Birth Experience is Bringing our Family Closer Together
Nine months and counting... As the process begins, I realized that this birth experience is bringing our family closer together! My daughter and son-in-law make sure that we are always included in major discussions about her pregnancy. We are truly thankful that our grandsons will soon be born! My Mom or as she is fondly called Nana, shows concerned as we discuss the future birth process. Our prayer is that her delivery is quick and that she and our twin grandson's are healthy! |
Preparing for your Grandbaby
Please remember these points as your family prepares for the new grandbaby:
Nine months and counting for the special couple just before the birth of their child. Life will never be the same again! |
Grandparents that live away can connect with Skype, Face Time, Face Book or through email. |
There are several ways to contact your family in real time during these special times. Skype and Face Time are both available to create this special connection.
How to Use Skype
How to Use FaceTime can be an easy connection too. If you have iPad or iPhone, you will find both of these an easy connection.
At nine months and counting, my daughter and I found that we were laughing more, often sharing special lunches at a local Mexican restaurant after OB/GYN visits, and continually shopping those baby box super stores together.
Little Red Book My daughter had a "Little Red Book" purchased at Target, that she faithfully wrote all the weights and measurements for each visit. She also kept the sonogram photos in this book until she got home. Amazing! |
As the process begins, I would suggest that (if you are an active participant in the birth of your grandchild) you keep your own diary of activities. This will also assist you when the "acronym of medical terms" attacks. My daughter and son-in-law are both in the medical field and often these 3 or 4-letter words are mentioned throughout various conversations.....from IVF, RSV, MRSA, IUD, DTaP and hundreds of other words. I was constantly asking the meaning of these terms.
You will also need to use the calendar on your phone to keep up-to-date with all the activities you volunteer to do!
Suggestions to include in the Expectant Grandparent's "Little Red Book" include:
I know that as you begin the process of becoming a grandparent, you have no idea what expenses you as the grandparent may incur.
Remember to think of these things during the nine months and counting:
I would recommend discussing with the soon-to-be-parents how you can help them best. If you are financially able, can you help purchase something for your grandchild's room? Or would it be better to open a savings account for college?
I guess you might say, we have done a little of both. We did open an account that is designated for a college fund. Parents can open a 529 college savings plan too. It is a type of investment account that allows you to set aside money for your child's education and let it grow tax-free. The federal government won't tax your money when you take it out of the account, as long as it's used for higher education.
Oh, Did we mention....TWINS!
Yes, we are going to be the proud grandparents of twin boys!
Expected Date of Arrival: Halloween 2011!
So if you decide to create your own Grandparent's Little Red Book during this time frame, here are some entries you might be interested in including:
Find more grandparenting ideas online at our Home Page Grandparenting Essentials
What are your thoughts about finally becoming a Grandparent? Joys, memories, and sharing your life with such a wonderful new baby is such a powerful experience!
Please share these thoughts with us!
From Nine Months and Counting to Couples Baby Shower
New! Comments
Leave me a comment in the box below.