A Gift

All I ever wanted was the white picket fence and kids.  My brothers started early and I was surrounded by babies from the time I was 13.  Babies were amazing.  I wanted one or two or three and soon.  Jim wasn't quite as eager as I was, let's at least wait until we are married.  Fine let's get married.  And we did and Jim finished school.  And much to my surprise getting pregnant wasn't as easy as I thought.  It took almost 6 years after we were married for Andrew to appear (Jim was exhausted).  From that moment my life changed forever.  My focus became my children and my family.  David and Rachel quickly followed and my life was complete.  My heart was literally bursting with love.  My children were a miracle, my gifts, nothing can replace them.

Time moved on and my children grew up.  Memories were made, some of these memories started to dim as the kids met their partners and new memories filled our memory banks:  Family gatherings at the cottage, travelling, weddings, tequilia (we won't expand on that).  What is next?

Well as any married couple can attest, it doesn't take long for everyone's eyes to start drifting to their bellies.  Everytime Rachel walked around with a wine glass, people were wondering if it was wine or grape juice.  Lots of teasing around the dinner table.  And then March 2017 I am talking to Rachel on the phone and she said she wasn't feeling very good, could they come for dinner.  Of course they could.

Within 2 minutes of them coming in the door, we were all in tears, Jay and Rachel had brought us an amazing bottle of wine :), which we still haven't opened.

What a year, a wedding to plan for David and Stephanie followed by our first grandchild.  My emotions were on my sleeve and running down my cheeks.  Wedding showers, Baby showers, weddings, babies, by the time October came around I couldn't contain my excitement or nervousness.  The wedding went off without a hitch.  Now to focus on baby time.






OH MY GOODNESS MY BABY WAS GOING TO HAVE A BABY.  What if it hurt?  She's my BABY.  My motherly instinct kicked in big time.  And then had to be controlled.  What the heck!!!! Jay wanted to be involved.  Rachel didn't want me she wanted Jay.   And a better partner she couldn't have asked for.  Anything Rachel wanted Jay gave her.  Thank you Jay for taking such good care of her during this amazingly exciting time and sharing with me your excitement for your darling baby boy (picture Rocky at the top of the stairs - that was Jay in the waiting room when he came to tell me "I HAVE A **** BABY BOY" and then burst into tears).  A memory I will never forget.  Rachel came through with flying colours and I could now go down and see them both.  Little Ethan James George Fyfe weighing in at 7 lbs 15 ounzes and born at 5:05 November 23, 2017.

Here I am at 62 years of age and holding little Ethan a Gift so precious.  I was terrified to hold him, he was so little, so fragile, a miracle.

Over the last few months, there is nothing more important than Ethan.  If Rachel needs me, I am there.  I don't want to work anymore.  Nannie can you hold him.  Like yeah!!!!!!!!  I feel like I have gone back in time.  He is now 3 months old and developing his own little personality and making lots of noises as his arms and legs wiggle all over.

As much as I love holding him watching Rachel and Jay share their love with this little boy and watching their relationship grow makes my life complete.



Christmas came and went with new memories and lots of new outfits for Ethan (back of the line everyone else).  This last week we celebrated Rachel's birthday.  Always special but her first birthday as a mother.  WOW, she is all grown up.

I finally broke my camera out to do some family pictures.  All of a sudden the boys like getting their picture taken if Ethan is in it.  LOL

You don't realize when you have a grandchild that not only do you have all of these amazing new memories but he brings back all the memories of your own children.  The songs you sang, their sleeping habits, your adventures together.  Holding him in my arms and looking down on his little face allowed me to experience the love I had holding Andrew, David and Rachel at this age.  And yes my heart was bursting then.  It also brings back memories of your parents - Ethan's great grandparents, who were such a big part of your life.  All those little stories pop back up and sitting rocking him I find Rachel and I talking about their memories.  Ethan is a gift, a treasure, I feel like I have opened up a favourite book as I add new chapters to it.  And yes mom and dad "Wee Chookie Birdie" lives on for another generation.

ps:  Another memory surfaced yesterday when Rachel sent me this picture of Ethan.  We were driving to Nana and Granpa's along King City Sideroad when Rachel was around 4 months old and she was screaming her head off sitting in the front seat (different rules back then), the boys were in the back.  I finally had to pull over, the boys have their hands over their ears, her hands are flailing around like a wasp was around her.  I grabbed her wee hand and popped her thumb in her mouth.  Peace, Quiet.  Wonderful.  After that everytime she cried the boys jumped up and put her thumb in her mouth, we didn't get it out until she was 7.  Here'ssssssssss Ethan yesterday.