With her grandpa
Fifteen years ago today, I became a grandmother. I could have phrased this differently: My beautiful, talented granddaughter is fifteen years old today. But this is my blog, so it’s all about me. As I was saying, I became a grandmother fifteen years ago today. I was much too young, of course, because grandmothers are supposed to be be old ladies. Wasn’t that how I thought of my grandmothers, pretty and perky though they were?
This grandbaby of mine was a tiny thing, less than five pounds when she was born. She arrived eight weeks early but was healthy, nonetheless, though she had to stay in the hospital for a few weeks before we could bring her home. I wouldn’t say her grandpa and I were gah-gah over her or anything, but she was the cutest, smartest little baby we (or anybody else in the world, for that matter) had ever seen. I am not saying this because I am her grandmother. I am merely stating a fact.
With her mom, our daughter
My memory might be a little foggy, though I think I’m quite accurate in this, but I distinctly remember she was walking by the time she was six months old and reading a couple of months after that, though it took her until she was nearly a year old before she could write more than a paragraph or two. By the time she was two, her vocabulary was so astounding, I had to carry a dictionary around with me so I could interpret what she was saying. Ubiquitous was her favorite word at that time, though it was out of fashion by the time she was three, replaced by efficacious.
With her aunt, our daughter-in-law
And now she is fifteen. She will be driving in a year. Off to college in a little more than three. How does that happen? My heart is so full when I think about her (as well as her little sister, but that’s another story). She and I share this joke: I sometimes text her with the words, “Stop it!” The first time I did that, she texted back, “Stop what?” My reply was, “Stop whatever you are doing. You are a teenager, so you must be up to no good.” Now it’s just my way of letting her know I am thinking about her. If only she knew how much of my day is taken up thinking about her. The real joke, unbeknownst to her, is that when I text her to “Stop it,” I really mean for her to stop growing up. Stop turning into an adult. Stop getting ready to leave home.
I have no fear that she will stop feeling close to me or stop thinking I’m fun. I felt close to my grandmothers as long as I had them. There is a special bond between grandchildren and grandparents that time cannot erase. Besides, I’m a cool grandmother. I let my granddaughters do pretty much what they please, within reason (I put that in for my daughter’s benefit), a prerogative of grandparenthood.
With her cool grandma, me, of course
So, fifteen years have passed since that spectacular, incredible baby was born, and I wouldn’t say that we are still gah-gah over her, but did you know that she has the singing voice of an angel, can speak several languages (does teen-speak and texting count?), and is smart enough to know that her Mimi and Papa are the luckiest grandparents on Earth?
Coming East 
What a beautiful way to celebrate such an important day in her and the whole family’s life! This is a post she will treasure forever. Wow, good looks sure run in the family ~ you and grandpa have great genes! Enjoy your time with her, enjoy your special relationship!
What a sweet post, honoring your granddaughter. (But I have to tell you that my friend’s son was SERIOUSLY walking the week he turned seven months old. Wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it!) I think it’s wonderful that you and your granddaughter are so close!
Yikes, walking at seven months! He kept them on their toes, I’m sure, Dianna. Today I am going on a clothes shopping trip with my granddaughter. What fun!
Glad you have such a good relationship with your granddaughter. i often ponder what it is about having grandchildren that makes us go all ga-ga. I am still mystified but my latest theory is that having wonderful grandchildren makes us feel like we did something right in raising our own children, and that our genes and successes will live on in them.
Oh, how I loved your thinking, H.G. It’s as if the years slip away, and you see your grandchild with fresh eyes, as if they were your child without all the growing up issues you had to deal with. You can just enjoy them, which wasn’t the case when you were raising their mother or father.
Exactly!
The good-looking genes run strong in your family Susan!
Thanks, Stacia!
A pretty girl, with her pretty grandma. 🙂
Thanks, Val.
She’s beautiful! Must get that from her granmother… Happy 15th anniversary of being a grammie… I just passed my 8 month of being a grammie… if it is as great as the past 8 months have been (and as fast), I will be celebrating 15 years tomorrow. Great post. Hope I can be the cool grammie…
Oh, it goes just that fast, DAF. Wish the didn’t live so far away.
LOVE this post! (and I love that my daughter has such a wonderful relationship with you – because you are not only a really cool grandma, but an amazing person). Can’t wait to see you next!!
If I’m amazing, I get it from my kids and grandkids. They’ve made me what I am today…I mean besides old.
She is beautiful and smart, speaks several languages, the singing voice of an angel… Wow! So wonderful that you and your granddaughter have a special bond.
Love all the photos, especially the first one. Thank you so much for sharing the photos and stories, Susan!
I love to share anything that has to do with those sweet girls, Amy. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Happy birthday to your granddaughter! Love your sweet post. It IS all about the grandmothers, isn’t it? The sun was out for a bit, and I wondered if I should have been prepared to make plans with you to get out and about. And you’re going to be gone next week! I know you’ll be having the time of your life. 🙂 Our grandbaby’s due date has been moved from 4/30 to 4/9! Hopefully we can find a day to get together soon.
How exciting! Are you going up there to help out, Patti?
Beauty runs in the family – inside and out. Congrats to you and your family.
Thanks, LD. I get all my good looks from my granddaughter.
Congrats! My oldest is only 3 and it seems so special each day.
Three is a great age, Grandma. I love them at every stage.
What a lovely way to celebrate her birthday.
I get to spend a whole week with her next week, Shary. Ask me if I’m pumped!
What a great story. I love your philosophy of grand-parenting. It is so refreshing to see families that actually like each other and have fun relationships! I love the “Stop it” text! What a great sense of humor you both have. You to write it, and her to enjoy it! You are a cool grandma! Enjoy! 🙂
Thanks, History Gal! We really do enjoy being together as a family. In fact, this summer we’re all meeting up in D.C., a place I know is near and dear to your little history-loving heart.
Yes it is. I love Washington DC. Can I go in your suitcase? Ha ha ha ha
You could go as our guide, THG.
Yes!!! 🙂
This is a sweet, hilarious and love-filled post. One of your best!
P.S. Mensa called. They want to talk to her.
I’ll let her know, Al, but usually she doesn’t waste her time with ignorant people like that group.
🙂
As someone who never had the pleasure of having grandparents, this certainly warms the heart. I am so glad that my children have my mother in their lives. Happy Birthday to your beautiful granddaughter!
Thanks, LWTTD. I was blessed with two wonderful grandmothers and was lucky enough to have them at my wedding. Both of them were also able to experience being great grandmas, though not for very long.
She is adorable! And I love the relationship you have together! I have to say you are definitely the coolest grandma I know, and I think you’re both awfully lucky. You are my role model!
Haha, Julia. Thanks for that sweet comment. I love being a grandma. So different from being a mom.