CeCe & Gabriel Bonding…

Part 2:

Well, by the time you read this, I’ll be traveling home to Cincinnati after the most amazing few days with my first grandchild.   I had planned to head out Sunday, then I was asked to stick around until Tuesday, and then, I was invited for one more night.   It’s no surprise that I jumped at the chance to stay.   After all, how could I leave?   Gabriel has stolen my heart…for sure!    If I haven’t mentioned it, he is perfect in every way and after spending a lot of time with him and his parents, I know he is going to have a beautiful life.

On Tuesday, he had a “weigh-in” at the doctor’s office   We thought he’d be tipping the scale, but it seems he needs to eat a little more!   Everything else is great and feeding isn’t a problem…I can only wish that a doctor would tell me the same thing someday…eat a little more!

Today, although I could talk about Gabriel at great length, I want to share some of the many emotions and feelings that I have been encountering.   So many feels and emotions...oy!

I know that many of you have experienced this, but there is nothing like witnessing your child becoming a parent for the first time.   I watched her struggle for hours as she prepared the way for Gabriel.  Labor had started on a slow basis, overnight on September 4, yet the baby was born on the afternoon of September 6.   She had a tough time with the actual delivery, but her strength in the face of the terrifying process called “birth!” was remarkable.   She was a badass!   I’m so proud!!!

Watching Anthony, support her every step of the way, just confirmed what I have known all along…I could not have handpicked a more perfect match for her!   He couldn’t take his eyes off of her and he was ready to do whatever she needed.   My heart was beating fast as I watched them together.

Spending time with Anthony’s Mom, who is widowed, and Greg, (Katie’s Dad), we were three joyful parents/grandparents and despite our past losses, this was a time of celebrating!   There was a slight sadness knowing that we were not the traditional grandparents from the “normal” home, but let’s face it…just exactly what is normal these days!  Right?     The only thing that is really not normal is that we are missing some of the pieces…another grandpa (Anthony’s Dad) and grandparents that are married and live together.   The three of us will have absolutely NO problem in our roles and Gabriel will know each of us as a team as well as individuals.  There is so much love for this little guy.

I would have given anything to get a picture with Greg, Katie, me and Gabriel. I would have loved to hold Greg’s hand as we anxiously awaited the pushing.   I would have loved to go out for a celebratory dinner with Greg.  (Panera does not count!)  But those days are gone.   And…we survived!   I am grateful that we handled this with ease.

Looking at the past few days, my emotions have been all over the place, causing lots of tears.   When I say lots of tears, I mean sometimes, more than Gabriel!   But they are tears of pure joy.   Looking at Katie staring at her baby boy…pure joy.   Sitting in the dark, in the middle of the night, holding Gabriel after feeding him…pure joy.   Rocking him in the glider that his Pappy and CeCe gave to them, watching his little face show so many expressions…pure joy.   Watching the two of them tag team diaper changes…pure joy (and a few laughs)!   This list is endless.   I think you get the point. 

Gabriel and I were alone yesterday, while the new parents took a short trip to Target.   Now, I had the dog and the baby!   (don’t faint Sue!!!)  Sorry I don’t have a picture because I don’t think my friends would believe me dog-sitting!   At any rate, Gabriel and I were alone and I had a chance to tell him a few things about his family.

“Oh Gabriel…you are a lucky boy!   Your Mommy & Daddy have planned for your arrival and they cannot wait to share their lives with you.   Your Mom will sing to you and help you discover the arts while your Dad will teach you about building things and the technologies that you will encounter as you grow up.  Your CeCe will host dance parties in the living room with you and teach you all about disco!   Your Pappy will take you to Wright Patterson Air Force Base and teach you all about aviation. There are so many people in your world and each of us will have our own roles in giving you a full life!  Always remember how much we all love you!”

All during this “chat” his eyes were open as if he was taking it all in.   Then, his eyes closed slowly and I thought “Well, that’s probably enough for one day!”   

Last night, I read a book to him…”How to Babysit Grandma!”  It was adorable and of course, I added my own touches!   Then, Katie read him a book…”You Are New!”  We both burst into tears as I held the book and she held the baby…reading aloud.   I will never forget that moment!   The three of us, in our pajamas...reading books and crying tears for what was our last night together for a couple of weeks.

I’m assuming that even if I say no more, you will know why I have been a puddle of tears.   The birth of my first grandchild has come at the perfect time for me.   I know I may be crying more than many, but every tear means something.  

Thank you for indulging me during these last few days…The Facebook messages, texts and love from so many has been overwhelming.   I’m going to try and not be one of those obnoxious grandmas, so tell me if it’s too much!  

I’m so happy today as my heart is full…but damn, it was hard to leave MY Baby…as she stood at the door with her baby!   I’ll be back Gabriel!   Don’t forget to facetime me…You have my number!!