Grandma Di guest post

Wendi had told me earlier that I should do a grandma blog but not to stress about it. My heart is so full, it's hard to put all my feelings in writing.

I've watched Wendi and JB handle their challenges with such pride and awe. Wen was real with her pain but never got bitter.We didn't hear as much from John but I know he was a huge part in keeping Wendi centered and balanced. Now having spent a week with them and watching them again come together in figuring things out has been so awesome to watch. They are a team -- a united front. I am proud of the people they have become.

Wendi used to say it bothered her that George and I might not be grandparents. To be honest, it didn't seem like a huge deal to me. I hated to see the pain and struggles they were going thru but it didn't make them seem less because they didn't have kids. I have enjoyed being a friend with my daughter. What a cool woman she has become. (I love JB too. He is so patient with Wendi and her family and of course we love his cooking among other things.)

When this little dude named Isaac came into our arms, everything changed. I didn't know you could love a little creature so much. I remember holding Wendi when she was a baby and didn't think I could ever love another child so much and then I had Keith and loved him so much. I didn't realize I had that many emotions all wrapped up inside. To see the picture of little Isaac in George's arms and to see the love in George's eyes and to hear him pray over and "bless" Isaac is something will always hold a special place in my heart.

To hold this little boy and have him look in my eyes when I fed him a bottle is indescribable. To pick him up after he was crying hard after a diaper change and to feel him calm and snuggle into me was so special. To look at him and sing "You are so beautiful to me" (when no one else was around) and have him study my face and even smile (and know it wasn't gas or laughing at my singing) was such a neat memory.

I love my sleep but so enjoyed the couple of nights I got to have the night feeding. It was no problem getting up and spending time with my little dude. I never wanted to put him down.

George put it so cute "Being a grandpa is so cool. Nobody expects you to do anything but everything you do is a perk."

I think this grandparent stuff is going to be great. I had no clue! I hate that we live so far but am thankful for the fact we do live closer than we did before. I know our times together will be sweet. I think Grandpa Coach and little dude are going to be great buds, and I'm looking forward to going on walks, to sitting and cuddling and reading and playing with Isaac whenever possible. We will make the most of our times together.

I am so grateful for the group of friends John and Wendi have in their life. What awesome people! How cool to have that kind of support. It makes leaving just a little bit easier. They are truly blessed.

Wendi kept saying how much I helped them while I was there, but I felt like I got the better end of the deal. On top of everything else I got to share in some awesome meals from their friends and I got Indian dinners cooked by JB two nights and went out for Thai another . . . how much more could I ask??? I didn't have to cook!!!!

Thank you for letting me share in this first week of Isaac's life and to be able to share in your transition into parenthood. You guys are fabulous. I am so proud! I am overwhelmed with gratefulness and love. I am a grandma!! How awesome is that!? I love my life!!!!