Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I close my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open

With Arms Wide Open by Creed

 

 

In just a few short weeks my Princess is turning 27 years old.  I vividly recall each and every moment from the time I found out I was pregnant until my precious baby girl was placed in my loving arms.  I didn’t think I could every experience any greater joy than giving birth to both of my children.

The day before Mother’s Day my daughter and son-in-law took my husband and I aside at a family gathering to share with us the most wonderful and exciting news – they are going to have a baby! Just like the song lyrics above – I closed my eyes and said a prayer of thanks and started to cry!  We had all been praying for over fourteen months and our prayers were answered!

In five days we will learn whether BK is a boy or a girl.  But I don’t care what my little “Bean” is – he or she has already stolen this Grandma-to-be’s heart!  I can’t wait for January to come so I can welcome Bean with open arms! 

At night I dream the most fabulous dreams – I am sitting on a blanket under an apple tree reading to my Grandchild or we are exploring the woods with Grandpa and Gunny and Keeva.  I can feel that little hand tightly squeezing mine. I often wake up at nights and my heart is so full of joy and happiness.

I love you little Bean – even before you are born.  I will try hard not to spoil you too much – oh heck, we all know that is a lie!  I apologize upfront for dressing you in little costumes and taking thousands and thousands of photos of you.  I am trying to quit saying bad words so I can be a good role model for you.  If I sneak and give you candy and pop when you are older, please don’t rat me out to your parents.

Oh Bean, the adventures we will go on: the zoo, Disney World, museums and air plane rides! We’ll go to the beach to visit Uncle Dan and see the wild ponies.

I want to dance in the rain with you and squish our toes in mud puddles. I want to snuggle on the couch and watch The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock and so many Disney movies. (Yes, I have all of the DVDs bought and ready to be plugged into the player.) We’ll build snowmen and catch snowflakes on our tongues.

 I will make you sandwiches with the bread cut into flower and animal shapes. I fear that I will be * that* Grandma – the crazy, wacky little old lady. And again, I apologize up front for my future actions.  I am who I am. I will probably (most definitely) say and do inappropriate things but my heart is in the right place – it’s just that my actions are sometimes off-kilter.  Forgive me and try to remember that I love you very much and I will be proud of all of your endeavors.  I want to beam with pride at all of your accomplishments – your first smile, your first tooth, and your first steps.  I want to be sitting in the front row at your school plays and music or dance recitals.  I will be chasing you down the field at sporting events with my zoom lens. 

 

I know that I am jumping the gun, Bean.  For now I am content to count down the days until your arrival into the world.  Your Mommy and Daddy are going to be fantastic parents.  You have so many people who love you already.  Oh my little Bean, we’ll all show you everything – with arms wide open.