Grandpa-pa

 

Not long after I announced my pregnancy, my dad told us that he would love to time his next trip to visit us around the baby's birth.  We were ecstatic about this plan! 

He'd been at our home with our older kids when his 4th grandchild, Camille, was born 5 years earlier and had enjoyed himself so much.  There is nothing like welcoming a new baby to the family.  It was also a huge help to us having him around.  We all looked forward to another round of sharing in the excitement with Grandpa-pa.

Hoping to be here in plenty of time for the birth, my dad booked his flight for October 25th, almost a week before my Halloween due date.  At the time, we didn't know that I would be induced early, but instead were going by the time frame of the deliveries where I have gone into labor on my own with babies # 2 and 3 (both came a few days early).

When my doctor asked Pierre and I if October 25th would be all right for our new daughter's birthday, our eyes met as we made a mental note that Grandpa would be arriving that very night.  We could not have orchestrated it any better if we'd tried...we felt God's perfect timing shining through.

Baby girl was born at 3:51pm and Grandpa's plane touched down 8 hours later, just before midnight.  He was no worse for the wear and in good spirits, I am told, despite a long day flying and having his luggage delayed in a communication mishap going through Customs.

No time for jet lag for this Grandpa, he was up bright and early with his little buddies, Camille and Danika.  He spoke to me on the phone while having breakfast with Pierre and they planned to come see Michaëlle and I later that morning.

It is one of my favorite things in life to watch my parents meet one of their grandchildren for the first time.  There are no words to describe the joy that comes over them.  It is a very precious moment to be treasured.

My dad is a total kid person.  He always has been a hands-on dad and thesedays, a Grandpa.  Being with his grandkids has to rank high amongst his most prized ways to spend his time.  He's so proud of his title of Grandpa to 6 blessings and we are very thankful to have him in our lives.