And just like that, everything changed...

Of course, I knew things would be different. We'd be changing our routines, making room for the newest member of our family. I knew there would be joy and excitement. I knew I'd be proud. I knew I'd love the new little one, and yet, I didn't have a clue.  I have so much to say, so much to share. I wish you could sit at my kitchen table with a glass of iced tea and chat while I throw a load of clothes in the washer, catch up on the week's events while I do the dishes. I've been spending some of the weekend trying to do a little of the work that has fallen by the wayside while I've been attending to much more important matters, like staring at this beauty.

I'm learning a new role, the role of nana, and what a precious, wonderful gift is this new role. It's all together different from being a mom and yet I'm not sure I can put into words just how. All you other grandmothers know, it's just different. The love is pure and sweet and unencumbered by the worries and fears that come with parenting. Not only do I love this baby more than I thought possible, I have a whole new level of love and understanding for her mother. 

Priceless, that's the only way to describe the experience of watching my own daughter become a mother. Mitch and I were amazed by the strength and courage with which she brought this little one into the world and were so grateful to have shared in this precious moment in time. We were proud of how gentle and loving Derek was with her, even as he was scared to death.

I know the road ahead of them will not be an easy one. They have many sleepless nights ahead, but they will be just fine. I guess the gift of grandparent-hood is being on the other side of those sleepless nights and being able to just love.

Thank you,  thank you, many times thank you for all the sweet welcoming words for Bayleigh. Alyssa and I have read each and every one. I usually try to answer each comment personally because they do mean so much to me, but this time, please understand if I just say thank you to you all. I'm very busy these days, you know, with staring and such.

More pictures of the cutie here.

Comments

[Bean]

She's beautiful, Congratulations Nana!!

[Elaine]

She Is Beautiful!!!
My friend and I both said there is nothing like having a grandbaby or grandbabies. It's a wonderful Love that has no comparison!

[Em]

Yay - More pictures! She is a beautiful little thing! I can't believe how much she looks like Alyssa! They could be twins! That skin is just beautiful too... and I love the hair. I'm sure everyone understands how busy you are being Nana right now - thanks for another peek at the little beautiful Bayleigh!

[Thimbleanna]

She's just adorable Autum! And wow -- does she ever look like her Mom. Looks like you're having a great time -- loved the post -- brought tears to my eyes, as usual!

[Michele]

OMG I can't stand it...she's just too cute. Congrats again!

[Wendy]

What a beautiful little blessing!
Your post brought tears to my eyes.
Congratulations, Nana

[kspin]

So beautiful. I'm so excited that your wait is over and now you get to hold that baby! Much love to you and your family! Congrats!

[méri]

:)))
Congrats, again, Autum!
Much love to you all!

[Rachel L]

Oh, she is just so beautiful! Congratulations to you all!

[Lynne in NC]

Thank you for the sweet photos of Alyssa and her family. You and Mitch look so peaceful with Bayleigh, too. I love the photo of Bayleigh in the bassinet- precious. Congratulaions!
Lynne in NC

[MaryBeth]

Absolutely stunning! Congrats to everyone!

[Brenda]

She is just beautiful,I will be a Grandmother in September reading your post makes it even harder to wait.
Congratulations
Brenda

[Valerina]

Bayleigh is just beautiful, many congratulations!

[Jennifer]

She is just so precious You are going to such a great Nana and Alyssa will be a great mother I am so happy for you and your family

[beki]

What a little doll!! Enjoy this time Autum :)

[Tonya Richard]

Oh my goodness, I am so jealous! Sniff her beautiful little head for me, will you? There is nothing better than the smell of a new baby.

[Cheryl]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on becoming a new nana. I can't imagine what it's like to be one yet...my kids are still teenagers. From your thoughts it sounds me relaxed. You have been there already, and now you can just "stare and such" as you say. : ) You enjoy every moment!
BTW Bayleigh looks absolutely precious and most comfortable in her new digs that her nana sewed for her.

[Shannon]

I have been waiting to see more pictures:) She is so beautiful and looks a lot like her nana:) Oh, I am so excited for everyone. Sweet, wonderful wishes for all the joyus times and memories to come.

[Cheryl]

Oh Autum- I'm staring and I'm not even related. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful event in your lives with us. I'm not a grandmother yet, in fact, it's no where in the near future, however, I do already have my named picked out (LOL). She's precious. I always say babies are the most common everyday miracle from God. But what a HUGE miracle. She's got a wonderful life ahead of her. Enjoy every precious second. P.S. Give her a little kiss from me.

[Christy M]

This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. Congratulations and God Bless!

[Joni-MI]

Oh, Autum, as usual, you have a way with words and I loved this post as I love the others where you talk from the heart. Congratulations to you and to Mitch and to the new mom and daddy and to your son, who I'm sure is a happy uncle!

Love, Joni-MI

[sammyjo]

She is so adorable, really she's beautiful! Enjoy being a grand-mum.

[christina]

She's a little cutie for sure. Enjoy....sadly it lasts for way to little time!

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

She's so pretty, Autum. I know exactly how you feel. I remember the night my grandson was born. I just knew nothing would ever feel as good as that. Congratulations, sweetie, to you and all your family.

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

She's so pretty, Autum. I know exactly how you feel. I remember the night my grandson was born. I just knew nothing would ever feel as good as that. Congratulations, sweetie, to you and all your family.