whole family. xo
Welcome, welcome, James!!! Congratulations to all of you!!
Thank you for stopping by, Jennifer, and for sharing such an encouraging comment.
Here’s to “letting it rip.” š
I’ve added you to my sidebar blogroll to not miss a post.
Stay fabulous!
Dear Jennifer, I am SO happy for you and your family. There is nothing like the birth of a child to make life perfect:) I enjoyed the text messages.. and we can all relate to needed more hands AND rest! Thank you for sharing this with us and enjoy every minute! Hugs to you!!
Congratulations!! It must be an amazing feeling. Enjoy and you will make a fun great grandmother! š
Congratulations!!! So happy that this little pumpkin has brought some much needed happiness and joy into your lives. Let the fun begin! x
So wonderful! My mom was a Granny as well, and although it did sound ancient to me at first, as you say above, the word soon got polished in the mouths of the little ones, and then, as they grew, to school-children, then teens, then young adults. . . and even the next generation of her great-grands. . . .and the word now holds a lovely warm and rich energy. I know your Granny-hood will have a similar influence on the word in your family’s mouths. . . .Such a special role — enjoy!
Thank you. It never sounded old when I used the term, so I’ll just get used to it. I love how you describe it Francis! You’re always so eloquent.
Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful joys of being a grandparent.
I can think of nothing better than to spend time with my grandchildren….it’s so rewarding.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about James as he grows…
Hugs
XO
Thanks so much Leslie!
Oh that’s wonderful news, congrats Grandma!
Thanks Tabs. I’m going to be Granny, like my mum was. Funny thing is “Granny” sounds so much more ancient than “Grandma”:-)
Congratulations, I am so happy for you!!!! He’s adorable!!! š
How wonderful, and congratulations. I became a grandmother as well this past January. It has been truly amazing watching my son with his son! The memories of motherhood flood in. Enjoy every minute of this special time.
They do flood in. Yesterday was his 32 birthday, and I could remember the day of his birth with crystal clarity. Thanks so much Marguerite.
Congratulations!!! I wish you all much joy.
Beautiful! Congratulations to the happy new parents, and to you and your husband – such a sweet photo of the pair of you with James.
Congratulations. He is so sweet!
Just beautiful. I will always remember the pure joy of my own parents meeting both of their grandchildren. I love them even more for being fun loving grandparents for my kids. What a wonderful adventure you are now on.
Jennifer – those are amazing pictures and I had tears of happiness when I read this post! James follows a line of handsome men! I love your son’s texts. I think of how lucky they are to have you to help, we didn’t have that – my mom was already very Sick by the time Sydney was born, and Barry’s parents disinclined, and it was really tough in the beginning, but I imagine what it is like when you have a mom and dad like you all, to lend a hand! I think grandchildren are a reward for being a parent. I must be channelling you – one of the characters in my latest book is named James and he does a very heroic deed!
Congrats! I feel better already today knowing that James is in the world!
Thanks So much Wendy! Funny thing, my mother in law was “disinclined” to help us also. I’ll help as much as they let me and try not to smother š I look forward to reading your books to James!!
Wonderful news! It’s great to have something to celebrate – and he is a beautiful little boy! Congratulations to all of you.
The pic of his adorable little face took my breath away. I’m thrilled for you and your family. Congratulations and blessings!