It’s 2:00 a.m. in the morning. I’ve just been notified that for the first time, I’m a papa!
Our first granddaughter made her grand appearance a few hours ago. I was sleeping soundly, so didn’t hear my son’s text letting us know their precious little bundle had arrived. As I stare at her picture over and over, I find myself full of emotions:
Joy
I’ve been anticipating this day for a long time, way before my son and daughter-in-law announced they were expecting. I became an uncle at age twelve. I loved (and still love) my nieces and nephews. I quickly learned to enjoy watching the wheels turn in their little heads, their curiosity about everything, their lack of filter. I’ve often dreamed about the day when I would hold grandbabies in my arms, and in a few short (long?) hours, that dream will come true.
Gratefulness
My daughter-in-law had a long labor. I was concerned for her and the baby. Deep down resided an assurance that everything would be okay, but nervous thoughts tried to intrude on several occasions yesterday while at the hospital. When I woke up to read the text, a deep sense of relief and gratitude flooded my mind. Thank You Heavenly Father for this amazing gift You’ve given!
Impatience
For some reason I can’t get back to sleep. Hence the 2:00 a.m. blogging. I have to wait a few more hours before Laura and I can hold our sweet granddaughter in our arms. And waiting is not my strongest suit. I’m wondering what it will feel like to stare into her beautiful face, whisper loving words into her ear, and hold her tiny little frame in my arms. For the first time in a long time, I’m wishing time would speed up.
Pride
And not the sinful variety of pride. I’m proud of my son and daughter-in-law. During the pregnancy, the seeds of great parenting flashed from time to time. Every picture of them throughout the pregnancy showed our son’s hand placed on his wife’s growing belly, accompanied by big grins on both their faces. A sense of humble confidence emerged in moments that left us assured they would be awesome parents.
Love
I’m writing about this emotion after having held our granddaughter in my arms. Wow! The most amazing feeling of love ever! While holding her for the first time, it felt like a powerful magnet was somehow bonding us together. I experienced a layer of love I didn’t know existed. My heart is captured by this tiny little human who at the time was about 9 hours old.
Being a grandparent feels like such an incredible milestone. It means you’ve been blessed with a long enough life to witness your baby boy fall in love with a girl who is perfect for him. You have the privilege to watch them get married. And then over the course of time you get to see the fruit of their love for each other—the latest of which is a beautiful baby girl.
I’m joyful, grateful, and proud this morning to be officially designated as “papa.”
Let the spoiling begin
I could not have said it better myself. Kinsley Joy is so blessed to have you, John, as a Papa!! Looking forward to lots of wonderful times with our families centered around that beautiful baby!! Thanks for putting into words all the wonderful emotions that feel so identical to mine!