BLACK HAWK - This year is an exceptionally exciting year for me. This year, I am going to be a grandma.
I feel like I've been waiting for this all my life. The joy it brings me, thinking about my kids bringing a new baby into the world, is incomparable. My heart is soaring and I can't wait to love on a new baby.
I was 21 years young when my first child was born. And 36 for the last one. I had no idea what kind of parent I would be. I read all the books. I had a baby shower. I asked my doctors a million questions. I still felt unprepared. But when I held that sweet boy in my arms for the first time, it all fell into place. It all made sense. I knew it was all information that was in my body, mind and soul, to take care of this child. Everything I needed to know was inside of me.
I am thankful I had such an amazing circle of friends and family to help me through figuring all the tiny details out. And to support me on my incredible adventure.
Having parents that were helpful made all the difference in the world. Every question I had was answered. Every time I needed to work, or just have a break, I had assistance to make it happen.
I took off three months when Matthew was born. And three weeks when Alexandra was born. I took six months off when Allison was born (and did in-home childcare). And another six months off when Hayden was born. When Nathan was born (my surrogate baby), I took three days off.
Each child needed me for a certain amount of time and I am thankful I had phenomenal childcare and even was able to take my kids to some of my jobs. It made all the difference in the world. (Thanks, Doc Joe, for letting my oldest kids come to work with me for years.)
Now, as a grandma, I get to sit back and watch how much has changed since my last baby was born. And watch how each of my kids and their significant others handle childbirth, child rearing and this incredible step in each of their lives. And, if asked, share my stories of raising children (including my victories and the many, many mistakes I made).
This year for Mother's Day, I celebrate this new exciting change in life. I will be a grandma.
