It's a Boy!

Oh, you precious thing! I saw your new "picture" today, the one of your tiny feet, side by side, facing the "camera." Just like those "baby feet" pins that we pro-lifers wear on our sweaters and scarves and lapels and hats. They say to everyone, "Preborn babies may be small, but look how cute they are, even at this stage of development!"

And the other picture, the one that declares, "It's a boy!" -- I haven't seen that one yet, but your daddy called me right away to let me know. He was so excited! He would have been just as excited if you'd been a girl. He's happy, and so is your mommy. She had a "feeling" that you'd be a boy, and so you are. Moms just know things sometimes.

Back when your daddy was born, you had to wait until a baby was actually delivered to see what the sex was, but not now. Now, parents are able to find these things out way ahead of time, which will make getting your room ready for you so much easier. Some people say this spoils the surprise, but I don't think so at all. It's still a surprise, but it's enjoyed sooner.

Your mom and dad are now deciding what your name is. Notice, I didn't say, "What your name will be." That's because you already have a name. They just have to find it! What an adventure that is for parents, to try to make sure they have found it right. But, somehow, it always is just about perfect. Is that because your name suits you, or is that because you suit your name?

So, now we know a lot more about who you are, and we can create a mental picture of the person you will be. Of course, we know that you are already a person, and have been one from conception. Personhood for all, no matter how small!

Baby's First Photo

February 14

The baby's sonogram has been posted on Facebook!

Already, I can tell that this child is not only adorable and smart, but gifted and destined to greatness, as well. Isn't it amazing how a "picture," no matter how blurred, can elicit feelings of tenderness and devotion?

As I gaze at you, little one, I am overwhelmed with the wonder of it all. I can't wait to hold you in my arms, to whisper nonsense in your ear, to sing to you and tell you stories of how life was when I was a child. Stories that will, no doubt, either mesmerize you or put you to sleep.

You mommy told me that she can feel you flutter sometimes. Her eyes shine brightly when she speaks of you, dear one. And your daddy is a little baffled and confused right now, I think. He's excited about you, and he's trying to figure out who he is now, and who he is going to be for you.

Five months to go! Just imagine how overwhelmed and excited we will all be when we get to see you face to face. In the meantime, I'll look forward to seeing your next "picture"!

Other Nanas Are Crazy, Too

Sunday, we went to a friend's home to meet his new baby boy, Gio. What a darling little guy, and just two weeks old, he is. He looks around with his big, brown eyes, and he gets this really serious look on his tiny face. You get the impression that he's either understanding every word you're saying and thinking you are just plain weird, or else he's trying to figure out what in the world you are babbling about with that stupid grin on your face...and thinking you are just plain weird.

His nona and nono and great-nona were there, too (Yes, he's Italian...How did you guess?), and they behaved just the way grands and greats should. Which is to say, they were falling all over themselves to be the next to hold this treasured new member of the family. They oooh'd and aaaah'd. They clucked. They cooed. Their eyes shone brightly. There is no way anybody could turn down that kind of love and attention. Just no way.

And I thought to myself, "That's just how I'm going to be. That's just how I'm going to be with every single one." And why not? Each one is a treasure, a gift, a jewel. A uniquely gifted individual, created for an amazing purpose and destiny.

There's no way around it. From my perspective, this is life. To gaze into the eyes of your children's children. Wow. I can't wait to meet my coming grandchild. The thought of him or her brings tears to my eyes...tears of wonder and gratitude and amazement.

In the contest for World's Greatest Nana (Nona, Gammy, Gamgam, or whatever), there's lots of competition. And there ought to be. Bring it on.

Guess Who's Going to be a Grammy?

The announcement having been made to the family after weeks of secrecy, I asked my beautiful and beaming daughter-in-law if it was okay for people to know, and she said it was. Naturally, unable to contain myself any longer, I raced to Facebook with the title question and have received, so far, about 40 responses -- heart-felt, congratulatory ones.

My friends are so wonderful, wanting to know all the details. I think they might be almost as excited as I am. But, of course, that's simply not possible. I've been waiting for this day for a very, very long time. This is a dream come true.

But one of the responses took me by surprise. It was from someone on my daughter-in-law's side of the family, and it was, and I quote, "?!" And that's when I realized that I had committed Faux Pas #65,655 of my adult life so far. They hadn't been told yet.

It seems that no matter how hard I try, I can't ever have the appropriate response to anything due to a terminal case of foot in mouth disease. If I'm excited and enthusiastic, I'm obnoxious (apparently). If I'm disappointed, I trip over myself in an attempt to say the right thing, naturally resulting in the wrong thing being said. Somebody help me.

So:  Hey, world. Guess who's going to be a grammy? That's right. ME. And I'm going to be the best nana, nona, grammy, grams, gumgum, or whatever moniker the precious one decides suits me. Take that. So there. I am over the moon, super-happy, and walking on Cloud 9.

Which gives me an idea! I must get my hands on the ultrasound picture of Peanut so I can show everyone how absolutely adorable he or she is already!