Of course "posting" big news for the world to see is exciting. Even if you're not completely obsessed with Facebook, all the "likes" and "comments" can be a fantastic distraction from work for as long as 48 hours. But...
there is just nothing like telling Grandma you're pregnant.
I've written about my Grandma here and there, mostly early on in my blog. She played a huge role in my childhood and while I want to be intentional about taking nothing away from my incredible parents, I have to say that I spent the majority of my time growing up with my Grandma. When all after-school days and most summers are spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house, the hours quickly add up. I find that there are ways I behave in my adult life that just have to be a product of being so close and so influenced by my Grandmother. One example: my devout belief in the idea that "neatness counts."
Since I'm just about 30 now, that unfortunately means that my grandparents have aged as well. Grandma is now in her late 80's and living in a convalescent home, with pretty advanced dementia. While I can't visit as often as I'd like, every time I make the trip to San Dimas, I am overwhelmed with how connected I still feel to her. Of course my mom, a loyal and daily visitor to Grandma, meets me at the home each time I go. On my most recent trip, I shared with Mom that the three of us in the same room just feels right although it's been over ten years since that was the norm.
It's standard that there is confusion upon my arrival. Once we tell Grandma who I am, my mom quickly tells her that I'm pregnant. She just can't wait a minute longer and I can't blame her. It's as if there is a moment of clarity and this new great grandchild on the way makes perfect sense. My grandma smiles during the entire visit. I felt her genuine interest and excitement, since she asked the same three questions over and over. She really wanted to know:
How I had been feeling.
If my husband was excited.
How far along I was...although after answering "3 months" just three times, this question evolved into "So you're 3 months?"
As a former Kindergarten teacher and current mom to teenagers, I'm a pro at repeating myself. But never have I enjoyed it as much as this. One of my favorite observations from Grandma went something like, "Well, you sure aren't very big." Could I love this woman any more? (Answer- No, I love her so, so much) We used to get off the phone by repeating we loved each other a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.
My mom asked what Gram thought I was having and for a moment, Grandma's smile went away and she very seriously said, "Well, she's having a boy."
Stay tuned...
And if you have the ability to reach your grandma by phone or better yet, give her a hug in person soon...DO IT! PS You don't have to be pregnant.
there is just nothing like telling Grandma you're pregnant.
I've written about my Grandma here and there, mostly early on in my blog. She played a huge role in my childhood and while I want to be intentional about taking nothing away from my incredible parents, I have to say that I spent the majority of my time growing up with my Grandma. When all after-school days and most summers are spent at Grandma and Grandpa's house, the hours quickly add up. I find that there are ways I behave in my adult life that just have to be a product of being so close and so influenced by my Grandmother. One example: my devout belief in the idea that "neatness counts."
Since I'm just about 30 now, that unfortunately means that my grandparents have aged as well. Grandma is now in her late 80's and living in a convalescent home, with pretty advanced dementia. While I can't visit as often as I'd like, every time I make the trip to San Dimas, I am overwhelmed with how connected I still feel to her. Of course my mom, a loyal and daily visitor to Grandma, meets me at the home each time I go. On my most recent trip, I shared with Mom that the three of us in the same room just feels right although it's been over ten years since that was the norm.
It's standard that there is confusion upon my arrival. Once we tell Grandma who I am, my mom quickly tells her that I'm pregnant. She just can't wait a minute longer and I can't blame her. It's as if there is a moment of clarity and this new great grandchild on the way makes perfect sense. My grandma smiles during the entire visit. I felt her genuine interest and excitement, since she asked the same three questions over and over. She really wanted to know:
How I had been feeling.
If my husband was excited.
How far along I was...although after answering "3 months" just three times, this question evolved into "So you're 3 months?"
As a former Kindergarten teacher and current mom to teenagers, I'm a pro at repeating myself. But never have I enjoyed it as much as this. One of my favorite observations from Grandma went something like, "Well, you sure aren't very big." Could I love this woman any more? (Answer- No, I love her so, so much) We used to get off the phone by repeating we loved each other a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.
My mom asked what Gram thought I was having and for a moment, Grandma's smile went away and she very seriously said, "Well, she's having a boy."
Stay tuned...
And if you have the ability to reach your grandma by phone or better yet, give her a hug in person soon...DO IT! PS You don't have to be pregnant.
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