LdsNana and Grandchildren
I just returned from a two week trip to Texas. Originally, I was going to spend one of the weeks, completely taking over for my daughter, so that she could attend a business trip with her husband in Seattle. A much needed break for a young couple. I would be left with the responsibility to care for three of my grandchildren, six and under. I was ready and willing to do this…
As the time that I would fly to Texas drew closer, my daughter decided to change her plans a bit, but still wanted me to come and help. She had decided that she would not go on the week long trip with her husband, but instead, that they would take a few days away before he left for his business trip, alone. There time together would be to celebrate their 7th Wedding Anniversary.
That sounded great to me. I would still have my grandchildren for a few days, without mom and dad, but not have a week filled with “her” responsibilities. Instead, I would have more time to visit with my daughter and the grand kids, which I looked forward to very much.
In the weeks prior to my leaving, in conversations – my daughter let on that she was not feeling tip-top. She mentioned a sinus infection as the likely cause, of which she was often prone. I felt bad she wasn’t feeling better, but didn’t give it much thought…
My airplane arrived in Texas as scheduled. After claiming my baggage, I went outside to await my expected pick-up, with grandchildren in tow. This is always a treat. It was hot and muggy as Texas is much of the year, at least to me, a Californian. I soon saw the white mini-van coming around the corner, and could see happy little children’s faces as they tried to see out the windows. I waved with mutual excitement!
As soon as my daughter pulled up to the curb, I quickly opened the sliding-van-door and reached over car-seats, etc… to give three happy grandchildren – great big hugs and kisses from Nana. Quickly I loaded my bags into the van and we were off…
The chatter in the car was nearly frantic as you can imagine. As I was trying to say hi to the mommy, ask her how she was feeling and tell everyone how excited I was to be in Texas, etc… Elenna, who is barely four – blurts out “My mommy is PRENICK!”
Okay Fine! Elenna GOT Nana’s attention! LOL I looked at my daughter as she just shook her head and laughed out-loud with me, confirming that indeed - Mommy is pregnant! This was a treasured secret that waited for Nana’s arrival to be squealed!
Well, that certainly explained the health and schedule changes, didn’t it? How wonderful, another grandchild on the way!
It was only a few weeks prior to this, that my “other” daughter found out that she too is “prenick” with her second baby. As the discussion between my daughter and I ensued, and these adorable little grandchildren of mine expressed their joy of getting another baby – I was given another piece of the story…
Apparently, all of my daughters were fully informed with each other’s news about expecting and expected dates of arrivals. As best these girls could figure things out between them, it seemed that their due-dates were only two days apart!
They had already engaged in the vital discussion of “who” needed Nana most? The “other” grandmothers of these little ones, are not able to help out in this situation. I am still not quite sure what they determined at that time?
Since then, both pregnant daughters have seen their OB/GYN – and now it looks like we may have at least two weeks between the deliveries of these newest grandchildren.
As you can imagine, both Nana and Papa are thrilled with the news. This will bring our grandchildren total to NINE!
At this point, I am relieved that these grandchildren will most likely not share such close birth-dates. However, I am still concerned as to how I will cover these bases and help-out in much needed ways. These two daughters both live in different states from myself and each other. We will all need to be creative in making sure that everyone is taken care of – and that Nana is there when most needed, for both of the grandchildren’s arrivals.
These are the delightful dilemmas that joyful grandparenting can bring about. I look forward to suggestions from other grandparents who have had similar circumstances. I would love for you to share how you were able to meet these challenges…
tDMg
LdsNana
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Shayne Packer 09.26.08 at 3:33 pm
Nana, This is exciting news about your 8th and 9th grandbabies! That is so funny that your 4 year old granddaughter gave away the secret that her mommy is “prenick”. If your two daughters had been due at the same time, they would have had to flip a coin to see who had to deliver 2 weeks late! LOL
It seems that you and your hubby are trying to catch up to my wife and I. We had our 8th last April!
Exciting times! Grandpa Shayne
LdsNana 09.26.08 at 4:11 pm
Hi Grandpa Shayne!
Well, it appears as though we have bit of a competition, eh? LOL My two daughters, who are definitely “prenick” – are both due in April as well, so this should be fun to see how all three of these new grandchildren of ours – will line-up on the calendar:-)
What is also funny, is that we will also be waiting anxiously to see what position these new grandbabies will hold in our eternal family. Who will be the 8th grandchild and who will be the 9th? We don’t expect a 10th for quite a while, since my other daughter, just gave birth about 5 months ago and is still recovering. LOL
Isn’t grandparenting full of fun and surprises? Thanks for commenting and sharing your announcement with us as well.
Bottom line, which one of the two of US will be the first to get that 9th grandchild here?
tDMg
LdsNana
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