From the time we got the news last year he was on the way, I patiently awaited his coming. Thanks to our daughter, I was blessed to be by her side and witness the miracle unfold as he made his grand arrival last month. I couldn’t wait to see his face, and when I finally did, I burst into tears and laughter all at once. The elation continues to flow. I see her in him and his unique traits. Every time I’m in the same room with him, my world pretty much stops! I can’t take my eyes off him – whether he’s awake or asleep. He has cute gestures and the sweetest cry I’ve ever heard. He’s laid back, unless hungry, sleepy, or uncomfortable. He’s extremely strong and attentive. He’s changing and growing so fast I’m doing my best to take in all the moments I can. To me, everything about him is precious!
I call him Bambino. He calls me Nonna.
I thank God for allowing me to live to experience this grand season of motherhood. Seeing our firstborn with her firstborn, our first grandchild, is somewhat surreal. She went into labor early morning. Because her midwife’s birth center was 70 miles away from home, she opted to go consult in person. Her midwife determined it was early labor with gradual dilation so we found a nearby hotel to cut down on the drive while she continued tracking her labor. Her water eventually broke and contractions intensified. She went back to the birth center that evening to assess progress and work with her birth team for a while, then to the hotel again overnight. The next morning was back to the center and she received a positive assessment of full dilation soon followed by crowning. However, the baby disengaged unexpectedly, and her progression reversed. She encountered unexplainable challenges in her body that were complicating the process. So when her labor approached 40 hours, she was transferred to the hospital, where nearly 20 years prior she had come when I delivered her brother/his uncle. She labored in the hospital about 4 more hours, then opted to have a C-Section to avoid distress. Before her operation, she shared sweet words with me about the C-Section I had for her birth. She was at peace and that gave me peace for them too. I prayed quietly and nonstop for their health and the diligence of their caregivers. Within an hour, the birth was announced before the night ended, which landed on her uncle’s/his great uncle’s birthday. The wait was finally over! She had been through a great deal throughout her pregnancy, especially the last two days. Yet, from the moment she held him, she was enamored and her motherhood instinct kicked into high gear. It was moving to watch her love on him and nurture him.
I was so engaged and touched during her labor, delivery, and recovery that I barely sat down for three days. I was grateful to be there, considering I was out of town on her original due date the weekend before. I admit it was tough to standby and see all she went through and not be able to something. God knows my nature is to help, fix, and encourage. And nothing can prepare a mother to watch her child on an operating table. Being with her through it all was a privilege. I knew I was there to support her so I didn’t want to say or do anything or get thrown out. Unless asked otherwise, I stood back and stayed quiet. The whole time I kept thanking God I didn’t miss any of it! I also thanked Him for the great team of caregivers and support she had at her side.
Aspects of her experience remind me of my motherhood journey. My mind is also flooded with memories of my late Grandmothers, Moma, and Daddy. My paternal Grandmother passed March 1998 during my first pregnancy when I was seven months pregnant. My maternal Grandmother lived to see both of my children, then passed March 2008 when they were still young. Moma passed August 2021 and Daddy March 2023, only 18 months apart. They had great times with their grandchildren, and I’m sure they would’ve been over the moon about their great grandson. In fact, at the same time of the first anniversary of Daddy’s passing, God set it so our daughter was bringing life into the world last month. For these reasons, I know all four of them are smiling and praying for us from heaven. The month of March is not only about loss for me but it is full of significant remembrance and now the celebration of life – all right before spring, my favorite season. So many thoughts and emotions. The past 10 years have challenged me to trust God like never before. I believe He knew exactly what I needed this year to keep me pressing on. My heart is filled with joy, peace, and gratitude. I’m inspired even more to live true and live well for the rest of my days. Life from this vantage point is extra special. And I’m here for it, by God’s grace!
Bambino, I adore you and your regal name, Legend Noble Strongheart. You are a miraculous gift from God and truly another shining star of our show! May He bless & protect you as you grow & become all you’re created to be. Ti amo tanto dolce Bambino.
Christian Joelle, it’s a blessing & honor to watch you thrive on your new Mommy journey. You already see how motherhood requires & challenges every fiber of your being. Even so, it’s a principal position of a lifetime. God is The Creator, Author & Producer of life who promises to be there as Director of your every step. Trust Him, and you got this! Keep soaring, shining & being fabulous! I love you with all my heart!
With tears of joy,
Mommy / Nonna
(Italian: bambino (child/baby); nonna (grandmother); Ti amo tanto, dolce bambino (I love you much, sweet baby)
Read about my Motherhood experiences here
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