I am a Grandfather (Again)
 

Just getting in from the hospital and some errands after. My stepson Colin and his bride Kayleigh are now the proud parents of 7lb 7oz, 20" Gavin Colin Callaway, who entered this world via c-section at 3:35 PM CST today. She was originally due around the 10th of January, but they had determined that the child was rather largeish for her slight build, and was unlikely to change from his breach position, so they'd scheduled her for a December 31 procedure.

He didn't want to wait. Kayleigh began experiencing contractions this morning, and after they tried to suppress the contractions due to a lack of cervical dilation on her part, she then quickly dilated to 3cm, and the c-section proceeded.

The procedure went perfectly, and both mom and child are in perfect, perfect condition. Two grandmothers, three grandfathers, one grandmother's other significant other, and three neighbors were in attendance.

Gavin is my second grandchild, but in reality, he'll be the first as I have no access to Joseph, son of my child Stephen. Even though Gavin is not my blood grandchild, I've been stepfather to Colin, Gavin's father, since Colin was three, and I couldn't feel prouder or more grandfatherly if he was my own bloodline.

None of us really wanted our kids to be parents at 19. If we'd been allowed to design their futures, this happy event would have come along a few years down the line - say, after they had money, jobs, educations and a place to live. But now that Gavin is here, I cannot begin to express the joy and wonder I feel about the whole affair.

As I held him in my arms moments after he was brought to Kayleigh's room, I was overwhelmed with a feeling that I hadn't felt since I held my own son his natal day. As my eyes welled up and Selene stood smiling at us, I remarked that "we never really get used to this, do we?"

I pray I never become jaded to such a grand feeling. I pray that my grandson will grow healthy and strong in a world that is safe, guided by the hands of his loving family.

Today will always remain firmly in my heart as a blessing.

Congratulations Els! What a wonderful winter solstice gift! :)

Hey you with the pretty face,
Welcome to the human race
A celebration Mr. Blue Sky's
Up there waitin' and today
Is the day we've waited for


Congrats All !!

Congratulations Gramps. ;)

How wonderful. I'm very happy for you, all of you.

Huge congrats Els. What a beautiful child and such a pretty mom too! She looks so elfin.

Christmas babies eh? *smiles* Guess the stork's been subcontracting to Santa.

Loadsharing. Good idea.

Congrats Elspode. How is you renaissance of wonder coming along?

What a wonderful gift, congrats man!

Good on them for getting it done under the wire in 2009--now they get a whole year's worth of tax deductions. :)

Congrats, Els!

Beautiful child, congratulations to you and your family!

Congratulations!

Wonderful! Congratulations!!

As always, your beautiful words have moved me.
I hope any blessings you believe in come down on you and your extended family.

He is your grandson, as you rightly assert.
In times where fathers appear disposible by choice on one or other side, it's an affirmation of an "alternative" lifestyle that you feel this way.

(I'm sure the majority do care btw, it's just in the media the image of deadbeat Dads and shrewish Mums seems to predominate.)

Congratulations old man!

Welcome to the world Gavin!