Sheila Sims Iding - Brooklyn's Nana
A little over a year ago I started learning some new life lessons. It was a brand new “class” for me. It was my first time being a grandmother so there was a lot to learn. This first year of being a nana I have learned so much…but it’s more than a one-year course so there is still lots to learn. And this past year I have learned many things from a pretty amazing teacher. Thank you, Brooklyn Adele, for teaching me these special lessons:
I learned that from the first ultrasound picture a grandchild can steal your heart. (And the 3-D ones aren’t really that creepy when it’s your grandchild.)
I learned that baby showers are exciting for nanas too. And I learned that kind friends and Care Corner parents shower you with gifts too. (I am so spoiled.)
I learned when you write a book for your son about being a daddy to his daughter…that your own dad was the real author.
I learned that when you make a quilt for your granddaughter, that the quilt your grandmother made for you takes on new meaning…and special-ness.
I learned that when you knit your granddaughter a blanket you wonder if she will want to learn to knit…just like Nanny taught me in her sewing room that one summer.
I learned that not taking a spring break trip is okay if you spend that time making “trips” to Babies-R-Us to set up a baby room at Nana and Papa’s.
I learned that putting together an IKEA crib is just as frustrating as the rest of IKEA furniture. (And it looks just as nice in the end.)
I learned that an old rocking chair next to that crib gets new life with a baby blanket and a teddy bear.
I learned that a daughter-in-law in labor, leaving your house in the early morning hours to get back to Grand Rapids, is absolutely beautiful. (Although I am pretty sure she didn’t feel beautiful.)
I learned that, for an almost new daddy, it is a long, scary, and exciting ride back to Grand Rapids to the hospital where his daughter will be born.
I learned that going to your classroom at 4:30 a.m. to write sub plans never felt so good and when you write the date 4-25-14 on the board you get weepy…because you just realized that date…and your world…will never be the same.
I learned that when the new mom is doing well that waiting for the baby is exciting and it’s fun to share a waiting room with the Finellis.
I learned that you can walk the hallways but you can’t peek in the door and you can stalk the hallway and watch doctors and nurses go in and out but you can’t ask any questions. You just wait.
I learned that when your son texts the first picture of your granddaughter (while you wait and wait) you can’t believe how beautiful she is. How absolutely beautiful.
I learned that this new skin-to-skin time for mom and baby takes way too long for a first time nana.
I learned that when you wait for hours and finally leave to go to the bathroom that is the exact time your son will come tell you to meet your granddaughter. (I have the worse timing.)
I learned that 6 pounds is really tiny….and messy…and beautiful.
I learned one of the most beautiful nana lessons as I watched the nurse clean her up. Joey never let go of his daughter’s hand the whole time the nurse worked on her and I knew then he would always be by her side.
I learned when your son holds his daughter for the first time the tears come too fast and when he walks away to have a quiet moment with her, you realize you there was a day you never dreamed this would be. And you realize you are seeing a miracle.
I learned that you let the maternal grandmother hold the baby first. It’s her 10th grandchild and your first. But her daughter just gave birth to this beautiful baby. That pulls rank over the paternal grandmother.
I learned when you hold your grandchild for the first time that the first words should be “I love you so.” Just so she begins to recognize those words…and the tears with them.
I learned that Pat would be the best papa the instant he held her. (Okay…I guess I knew that all along.)
I learned that this little baby stole her Grandpa Finelli’s heart. He told us he doesn’t hold newborn babies. She’s his 10th grandchild and he loves them all but he doesn’t hold newborns…until about 20 minutes later when he asked “Can I hold her now?” And for the first time G-Pop held a newborn grandbaby.
I learned that Adam would naturally gravitate to her as an uncle. And later I would learn that she would do the same to him. They have a special bond. One of my favorite nana lessons.
I learned that a Godfather can be close even in China. And I learned that Tim and Addie and Joey all had the biggest smiles when he said “yes”…and someday Brooklyn will smile at that too.
I learned that Minnesota to Brooklyn is a special journey because of the amazingly strong family ties.
I learned that Uncle Mikey in Arizona would fall in love and be a special uncle...forever.
I learned that preemie clothes are so much fun to buy…even if it’s an emergency run for something that fits her. And I learned buying Dreft brought back good memories.
I learned that being there the day they brought her home was special…and I learned not to stay too long. (That was a harder lesson to learn.)
I learned that when you leave you miss her more than you thought you would.
Every time you loved something this much you got to keep it. This time you just get to visit. You have to give it back.
I learned that holding a newborn grandbaby while they sleep in your arms is much more relaxing than when you held your own…for some reason.
I re-learned that baby sounds and baby smells and baby snuggles are special the best. The very best.
I learned that young parents go through a lot and young mothers…oh my…they sacrifice so much time, pain, sleep, worry…they are amazing. I fell in love with Addie all over again.
I learned that tummy time for babies is hard when your head is proportionally too big.
I learned that “Hush, Little Baby” can be a favorite lullaby until “our song” becomes familiar to her.
I learned you can see trust in a little baby’s eyes when her father puts her in the water for the first time.
I learned that when a dad takes his daughter to Michigan soccer alumni day, that the Wolverine pride he feels is different...and better...than the pride he felt on any soccer field.
I learned that tub-time can be routine, regimented and controlled when a young mama and dada make an amazing tubby-time team.
I learned that buying bows and dresses and lace can be fun. And that you will buy too many that first year. (And probably the next year too.)
I learned that the first time you babysit by yourself you are surprisingly nervous. And I learned to call it “playdate” instead of babysitting.
I learned that being alone with her in the hotel room while the others go to the wedding or the ballgame or out to have fun…is better than whatever they are doing. Alone time with her is the best.
I learned that a sick grandchild creates more worry than your own children.
And I learned that when she is fussy in the middle of the night and your son asks “Mom, will you sing to her?” That you say “sure” before he even finishes the question. And singing "our song" to her brings comfort to her...and to you. (And her daddy.)
I learned to take pictures, pictures and more pictures. Just to capture each moment you can.
I learned that the “Picture of the Day” was a perk for many days as we waited for the “bling” of the text. Joey and Addie spoiled us with the “picture of the day”. Brooklyn did too.
I learned not to show pictures of her to others…mostly because I have so many pictures of her on display. And also because I didn’t want to be the grandmother showing my phone to everyone. So I don’t do the phone thing…but that is a hard lesson to learn.
I learned that Sunday morning bagel breakfasts are special playdate times. And I learned to leave before noon.
I learned the beautiful site of watching discovery…from tags, to snow globes to music, to Ollie’s tail…discovery and wonder abound.
I learned that from that first ultrasound picture on that October night in 2013, she stole my heart and being a grandmother would be new to me and I would have lots to learn.
I learned that she would have my special prayers, my unconditional love, my constant thought (and worry) and…my heart forever. I love you so, “Bia”. Thanks for being such an amazing teacher. Here’s to year two of this special course. Here’s to Nana Lessons 202.