This is the baby who has tilted the very axis of my world. My first grandchild, who arrived two weeks ago today.
I was in the car when I heard the news. I pulled over quickly and listened with mounting excitement. Jasper had finally arrived fifteen days late, weighing in at nine pounds five ounces after an emergency caesarian. His father Harry sent me over a photo of him and within the space of five seconds, I was hopelessly and irrevocably besotted.
I had wondered how I would feel becoming a grandparent - so many friends had said it was wonderful, even better than having your own children. Back then I couldn't quite grasp what they meant. I 've got three children who I fell in love immediately and I couldn't imagine anything as powerful as that love. Would there be a degree of separation?
Jasper was in hospital for a few days and my husband had only just come out of hospital too so I had to make do with photos, videos and facetime for five days. Even then, I would watch the little videos twenty, thirty times and gaze in awe at how gorgeous he is. When I met him for the first time last week,though, I was instantly lost. Lost in a melange of overwhelming emotions....joy, pride, wonder, and utter contentment.
I didn't think I could love my daughter Lucy even more than I do already either, but my heart has melted watching her with her baby, She's such a good Mummy already, and watching her with him and brought back memories of having her.
Her husband Harry is a doting husband and father, and seeing his big frame tenderly holding his son is quite moving to see....
Spending time with them all for five days at such an important time in their lives has been so rewarding. I spent my time cooking meals, doing the washing...and even pegging those adorable little babygros and teeny, tiny vests on the washing line gave me small frissons of pleasure. It was the long chats though with my daughter and being able to hold Jasper and look after him while Lucy had a nap or two was the best....connecting at such a personal level with both of them.
And who could not connect with such a beautiful, new little person who looks at you with such concentration, who loves you singing to him, and who even tries to talk back already and snuggles in for cuddles.
All too soon it was time to say goodbye, to come back home to be there for my husband who was going into hospital for the third time in six weeks. There was time for one last photo until next week when they are coming to see us and my husband will be able to hold his grandson for the first time..
So, to all those friends who told me, yes being a grandmother is the most wonderful, exhilarating and emotional experience, and I'm loving every single moment of it so far!
