Monday, 21 May 2012

Becoming a Grandmother


Well, I've had an exciting weekend. On Friday 18th May, I became a first-time grandmother! And yesterday my husband and I were delighted to meet our beautiful little granddaughter, Iona May Gemmell. Her aunty Vikki was equally besotted. I'll try to keep the granny talk to this post!

My poor small-framed daughter-in-law had to have a section in the end as the baby was lying breech and it was evident he or she was going to be big. And she was! I initially misheard my son when he phoned, and started telling everyone Iona May was 8lbs 4oz - big enough for petite Elaine. But she was actually delivered at 8lbs 14oz and was just under a week early! Baby, mother and father are all doing well and they were hoping to get home last night.

I must admit I cried tears of joy on Friday when my son described holding his wee daughter for the first time - especially when he said she was sleeping when delivered, then opened her eyes while he held her. I suppose nothing prepares us for the emotion of a new little baby into the family, considering it's over 30 years since I had one of my own! Just as well we don't live near enough to pop in every day, and I must admit I can't wait until the next stage when Iona will start to focus on our faces and smile (hopefully!) She's already a strong little lady, pushing her head back and trying to grip with tiny, long fingers. Okay, I'd better stop there!

On a different (writing) note, I believe I'll be in the Spotlight later today on Cathy Coburn and Duaine Neill's blog, if anyone wants to visit. Just as well I'd already answered the questions or I'd be focusing on being a grandma, or whatever I decide to be called.

Hope everyone else had a good weekend!
Rosemary

31 comments:

Sara Bain said...

Oh, Rosemary, she's beautiful.

Frances Garrood said...

How wonderful for you all! And you rave as much as you like. Grandchildren are worth blogging about. After all, if you dont, who will? Parents are too tired!

Bill Kirton said...

I usually think new-borns all look the same, but Iona is already showing her character. Lovely shots, Rosemary, and the one of Dad holding her reminds me of what it was like when I held my own first baby over 40 years ago. It's a feeling that's hard to match. Many congratulations to all.

Paula Martin said...

Lovely photos, Rosemary. It seems a long time now since my grandsons were botn (they're now 23 and 17!), but it's been wonderful watching them grow up. You get all the enjoyment without the responsibility! So enjoy every moment with Iona!

Teresa Ashby said...

She's just lovely, Rosemary and you talk/blog all you like about her :-)Gorgeous photos.
Love and warmest congratulations to you all xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Sara - it's always difficult trying to get a good photo in the hospital!

You're absolutely right, Frances!

Many thanks, Bill - a new born brings back such lovely memories for us all!

I can imagine the pleasure, Paula, and I'm looking forward to it!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks a lot, Teresa - it's all quite exciting!

Joanna said...

Rosemary, she's absolutely beautiful, a truly perfect baby. I'm so glad everything went well and so happy for you all. And she has a gorgeous name as well.
Many congratulations to you all. xx

Anonymous said...

Really beautiful baby - and glowing Granma! Congrats also to the proud parents, Grandad and Aunt Victoria. Enjoy this lovely time with your family.TangoQueen

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you, Joanna. There is nothing like that first little grandchild!

Many thanks, TangoQueen! I just wanted to keep looking at her.

Elizabeth McKay said...

Blog away, Rosemary. She's beautiful.

Debbie said...

She's so georgeous. Many, many congratulations!

Jean Bull said...

What lovely pictures and what a happy family! Every new baby is a little miracle!

Talli Roland said...

Aw, fantastic! Many congrats - lovely photos.

Jude Johnson said...

Love the photos, Rosemary! What a wonderful treasure to welcome a new life into your family. So glad everyone is well.

~Jude

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks Betty! I'm looking forward to seeing her again!

Thanks a lot Debbie!

Aren't they just, Jean - thank you!

Thank you Talli!

Thanks for that, Jude - I'm realising again how precious is a new baby.

Carolb said...

Congratulations to all of you, Rosemary, but especially the new family.
She looks a lovely baby and I bet you can't wait to have some exclusive grandma time with her.:-)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you Carol - I'm hoping that will come!

Vikki said...

You'll be a great grandma!...and Dad will be a great grumps:) Can't wait to see her again!:)xx

Unknown said...

She's beautiful, Romy! Congratulations.

Nicky Wells said...

She's so gorgeous! Congrats to you and all the family. :-) Enjoy this special time...

K.C. Woolf said...

Congratulations on your beautiful granddaughter!

Your post and pictures put a smile on my face. You look absolutely radiant!

Julie Eberhart Painter said...

She's a darling. And I think she's going to be tall.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Me too, Vikki!

Thank you, Ute!

Thanks, Nicky - the first is always special!

Many thanks, K.C. - it was kind of you to come over.

Thanks, Julie - she's certainly a good length for a new born!

Angela Barton said...

Hi Rosemary. I'm sooo envious. My children are all in their 20's but no sign of grandchildren yet. I'm thinking of offering a reward for the first one!! Only kidding.
Talk as much as you like about your beautiful grand daughter because I love everything to do with babies. I even work with them on the neo-natal unit. They're tiny poorly ones though.
Congratulations from a very green-eyed writing pal!!

Ange xx

Gilli Allan said...

She's fabulous, Rosemary. Doesn't look like such a big bruiser, but thank goodness for modern medicine! I'm sure she will bring so much joy into everyone in the family's life.

Diane Fordham said...

Awwwww she is so beautiful! Congrats x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Ange - thanks for your lovely comment. What an important job you do! I do hope you soon have a little grandchild of your own.

Thanks Gilli - I can't believe she was so heavy!

Thank you, Diane!

Joan Fleming said...

She's beautiful, Rosemary. Lovely to see you all looking so happy - it's such an emotional time.

Lisa @ Grandma's Briefs said...

Congratulations! She is a doll. Enjoy your new role, Grandma!

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

She's utterly gorgeous, Rosemary. Huge congratulations.

XX