Becoming grandparents has been one of our greatest joys. When Sara and Cody announced last summer that they were expecting their first child our whole family was filled with anticipation and wonder. The idea of a brand new tiny human being gifted to us to cherish and love is more than a dream come true.
Watching our family grow with the arrival of our new granddaughter, Annabelle, feels like we won the lotto!
The moment I held her in my arms for the first time, I knew our lives would never be the same. So small and delicate, yet when her eyes locked on mine I could see so much life and energy. I’m filled with gratitude knowing I will have the joy of supporting, guiding, and loving her as she navigates the challenges of growing up.
Annabelle’s parents fell deliriously in love with her. Ralph and I felt so blessed to be with them during those first few days as they began their journey as parents.
Watching their wonder at the marvelous little girl they had created took our breath away.
When my girls were little, I was always mindful that I would be the biggest role model in their lives with respect to mothering. It’s nature and it’s nurture. Watching Sara fall in love with Annabelle made me appreciate every discussion Sara and I had over the years about family, babies, mothering and the love of a child. I knew as we sat together in Annabelle’s nursery that Sara truly understood.
With a new baby and two very sleepy parents in the house, I had lots of quiet time to reflect on my own journey as a young mother and the many blessings that I experienced. I loved that time in my life but I’m equally loving being a grandmother.
As grandparents, once again we have an important role to play in both our children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
Our challenge is living so far away. Knowing we’ll miss out on important milestones, like her first steps, her first words, or her first day of school can send me down a rabbit hole that I can barely climb out of. In a perfect world, my girls would live near us and my grandchildren would be in and out of our daily lives. Yet, despite how far away our children are, my life is pretty perfect. I have three vibrant daughters living their best lives. I really can’t ask for more than that. So we’ll make this work like we always do.
As my darling little Annabelle slept in my arms, I felt peace knowing she’ll grow up in a loving and beautiful home with her enchanted parents surrounded, supported and cherished by Cody’s devoted family. We’ll create space when we can be together and be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of her life.
I refuse to allow distance to define our relationship with our grandchildren.
And so my sweet Annabelle Maxine Irwin, until Grammy holds you again. I love you.
Thanks for reading.
