A New Bundle of Joy

Our new bundle of joy arrived five weeks early in the middle of December! A beautiful baby boy after a history of girls. We are over the moon and grateful he is doing well and certainly surprised everyone ready to come into the world before the end of the year in time to celebrate Chanukah.

​As a mother my heart overflowed watching my daughter hold her child. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I stood and watched the two in awe, the baby’s nose a carbon copy of his mother’s. She sat so natural beaming, glowing her husband holding her hand. The two, wonderful loving, parents navigating this journey with strength and courage.

For the first night in weeks, I slept through the night, at peace knowing everyone was healthy and happy. My mind did circle wishing my beloved sisters Margie and Jane around to share this beautiful time with me. A little pang knowing how lucky the baby will be to have a cousin (my other grandson), an aunt (my daughter) and uncle (my other son- in- law) to grow up together making special memories. He is loved unconditionally from extended family on both sides. The gift of technology and FaceTime allowing us to be part of this wonderful journey.

Day by day we watch the progress monitored by a magnificent team of devoted NICU nurses who warmly nurture the babies and parents through the process. Nini, the name I am called, had the pleasure of reading my grandson his first book. Every moment I was able to visit the NICU, my eyes did not leave him, a true miracle, the lapis blue eyes, a hand gesture to the face, a smile, a frown, a yawn, a stretch, and a peaceful sleep all snuggled up. Our little boy making progress every day and look forward to his welcome home.

I am so proud of my daughter and son-in-law who championed the unexpected early arrival, with love, and a positive attitude. The time has allowed them lessons in parenting. When the baby is ready to leave the NICU the two will be pros on how to handle a newborn. I watch them in awe.

My daughters filled a void and brought sunshine to my parents after the loss of my beloved sisters. Grandchildren remind us of a new life, a new focus, an innocence, and a new joy. We never forget what we lost, they are forever with us, part of us, and now our legacy continues, and we can meld our past with our future generations.