I love hugs

And that's exactly what it felt like, reading all your comments on the last post- like a bunch of warm, caring hugs. For that I thank you so much! You guys get it. I knew you did, I just hoped that in sharing all the joys being a nana brings to me, I had not inadvertently led anyone to believe that Bayleigh does not have loving caring parents.  We just happen to be a family who feels like you can never have too many people to love and nurture you and the fact that I am in a position to help my daughter out with childcare while she finishes school and can selfishly spoil my granddaughter in the process is just a double bonus.

Comments

[mindy]

I agree with you. I went to school later than normal. Right before my last year in college, my mom (who was a couple of years away from retiring) decided to quit her job so that she could keep my son who was 2 at the time. She knew that we would be moving after I graduated and thought that it was silly to miss what time she could have with him. He is now 16. She has never ever regreted her decision. It made my life easier too. I was driving 1 1/2 hours to and then from school each day. I never had to worry about him.

[katie]

Bayleigh and Alyssa are so lucky to have you in their lives! My son is surrounded by so many people who love him and want to take care of him and he loves every single minute of it. I love that you share Bayleigh's adventures with all of us and I don't think you should change anything about it! You're right, this is your blog so it is your point of view. If Alyssa were to write it, she would have different things to show. I'm so glad you that had such an outpouring of support and understanding and I only hope that the person who left the comment didn't intend it the way it was written. :)

[Amber]

Oh my goodness - what an adorable picture! I love that age - chubby arms giving big hugs - too cute!

[cherrie]

I love those hugs too. My DD2 (15 year old) has just told me that if I die she will remember me for my hugs and my mum smell. They are so precious.

[Taiya]

My daughter is just at the stage where she is giving BIG hugs all day, and I am just loving it. It is the greatest feeling!

[danica]

I have two little boys -- a young, new mama, trying to find my way. I live in CA; my mom lives in NY. I miss my mama all. the. time. She's my best friend and my strongest support, as it should be. I'm blessed to see you being all of that for your new-mama daughter.

[Ashlee]

I LOVE that picture! I wish my mom lived closer so she could spend that much time with my little girl. Your daughter and granddaughter are just as lucky to have you as you are to have them. You deserve lots of hugs.

[Cheryl]

We are a big hugging family ourselves and so love that pic of you and Bayleigh hugging.
When my two kids were little and we were strapped for cash, we were blessed to have the each of the grandmas help us out with childcarea and believe you me, they loved it and so did I. I wanted them to grow up knowing and having special memories of their grandparents.
Hugs,
Cheryl

[Kira =]]

I also believe that children can never have too many people that love them! =]

[christina]

You are so doing the right thing, helping in the care of your grandaughter. These young parents are trying so hard to get their lives in order. You are blessed to have such a close family. I have a friend who is always helping her daughter and son-in-law and in the long run she is helping them strengthen their marriage and future family. Also, when grandchildren are that age, you can 'eat them with a spoon', as my mom used to say...soooo sweet and cuddley. Enjoy!

[Lynne in NC]

Autum,
Love, love, love the way Bayleigh expresses her love for you in this photo. So sweet. You are so blessed to have this time with her.

One thing I'll be more careful is how my words may come across when I post, too.

Love ya!

[Dee]

You are such a sweet blessing to all of your family - your beauty both inside and out is inspirational...you are doing a wonderful job mama (and nana!)

Dee
x

[Samantha]

This picture makes me wish the neices would stay young! We have a 1 y/o and two 3 y/o neices who are the light of our lives. I'm glad Drew has such a close family as well. I love all the hugs and playtime.

I didn't have a huggy family growing up, and although we all lived within 2 miles of each other, we only got together on birthdays and holidays. Both your daughter and granddaughter are so blessed to have you raise them and help take care of them every chance possible. I wish my grandparents had taken care of me. They were retired and welcomed the thought of them watching me during the day, but my mom put me under a babysitters care instead. I'd much rather be in Bayleighs position ;) Boy, has she got the life!

[kathryn]

those little arms must feel wonderful around your neck. i just love this photo autum!

[Shannon]

Beautiful picture.

I never once thought that Miss Alyssa or her husband(sorry do not know his name) was ever a bad parent, never occured to me.

Just enjoy it, being a mom and grandma. I dont know any other way to say this but my husband and I have never been able to have children so to see someone enjoy it and do such a great job brings me much pleasure. I really appreciate all the photos ~ thank you.

[cindy]

Oh My, she's getting so big! She is so lucky to have you as a Grandma. And the kids are lucky to have you around so they can have breaks here and there so they can be better parents. If my kids ever have kids (they both tell me they just want a dog), I hope to be able to spoil my grandkids too.

[Janet]

Autum, I am a grandmother that has taken care of my grandson since he was 3 months old and he will be 4 in July... I feel so blessed that I was able to help my son and daughter-in-law by taking care of him while they work.He is the light of my life! I know how you feel. Bayleigh is so lucky to have you and I know you feel the same.. she is precious.aren't those just the best hugs!

[Maureen]

Baby hugs are unsurpassed.

[stephanie]

This picture made me smile beyond belief, what a beautiful sight!!

[Ann]

My 35 year old daughter just this week finished nursing school. She is married, to a marine and has 2 school age daughers. While she was in school said husband was deployed almost 3/4 of the time. Would I have loved to be able to help her out with child care?? Oh my goodness, yes. But alas we live to far. But I do admit, last year I took 2 weeks and went and cared for the girls while she went to do her psych rotation at a distant hospital.

Do not let people get to you. It is not worth it. Enjoy the grandbaby while you can, cause she will grow up and you will long for these days that you are blessed with.

And BTW-Hope your daughter can find a job. My daughter is moving to New Hampshire( for DSIL's new assignment) and she is not having any luck at all in this economy.

[hampers]

I loved to hugged and be hugged too. Sometimes we neglect the power of this simple gesture. This is a simple and yet worth a thousand smile gift that we can give to our loved ones.