Grand Thoughts: A big welcome to the world, baby William

I am now the proud owner of three car seats: one for my 5-year-old granddaughter, one for my 2-year-old granddaughter and, now, one for my 2-month-old grandson. Each is securely placed in the back seat of my Buick Rainier.

My grandson, David William ("William" after my late father), was born to my oldest son, Kevin.

I had the honor of being in the delivery room when William was born by Caesarean section. He's a big boy, like his father was at birth, weighing 9 pounds and 2 ounces. At 21.5 inches long, he'll likely be as tall as his dad, who's 6-foot-1.

Shortly after the birth, a nurse took me to a private area in recovery and handed the baby to me while the medical staff tended to the mommy. Unfortunately, my son was at work and didn't make it to the hospital in time to witness the baby's birth.

Turns out, our first moments together became a very special bonding time for grandson and grandmother. As I held the baby tightly in my arms, I vowed to love him unconditionally and to always be there for him.

It was when I whispered, "I love you, little boy," that he opened his eyes for the very first time, staring straight into mine.

It was powerful.

Whether or not he could really focus, I don't know. What I do know is that our eyes were locked for what seemed like minutes. It was as though he was telling me, "I love you, too."

My granddaughters welcomed their new cousin with open arms, kisses and shouts of adoration. There's nothing sweeter than hearing a 5-year-old and 2-year-old talking "baby talk" to a baby.

They also argue over who's going to hold him, give him his bottle or help change his diaper. I had to put his car seat in the middle so they wouldn't argue over who's going to sit next to him in the car.

My mother, who is 83, also welcomed the latest addition to our family. She is an exceptional woman who is devoted to her family. She baby-sits my 2-year-old granddaughter (her great-granddaughter) two days each week, and on any given week, both girls spend at least one night with her. They're very attached to their great-grandmother, and judging by the baby's face when he hears her voice, he's going to be as well.

Welcome to our family, David William. It's going to be a lifetime of love and fun.

Upcoming Events