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New Life

Brand new baby, happy grandmother!
‘Your blog’s going to be interesting this week,’ says my son-in-law after 48 of the most intense hours either of us has ever experienced. We’ve been joint birthing partners to my elder daughter and can smile at each other, because, of course, I’m not going to reveal details of a profoundly intimate occasion. I simply want to express my gratitude to my daughter and son-in-law for the immense privilege of allowing me to be present when their daughter came into the world.

With so much of what makes up human life being reflected back at us through the prism of our computer screens we can spend hours living vicariously ‘liking’ all the places seen through other eyes - those seashores, sunsets and foreign cities – without ever feeling the sand between our toes or the rain on our faces. But no YouTube rehearsal equips us for the visceral power of real, raw life. I feel enormously fortunate to have been there when my father took his last breath and now to have seen my brand new granddaughter take her first.

Already this new life is changing those around her. My daughter is now a mother, her husband a father and it’s lovely to see them so thrilled with their daughter. My younger daughter and her husband are relocating and will be living much nearer to their new niece which is really exciting and I’ve taken stock too, thought of all the things I’ve done in my life so far and allowed myself a moment’s pause to say, ‘do you know, this isn’t so bad?’ before rushing towards the next goal. I thought we were a close family before, but this new little person has drawn us even closer in our common desire to keep her safe and give her a future that’s bright and happy. Welcome to the world, baby girl.

Comments

Angela Britnell said…
Lovely picture of you both and she's a very lucky girl to have such a loving family.
Angela Britnell
Teresa said…
Show some mercy. Don't show me that absolutely gorgeous bundle of joy!
I'm dying. Of so envious. Of the experience - that beats fulfilling any 100 things/places/etc/etc bucket list hands down.
Ok. I won't pretend to be strong. I died of envy. Deep, profound. While my chest fills with that lovely pang of witnessing a friend's ultra happy moment.
That baby is too cute and gorgeous for words. You are - from this day on, relegating the mother of the bride title to an eternal second place ;) - the Grandmother of the Year.
Congratulations and since "the village" gathered from minute 1, may it go on in raising that beautiful child. (i'm rambling, I'm repeating but I won't edit this post - deal with it ahahah)
Blessings. Bestowed upon each and all of you.
Yours,
Teresa
Chris Stovell said…
I'd just been given her to hold at that point, Angela - so that's me falling in love with her. Thank you!

Oh, Teresa - I'm not going to make it worse for you, but what an experience! Thank you so much for sharing in our happiness and for your good wishes, Cx
Jane Lovering said…
Such a lovely picture - and you've got so much joy yet to come! I'm very happy for you (and the new parents, obviously).
Chris Stovell said…
Thank you so much, Jane - that's so good to hear.
Clare Chase said…
Huge congratulations again, Chris, and to all concerned. So lovely to read this happy post. :-)
Unknown said…
Congratulations was a lovely gift. Your expression reflects your love and that little girl is going to be well-loved. Such happy news.
Chris Stovell said…
Aw, thank you for sharing in the joy, Clare.

Thank you, Susan! I think the more people who love a baby, the better - so this little one is off to a good start.
Maggie Christie said…
Golly that photograph has made me feel all maternal! Huge congratulations to your family on the arrival of its newest member. Such happy news - and what a cutie she looks.
Kathryn Freeman said…
Such an eloquent post (as always) and so moving. You look much as you sound - overjoyed and utterly besotted. So many firsts to look forward to now. Enjoy each and every moment :-)
Chris Stovell said…
I fell utterly in love with her, Mags, but in a grandmotherly way! It was lovely to hold such a brand new baby without feeling the weight of responsibility that comes with being a new mum! She's absolutely adorable... not that I'm biased!!
Chris Stovell said…
Oh, Kate, I've been struggling to find the words! I couldn't initially - totally speechless, then I wrote everything down in a journal and it took 16 pages and now I've written a blog post and I still can't process the emotions! Thanks so much for your good wishes. x
Congratulations Chris! She's beautiful! You're post is so eloquent. It's amazing what a miracle like birth can do for one's morale and perspective on life. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us! xo
Sarah Tranter said…
Beautiful - on all counts xxx
Georgina Troy said…
Huge congratulations to you and your family Chris, such wonderful news. x
Chris Stovell said…
You're very kind, Chanpreet - it's the kind of news which I'm very happy to share. Thank you! Cx

Thank you, Sarah - the shape of things to come?? xx

We're over the moon, Georgina - thank you so much xx
Kath said…
What a great photo and how amazing for you to have been there when your granddaughter entered the world. You two are going to make such happy wonderful moments and memories together. Congratulations to you and to the new parents and welcome to the new addition. xx
Chris Stovell said…
It truly was, Kath - the midwifery team at Heath were wonderful too, so kind. Now I'm really looking forwards to making those memories! Thanks for your congratulations. Cxx
How totally wonderful. Congratulations to your daughter and son in law. How marvellous of them to share the birth with you. We have two more new grandchildren due this summer. Life is very wonderful. Welcome to the world baby girl.
Frances said…
Best wishes to all your family, Chris, on the arrival of this little beauty. The photograph is so filled with love...I think is a true spoiling alert. xo
Chris Stovell said…
Elizabeth it was a truly wonderful moment and I'm still trying to absorb the experience. It was indeed a great honour to be there with them and congratulations on your wonderful news too! xx

Ah, Frances - thank you and yes, I was brimming over with emotion then! xx
Flowerpot said…
Oh that is wonderful Chris - lovely picture and what an amazing experience to be there to welcome her! X
Guernsey Girl said…
Wonderful! Becoming a grandmother was one of the most exciting experiences of my life - that rush of love that seems to intensify with each day. I wish you so much joy...
Chris Stovell said…
Thank you, Sue - it's so lovely getting to know this new person.

Guernsey Girl - It certainly is, isn't it? Just wonderful and you are quite right about the love growing every day. Thank you so much for your good wishes.
Chris Stovell said…
Thank you, Sue - it's so lovely getting to know this new person.

Guernsey Girl - It certainly is, isn't it? Just wonderful and you are quite right about the love growing every day. Thank you so much for your good wishes.
Unknown said…
Congratulations, lovely news x
Chris Stovell said…
Thank you so much, Gemma x

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