I'm gonna be a grandma!!!!!
By mentalward
@mentalward (14690)
United States
December 17, 2011 7:20pm CST
My son and his girlfriend came by tonight to give me an early Christmas present. I haven't been feeling great and tried to postpone this but they insisted. They handed me a present, nicely wrapped, and waited anxiously while I unwrapped it. It was two books, one called "The Granny Diaries" and the other, "Chicken Soup for the Soul, Grandmothers".
At first, I thought it was because my son's girlfriend has a 4-year-old from a previous marriage and this was their way of telling me they were going to be getting married or that they already secretely had. That wasn't it. The news they gave me made me completely forget to ask if they had set a date.
Sometime next August, if things go well, I'm going to be a grandmother!!! I'm sooooo excited!!! I couldn't have asked for a nicer Christmas present, although my other son also gave me an early gift of a Tribble... if you are a Star Trek fan, you know what a Tribble is... and I thought THAT was the coolest gift ever. Now I have two of the greatest gifts ever.
Dunno if it's a girl or boy yet, that'll have to wait. Until then, my mind will be spinning.
If you are a grandparent, how did you find out you were going to be one for the first time? I just can't stop grinning!
15 people like this
43 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
18 Dec 11
I'm not a grandparent but I'm excited for you!! That Tribble is so cool--just kidding!! Tribbles are great (Trekkie, here ) but grandchildren have to be the best present ever! I hope you are all blessed with a healthy child sound in mind and body. Will there be a wedding? It would be so sweet to see her little boy hand your son the ring!
I would think that part of the joy of being a grandparent is shopping for the child. I've always loved to buy toys and tiny little clothes!
2 people like this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Thank you, dragon. I'm not sure yet if they're planning a wedding but I totally agree that it would be so sweet to have her son hand over the ring... although he is quite the little hyperactive kid. Smart as a whip but lightyears ahead of his little feet. I'd have visions of the rings flying through the air halfway down the aisle. LOL
Luckily, I raised my own hyperactive boy so I have tried-and-true ways of helping to steer that energy in productive ways.
I'm going to have to ask my son if he's planning to get married and if there will be a wedding. It's times like this that I'm glad I had two sons and not daughters. Still, I'd help out as much as I can.
But, even if they don't get legally married, I know they are married in their hearts, where it counts. They make such a sweet couple. Hmmm, I think I'll post a photo of the proud parents-to-be!
I totally agree about shopping for children being a great joy. I haven't been out since I got the news but am going out later today and I know I'll be heading toward the baby section. I've already been through the toy section, buying Christmas gifts for the 4-year-old and that was great fun. I'd LOVE for this baby to be a girl, although I'll be just as happy with a grandson.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
18 Dec 11
Wow, that is an absolutely awesome gift. Both gifts are awesome!!! I am not a Trekkie, but I am married to one. LOL
2 people like this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Thanks, dc. I'm beside myself with happiness over the news of my first grandchild. I've played with the tribble but haven't tried diapering it yet. LOL I think I'll wait on that for the baby's arrival. Normally, I'm a very patient person but this news has me wanting to hold the baby NOW! I know I'm going to be a nervous wreck when I find out she's in labor.
1 person likes this
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Well, the first time was when I went to see my daughter after she had moved out of my house and she was wearing a loose blouse wich for her was unusual. So, I asked her if she was wearing that just because it was comfortable or if there was another reason. She admitted the other reason.
And yes I do indeed know what a tribble is. I sure wish someone would give me one.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Haha! I was wondering why no one has invented these tribbles before now! They're motion- or sound-activated and they act like they've come close to a Klingon. I was kind of hoping they'd purr like when they were happy and content (like when they at all the grain from the storage bin) but they just do that squealing thing and vibrate. My husband said he wants about 10 of them to take to work with him. He designs computer programs to run the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) units of huge (mostly government) buildings and has to go in to fix problems whenever they have any. He wants to put these tribbles around the units so he can say "THERE'S your problem!" I can see anyone who knows Star Trek to understand and find that funny. But, at a minimum of $15.00 each, that's a bit expensive for a joke. Still, they are awfully cute.
My son told me they had known about the baby since the week after Thanksgiving. I couldn't believe he could hold on to a secret that big for so long. He's such a tattle-tale!
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
21 Dec 11
I've been all over this tribble but there's nothing to change it to purring mode. I even went to the Roddenberry.com website to see if they had any that did purr but, nope, they all squeal. I'm going to write to them and suggest that they put that switch on them to change them from squealing mode to purring mode. I can't see where that would be so hard!
I think I know what to get my husband for his birthday, a tribble or two. I think you're right and just one would work for the joke but two would be even better. His birthday is in February so it's not too far off. He wants to "borrow" my tribble but I have a feeling I'd never see it again if he did, so it stays with me.
I'll tell you what, if they listen to me and put the purring mode in these tribbles, I'll buy you one! After all, it was your idea that has me writing to them about it.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Are you sure there isn't some setting that would change them from Klingon warning mode to human mode? I would think that would be standard. Of course they would be good for an early warning system in Klingon mode but I think I would prefer the purring myself. After all we all want to be loved by our pets whether flesh and blood or mechanical. Maybe your son would know.
As far as your husbands idea I think that would be hilarious! I would love to be a fly on the wall when he pulled that on someone. Maybe he would only need one to do it. That wouldn't be too expensive.
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Congratulations! Some people get more excited over having grandchildren than children. I hope everything goes okay.
2 people like this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Thank you, cerebellum. I loved being a mother but think that being a grandmother is better for one reason: you can play with the children, spoil them rotten, then hand them back to their parents when you need a rest.
So far, everything is going fine. I just saw my son today and told him that I'd be a babysitter whenever I could and he looked relieved. LOL I remember well when HE was a baby and I needed a babysitter. I had one quit on me the morning I was starting a new job! It's always a relief to know there's someone you can count on when it's necessary.
1 person likes this
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Hi mentalward, I am so excited for you...You can really feel the
excitment in your post...Thats is wonderful news and a great
Christmas present..I am glad you described the Tribble present because
I was totally lost..BUt I guess you can tell I am not a Trekkie
*(I think thats whay you guys are called right)..
But congrats again...to you, your son and the family.
When I found out I was going to be a grandmother ..I was just as
excited...There had not been a baby in my immediate family ever..
So it was just exceptional...I tell you children are such a blessing
and they seem to bring so much joy into the life of adults..
May God continue to bless your and your family...
2 people like this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Thank you, bjc. Yep, we're Trekkies.
I'm so looking forward to this baby. It will be my first grandchild so I can now understand how excited my mother was when I told her I was having my first baby. He was her first grandchild, too. I hope it's a girl but I'll be just as happy with a grandson (not to mention more experienced taking care of boys lol).
I fully agree that babies bring such joy with them. I can't stop grinning already and the baby isn't due for another seven months!
1 person likes this
@mel0482 (283)
• Philippines
18 Dec 11
Congratulations to you, soon to be a grandma! It reminds me of my parents when they got the news from my older sister that she was pregnant..I remember their actions it's there's no place to put their happiness and excitement to know that they're going to be a grandparents, oneday. I'm happy for you and enjoy your days with your grandbaby, soon!
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Thank you, mel. The last time I took care of a baby was when my best friend had her second son. I babysat him when my own sons were about 5 and 8 years old so that was a long time ago. I really miss that and can't wait to hold the first child of my first son.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
19 Dec 11
Hi Marti big congratulations to you
I am not a Grandmother yet lol and do not think that I will be for some time yet as both mine are not ready which is fine by me
They are 24 and 27 but I want them to live their Life's and when they are ready then it is time lol
But congratulations Girl you deserve some good in your Life after everything you have been and still going through
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
19 Dec 11
Awwwwwwwww Marti I bet you are I know I would be
I hope you get to stay where you are just tell him to stay clear from you and to leave you alone
I actually thought that you had told him where to go and got him out
I hope it goes well for you all I really do you really deserve it
Things are ok here so no worries
I will keep you son's Girlfriend in my thoughts and hope all goes ok
big hugs
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Thanks so much, Gabs! I'm ecstatic! This has been very much needed good news, that's for sure. I hope everything goes smoothly for them and there aren't any problems with the pregnancy. My son's girlfriend has bipolar disorder and takes meds for it but can't take them while she's pregnant so it's going to be hard for her (and him!) until she can get back on the meds. We're all going to work together to see that she's as happy and comfortable as possible. She's been through this before and had a healthy baby so I don't anticipate any major problems.
I've already started cleaning up my office to become the occasional bedroom for the grandchild for when I babysit overnight. Whether I live here when the baby is born or somewhere else I still don't know but I'm going to prepare as if it's going to be here. Maybe I'll just stay here after all. HE can't live forever, especially with his awful life habits and I sure would love to live near my first grandbaby!
My 27 (almost 28) year old son is pouting now because he can't find a decent girlfriend, you know, he's jealous. I keep trying to tell him that his time just hasn't come yet but it will. I hope he'll soon realize that he's simply not in a position to have kids or a serious relationship just yet.
How are things going with you?
2 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
18 Dec 11
Wow that is wonderful, the way I found out was that I fortune teller told me, and then I asked them they denied it and when they did tell me I was the last to know
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
18 Dec 11
I've often wondered why anyone would deny being pregnant when they are. I believe I'm the first to know outside of the two of them (and the doctor) because they told me they're keeping it a secret from her son because "he has a big mouth". Apparently, they don't want anyone else to know right now.
2 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
18 Dec 11
in my case they were both young 17 and 18 and felt I wouldn't approve
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Ah! That might be why they don't want anyone else knowing right now. They aren't married and it may be a problem with her mother. My son knows how I feel about that, though, so they didn't have a problem telling me the great news. I feel that marriage is in the heart and mind, not on a piece of paper. My son and his girlfriend love each other and are very good for each other. If they choose never to get married, I won't mind, as long as they treat one another with love and respect.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
21 Dec 11
I never thought of naming my furball! Hmmm....
2 people like this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
21 Dec 11
Thank you adjyz and congratulations to your becoming an uncle! I hope your sister and the baby are healthy and happy.
@CTHanum (8234)
• Malaysia
18 Dec 11
Congratulations to you! It reminds me of my mom feeling when my sister had her first child. She felt so much happy and now she has 6 grandchildren- my sister's and my brother's children. I am sure you are so much joy and happy to know that you are going to be a grandma soon!!!(^^)
Anyway, I like to read Chicken Soup For the Soul books as well!(^^)
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Thank you, CTHanum! Yes, there is something very special about becoming a grandparent. It's almost as exciting as becoming a parent but we don't have all the responsibilities. We can play with our grandchildren, spoil them, then send them home when we need a rest.
I've tried to read my new Chicken Soup book but my mind keeps moving back to the new baby's arrival. I know it won't be for awhile yet but I am so anxious to begin gathering the things needed for a new baby, for those times I'll be babysitting.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
19 Dec 11
Wow, that is indeed a nice Christmas gift that you will have.
They said that the feeling of having a grandchild is very much happier than that of having your own child. A celebrity grandma just said that over national TV here in the Philippines. And yes, she was so proud of her two cute grandchildren.
I hope to have a grandchild also in the future.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
19 Dec 11
I adored my children when they were born but I think you're right about grandchildren. As grandparents, we get to play with the babies, spoil them rotten, then hand them back to their parents when we've had enough.
I will be 60 years old in April so I think it's about time I became a grandmother.
1 person likes this
@Cricket127 (548)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Hi! Two years ago I found out I was going to be a mother for the second time so I too was often grinning or feeling sentimental; couldn't stop playing Beatles or Simon and Garfunkel songs.
Hope that everything will go well with the pregnancy! Is there a Goodwill near you? It's a great place to start the clothes shopping!
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Hi Cricket. Congratulations on your own motherhood! I remember well the feelings I had when I found out I was pregnant.
Finding out you're going to be a grandmother is even better because I don't have to go through the pregnancy myself. AND, when the baby is here, I can play with it, spoil it rotten, then hand it back to mommy and daddy when I need a rest.
I'm a frequent shopper at Goodwill. Yep, there's one just a few miles from my house. They have a large selection of maternity clothes. I'm going to try to get my son's girlfriend to go with me to see if there's any clothes she'd like. I always thought it was a shame to spend so much on new maternity clothes that you're only going to wear for a short time and only one or a few times in your life so buying second-hand is smarter.
1 person likes this
@Cricket127 (548)
• United States
24 Dec 11
Hi! My apologies for not getting back to you sooner--just found a job and been a little crazy around here. Happily, the kind of crazy we all like! Hard to believe my little man is nearing 16 months old! You really do see things differently when you have a little one around.
I do remember when I was pregnant and realizing I wasn't going to need maternity for long, I too went to Goodwill and found a weeks worth of clothes with a few to spare. Why? Somedays you just don't want to do laundry, or accidents do happen, and the afterwards. Have you found anything?? Does she have everything else? A good crib, diapers, shoes, stroller, etc? Also, perfume-free detergent and formula samples? Why? Allergies! Still, they are fun and THE most innocent being!
Be well and keep me posted!
@queen_ra45 (84)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Wow, congratulations! Newborns are so precious and special congrats and good luck grandma.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
21 Dec 11
Thank you, queen. The last time I powdered a newborn bottom was over 20 years ago. That was a friend's son whom I babysitted for a few weeks. I really miss doing all the normal things we do with newborns, bathing, feeding, even burping. LOL I have the rocking chair ready!
@queen_ra45 (84)
• United States
22 Dec 11
Sounds like your grandchild will be lucky to have an awesome grandma!
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Mazel Tov! I hope he/she is a healthy , happy baby. Early August means Leo. Look out, lol!
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Two Leos! G-d help her! Wish her all the best for me.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Haha! You know what's worse? Her 4-year-old is also a Leo! Yep, two little Leo's running around in one house. I can see I'll be called in to babysit probably more than I'm anticipating, just to give the parents a break from all the action and noise. LOL Luckily for them, I'm sooooo looking forward to that!
2 people like this
@aprilsong (1884)
• China
20 Dec 11
Congratulations to you! I think no present can be compared to the gift you received from your son. And there is no other thing make one excited as expecting a new baby. I wish you can have a healthy and beautiful grandson or granddaughter in the next August.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
21 Dec 11
Thank you, aprilsong. I am very excited and have even begun making room in my house for the times when I will babysit overnight in my house.
1 person likes this
@GavinKaos (272)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Congrats! At least it sounds like your excited.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
20 Dec 11
Thanks, Gavin. Yep, I'm definitely excited. This is some much-needed good news. I'm already preparing for the baby's arrival. LOL
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Congrats! I am so happy for you! I recently found out that I am going to have a new addition in June. I am coming around to the idea but I have been trying to deal with the daughter's sudden move and this just makes it all fit. I couldn't understand the rush but I do now. I bought a pack of diapers and some baby wipes that were on sale yesterday. I figure I should go ahead and get a little at a time so I'll have stuff when I get to keep the baby. I have to admit...it's been a long time since I have had a little baby around.
Congrats again!
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Wow, Jen! I'm so happy for you, too! Awesome news! So, we can start comparing notes on grandparenting about the same time, huh?
Actually, from what they've said, I think this baby will be born in July rather than August because they told me they found out a week after Thanksgiving which means that she had to be about a month along (at least) at the beginning of December. That would really be nice because my son was due on July 29th but arrived a month early on June 29th. Also, her son's birthday is in August. A July birthday would be ideal.
I think I'll take your advice and start getting things on sale now. It won't hurt as bad spreading it out like that. I invented a diaper (cloth) that I used on my own kids so I'll be working on a few dozen new ones. They're made of cotton flannel, contoured, padded (where necessary) and have Velcro closures that adjust the diaper to different sizes. They sure came in handy when money was tight because disposable diapers aren't cheap. (One of these days, I'm going to sell these things!)
I have the feeling that you had mixed feelings about this, at least initially. Am I right? I know I would have if my son had just moved out then told me this news. That's a lot for any mother to go through as fast as you have.
As far as marriage goes, I've never thought of marriage as a piece of paper, it's in your heart and your head. So, I don't care if my son ever gets legally married to this girl, as long as they love and respect one another. They seem very happy together right now.
And I'm so excited about the prospect of powdering a little bottom once again.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Oh how wonderful! That is such an amazing way to find out you are going to be a grandma! Congratulations!
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Hi PQ. Thank you!
Yeah, I have to agree it was an awesome way to let me know, although they almost had to spell it out for me. LOL I tried to read the books that night but couldn't concentrate because my mind was still spinning with all kinds of thoughts and ideas.
1 person likes this
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
18 Dec 11
dear Mentalward thats such lovely news and I am doing the happy dance with you. With all you have been through during this year of 2011 its about time some good news are coming your way.
have a blessed Sunday dear.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Thank you so much, RitterSport! I agree, it's about time something good came my way.
I was (and still am) taking care of my kitty who has been really sick with feline infectious anemia (brought on by a parasite in his blood). I almost lost him this past Tuesday when he was in the animal hospital getting a blood transfusion to save his life. It was too much for me and I cried my eyes out. I also cried when I heard this wonderful news about the new baby but, for a change, these tears were definitely tears of pure joy. It felt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!
You'd think my son was a peacock because, when he told me the good news, his chest was stuck out as far as it could be. He couldn't have been prouder of anything. I'm so happy for him (as well as his girlfriend) because they're both extremely excited.
It's funny, I've spent today (Sunday) cleaning, rearranging furniture, going through closets and drawers and organizing, etc. It's because of the baby. Naturally, I want to have a room for the little one for those times I babysit overnight and I hope there will be a lot of them.
This year is definitely ending on a good note. No, a terrific note. It makes all the bad stuff that happened this year kind of disappear, you know?
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
24 Dec 11
hi dear mentalward first of all Merry Christmas to you. Hope your kitty is getting better. I didnt know they can get as seriously ill with anemia and I am glad he seems to be better now after the blood transfusion.
Hope everything goes well with the pregnancy, I bet you will keep us informed here on mylot how things are. #
same with the year over here ending fantastic. I guess I have made a giant step into the right direction now with keeping my family more than just an arms length away from me and taking time for the persons and things which really do matter in my life.