Haley Dawn Kroeker

What a precious bundle! Although our kids thought they were having a boy, no one was at all disappointed at Haley's appearance. She is one beautiful baby.
I was struck by how it felt to hold my own grandchild.
I remember being surprised by the amount of love one could have for one's own child. Then when the second came along, my biggest fear was that I could never love the second like I loved the first. I was wrong.
And now, holding our granddaughter, those same feelings washed over me, and I was overwhelmed. This beautiful child was given in care to our children, and in some ways, to us as well. And there is nothing she has to do to earn our love. Although we think she is perfect, that wouldn't have made a difference either. At least I don't think so.
I am so grateful to have had these days with her - almost a week when we leave. I will miss you, Haley! But hopefully we'll see you soon.

Waiting...

Back when Kirsten & Matthew first discovered they were expecting their first baby, and it would be due in early January, they were hoping it wouldn't be early - they did not want a Christmas baby! They got their wish - though I suspect the wish has changed a wee bit... it is hard carrying those extra pounds for so long!

Here we are, on January 17, a week after the due date (though she was given three due dates: the 8th, 10th, and 12th), and the baby seems content to wait. Already over 8 lbs according to the midwife, we are now hoping it won't need to wait much longer. I use the word 'need' very deliberately. She gets all kinds of advice on how to bring it on sooner. And much as I want to see and hold my grandchild, I do want it to have all the advantages that it may get from staying in the womb as long as possible.

So I work on looking at the positive. Hopefully this extra time is an advantage for the baby - apparently late babies live longer than early ones! I also have time to be with my kids and observe their pregnancies... something I've missed out on by living 2 provinces away. I'm taking time to meet a few friends here in Winnipeg that I haven't seen in years. I had lunch with my Dad and 3 Manitoba siblings yesterday.

The picture above is taken in my Grandma's house in Linden, which has been turned into a coffee shop. What fun to have time to do this with my daughter.

Now if only junior would show his/her face...