Countdown to baby...

Emily and Mark's due date is just about a month away, and I still have trouble grasping that there will be a new baby in our family is just a few short weeks. I've been thinking about how this new little life will change everything. For one thing, it expands our family and I am thrilled about that. It also expands our love. Just as we embraced Mark when he and Emily decided to get married, so too will we love this baby. And I really think he/she already feels our affection. When I hear Em and Mark talk to her, there's no way that he doesn't already know what's in store.

I found myself getting teary earlier today. There was a story about premature twins who were having difficulty after they were born, but began to recover as soon as they were snuggled together in the same crib. Life outside the womb is a scary place, and we all need and deserve as much cuddling as we can get--whether one is two days old or several decades. Nana's here with open arms.

Celebrations come in clumps

My husband, Curt, turned 64 today, and tomorrow we will celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary. I think it's kind of wonderful that our grandchild will be celebrating a birthday so close to these other annual January celebrations, which also include the birthdays of other friends and family members. Our godson, Dave, celebrates his birthday on February 22, and the baby is due on February 20th. I like February, too.

Let it snow...

So it snowed about 18 inches a day or so before Em's second baby shower, given by her mother-in-law Deb, at the Atwood Grill in RI on December 27. It was so much fun to catch up with people I had not seen in a while and to meet some new friends. The shower, which was a joint celebration for Emily and her sister-in-law, Stefanie, was a wonderful event, and we managed to get there almost on time despite the blizzard and very chilly weather. Everyone was so generous and caring, which further solidifies my belief that babies bring out the joy and love in people. I'm hosting the third and final shower in a couple of weeks for my side of the family. Can't wait.

More babies...

We just returned to Texas from a memorable trip to RI to visit family. Em and Mark look wonderful, eagerly anticipating the now imminent birth of their baby. We kept marveling at the fact that in less than two months, they'll be parents. The time has flown these past several weeks, and it's been so much fun to watch all of us grow--into new roles as parents, grandparents and support groups. Emily, of course, has "grown" the most, with her cute little belly taking over her slender figure.

Just a couple of days ago, my nephew and his wife gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Grace Elizabeth. We saw them on Christmas day (the baby was due the end of December) with their first child, Colin, and we got a call on January 4 that Grace had made her entrance into the world, happy and healthy. There's lots to be thankful for.