Isabelle, dressed in the “My Grandma LOVES me!” onesie I gave her at birth, swings a favorite toy.
I’VE BEEN A GRANDMA for four months now. And I have loved every single minute. It’s as if I can’t get enough of sweet baby Isabelle.
By my own admittance, I’ve never been a baby person, deferring holding a newborn until several months after birth. I’m talking other newborns, not my own three babies. And certainly not my darling granddaughter.
Every time I see Izzy, I do a photo shoot. Here’s my favorite, shot in the golden hour of evening light on a screened porch.
This past weekend my husband and I had time alone with our sweet baby girl while her parents went on a date. They live an hour away, so we stayed overnight.
Grandpa pushes his little girl during an evening walk.
Sunday morning I swooped Izzy up before her mommy or daddy realized she was awake. I carried her to the living room and settled onto the sofa, cradling her in my arms. To my left, Grandpa greeted his granddaughter and coaxed her in to smiling. I love watching my husband interact with Isabelle with such tenderness and love. He is smitten. The day prior, on a stroller walk through the neighborhood to a road construction site, Randy humored us. “Look, Izzy,” he said, “a big sandbox.” I laughed. And although Isabelle couldn’t comprehend, I hope she develops a sense of humor like her grandpa.
Isabelle rolled onto her side once during our stay.
As the three of us bonded on Sunday morning, I considered the blessing of this baby girl who has brought us such joy. Every little developmental accomplishment calls for celebration. Smiling. Cooing. Rolling over. Standing (with support) on two strong chubby legs. Batting at toys. As the parents of three, Randy and I have witnessed all of this in our own children. But there’s something endearing and remarkable when it’s your grandchild.
And then there’s the joy in seeing your own child as a parent. When Amber walked into the living room Sunday morning to greet her daughter, she sang a short made-up song about sunshine and birds and morning. Isabelle smiled at her mommy. And we all smiled back.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
She is so adorable and you are all so blessed to have her in your lives. Thank you for sharing her with us. ❤
Blessed. Yes!
Ahhhh – Beautiful post – she is getting bigger and more mobile – thanks so much for sharing Izzy 🙂 Happy Day Indeed – Enjoy!
Babies change so quickly. I see her every few weeks and always notice changes in her size and development.
You have captured some sweet moments with a grandchild. You are so blessed and to be in such close proximity so as not to miss any new baby developments.
Thank you, Sue. Believe me, I am thankful to have this baby girl and her parents only an hour distant.
Precious and Perfect!
Thank you, Jenny.
Everyone’s own grandchild is the best…prettiest…smartest…etc. baby in the world! Bless you with yours!
Emily McNeill
Emily, you are so right. And thank you.
Awe:) How sweet it is. Made up songs made just for the kids smiles are the best. And your daughter is lucky to have you close by to help babysit! Congrats on your first granddaughter.
Thank you. I am the lucky one to live near my granddaughter. With my two other grown “children” living out of state, I am thankful to have my eldest residing still in Minnesota.
Oh my what a great weekend! Relish these moments……………………………….
I am.
I’m loving that you and Randy are grandparents! Izzy (and her parents) are lucky to have you so close. I also love grabbing the grands before Mommy & Daddy even know they are up! Those special morning times are the best!. She is adorable Audrey….thank you for sharing her!
How well you know the joys of grandparenting. It’s the best. I think there will be more of those scooping her out of bed before the parents are up mornings.
What a cutie.
She certainly is a cutie.
She’s adorable!!!
Thank you and I agree.
She loves the camera and it loves her for sure!
Oh, she is already getting used to Grandma’s camera.
I bet!
Blessings and Joy! words to describe being a grandparent! My husband and I are blessed with three! Thanks for sharing your blessing!
So you have thrice the blessings and joy.
What a sweetie… glad she has some wonderful grandparents to show her around this big old world!
We love this baby girl so much…
I know you do… And she feels the love!
Ha, we just had our three granddaughters here for the weekend. They live 2 hours from us now, so when we have them, we spend some time with them before sending them back to the their parents. At 9, 7, and 5, they are so wonderful. We have conversations, do things around the house, and even shop for back to school clothes. As I sat in the dressing room while three little girls pulled clothes on and off, commenting on the fit and style of each item while grandma scooped up the rejects to return to the rack, I was smiling. I felt so lucky. I hope they remember me with good memories. It is a gift we can pass on to that generation. What more special relationship could there be?
Enjoy!!
Thanks for sharing the joy you experience with your granddaughters. They are blessed by you. I intend to enjoy every minute with Isabelle.
Does she have wings?
…because she’s an angel.
You must be proud, Grandma! x
I will check the next time I see her. But my guess would be, yes, she has wings. She is a darling angel.