The fact that it's 10:00 on New Year's Eve and I'm blogging makes a pretty clear statement about how I celebrate the arrival of a new year. I just heard that there are a million people in Time's Square and it's 1 degree. And, I just heard two sirens fly down the street. All in all I'm feeling pretty smug about staying home, eating soup, and watching Bones reruns.
At the risk of sounding somewhat schmarmy, I did take a moment to consider some of the memorable events of 2008. I honestly tried...and I'm sure there are many. But, I honestly can't get past the single event that has changed my life forever. That, of course, is the arrival of my first grandchild, Miss Bailey Jean Balmforth. My sister-in-law, Linda, told me for years that nothing is better than being a grandma. I did believe her, but no matter what anyone tells you, words fall critically short in describing what it's like to watch your child birth and care for their own child. Kelly and I often talk about how the world seemed to shift the day Bailey was born. I'm sure all mothers feel that way. I certainly did with my own children. However, I never imagined that what I felt for my own children could be duplicated and maybe even expanded. Bailey has turned Jon into a proud uncle, Lindsay into a childrens' wardrobe consultant, Mark into a peacock, and me into one of those obnoxious, bragging (unashamedly)grandparents. I make no apologies.
Bailey joins a rapidly growing extended family. Brooke, Ashley, Jenny, Jen, Heidi, Melissa, Jamie, Sarah, and Kelly have all had babies in the last couple years. There are more coming. All these beautiful babies are as loved and adored as Bailey. Congrats to all you young mothers who work so hard and so selflessly. You're doing the most important work in the world and you're GREAT at it!
I can't think of a better reason to look forward to a New Year than all those amazing babies. Nieces, try to remember that when you're peeling glue off your carpet or fishing your shoes out of the toilet. Oh yeah, I just remembered another great advantage of being a grandparent.....you get to send them home!
Happy New Year!!
Yes you do get the send them home!!!:) However, you are equally adored by Bailey. There is still no one that can make her laugh like you. Watching the 2 of you makes me the happiest mom in the world. We love you!
ReplyDeleteThat was a very nice post, and Bailey is such a cutie! I can see why you are crazy about her!!!
ReplyDeleteBailey is the cutest thing ever--and I have cute babies. I bet you are the world's best grandma (along with Linda of course!) I remember reading a framed poem on Kelly's wall that you had written and you told her she was God's gift to your world. That is exactly how I feel about my kids--especially Sammie. I love all of my children equally, but I have just enjoyed Sammie so much. I would describe her as God's gift to my world.
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