The Beginning

Katherine and the little guy

First, just deciding on the title of this blog took me to some interesting places. I thought of all kinds of variations, but each one was already taken... I checked out a rapper named Grand and listened to a few lines of one of his songs (very explicit lyrics). I checked out the Good Granny's Guide (seemed very British). I thought of Sweet P's Memories (since Sweet P is the granny nick name I have been considering), but that was taken by a florist with special funeral arrangements (there's also a musical group named Sweet P).

I was also curious about the meaning of "grand" and how this role came to be called that, so I looked up the etymology and definitions of grand. The etymology was not as interesting as the various definitions taken from dictionary.com:
Grand - impressive in size, appearance, or general effect: grand mountain scenery.

2.

stately, majestic, or dignified: In front of an audience her manner is grand and regal.

3.

highly ambitious or idealistic: grand ideas for bettering the political situation.

4.

magnificent or splendid: a grand palace.

5.

noble or revered: a grand old man.

Ever since  Katherine first called me in October to tell me she just found out she was pregnant, I have been like any new grandparent, excited about this new phase of life and eager to be grand... in every sense of that word (except  the large size). I wondered if there were any grandmother's guides to acquaint me with the latest in child rearing. I started to think about the kind of grandmother I would like to be. But most of all I was just so grateful that I was .... getting to be grand (finally a blog title that was available). So I am hoping to approach this new role and be magnificent and splendid, idealistic, noble and revered. Yes, highly ambitious. So, I begin.

Gabe and Katherine 

Yesterday, June 12, 2013, I arrived in Ketchum, Idaho, so I could be here for the birth. When Katherine and Gabe were in Florida in April for a baby shower, I asked them if it was important to them that I be present for the birth, and Katherine immediately said yes and Gabe agreed, so I have been planning, but knowing when it would be the right time to come is not easy. The official due date is June 23, but her doctor told her that, because of her measurements, she thought the baby would come earlier, and gave June 16 as a revised due date.  So, here I am on June 12. At her latest doctor appointment, the doctor told Katherine that she is already three centimeters dilated, so I am thinking that my timing was right.

I am staying with Katherine and Gabe for a few nights (five... is that too many?) and then I will move into a condo we have rented for the rest of the summer - until August 28. I am lucky that this grandchild's birth is coming at a time in my life when I am free to devote my full attention to this new role. I spent the first year of retirement from my fulltime teaching career substitute teaching as much as I could, and adjusting to Stephen's new employment in a foreign country. My family is now spread out around the world - Katherine and Gabe in Ketchum, Idaho, David and Kati in Atlanta, Georgia, Stephen in Doha, Qatar,  and me primarily in Maitland, Florida. So the prospect of leaving a lonely house in Maitland for a summer in Ketchum with a new baby to tend to was an easy choice.

When I arrived yesterday, I went straight to the hospital for the final birthing class. I got to see the maternity ward... or perhaps the right language is now the birthing center, but it is in a hospital. The room was large and comfortable, equipped with a television, a DVD player and small refrigerator, which Gabe commented would be great for all kinds of snacks. The hospital clearly has made every attempt to combine the comfort of a home delivery with the safety of a hospital.

The next part of the class was a presentation by the lactation specialist. She was a bit soft spoken, but gave a lot of good information about the benefits of breastfeeding and on specific techniques - how to hold the baby - how to avoid some of the common problems, and assured all the moms and dads that she would be available to help them once the baby is born. At the end, she asked me if I had anything to add, and I wasn't expecting that and I immediately got choked up... not surprising. What I offered is that breast feeding is not easy, so many people will challenge your choice or make you feel like you are doing something wrong, but the support of the husband is so important. I shared that when David was born, he was 9lb. 4oz, and that I told everyone I only fed him once a day.... all day long. Stephen even bought me a button with a picture of a restaurant with a sign above it that read "Ever ready diner" with an arrow pointing down. I wore it and was always buoyed by Stephen's humor and support.

When Katherine, Gabe and I got back to the house, we talked a little bit about the birth plan, but decided we would do that in more detail another night, since it was already late. But Gabe asked me if I knew how to do infant CPR, and I told him no. So he explained the process to me. I loved watching Gabe demonstrate with specific guidelines, and I sensed that like any new parent he is adjusting to the awesome responsibility of having a new life to nurture and protect from all harm.