Having grandchildren changes your world completely.  And for the better of course, as there is joy that we never knew existed.  I know for me, my world has not been the same since this little person stole my heart from first glance.  There are absolutely no words to describe the experience of becoming a grandparent.  An abundance of happy tears shed down my face that day.  Those tears and emotions were so obviously unexpected.

From day one of hearing the happy news that Mom and Dad were expecting, I repeatedly said I would care for my grandbaby while they were working -- and did so knowing I still had my work from home responsibilities in tow.  In fact, I didn't even question it.  My son and daughter-in-law were thrilled, as they have a built-in babysitter in place.  However, while I'm so very glad I have the chance to spend time with my grandson and care for him, I honestly didn't realize the time I was committing to.  My head was high up in the clouds, and I was ecstatic to be spending time with this little boy...and still am.

As each day goes by, reflections of memories surface as I remember my little boy and the experiences I had with him as a baby and toddler.  I'm certainly learning from those experiences, and also know the many things I would have done differently if given the chance.  Looking back, I'm certain I was not fully mature enough for marriage, not to mention children.

We live and learn, don't we?  As that is the base of life, and all that learning makes us strong and makes us the people we are today.

It takes a lot of strength to look after a baby, not to mention patience and love.  Of course, the patience and love part has and never will be an issue.  I love my grandson unconditionally!  Although, I've had to rearrange and alter my priorities so I could make time for this new addition to our family.

When my head hits the pillow each night, I think of my days (with some of them full of exhaustion), and despite of it all, I am happy that God has given me such a beautiful gift as I drift off to sleep.

If you are becoming a grandparent for the first time, and especially if you are planning to look after them, please know you are getting ready for the happiest journey of your life.  Of course, every day comes with challenge and all sorts of new things.  However, you will have a special gift that you can love and cherish and also live to see grow up, see them through a broken heart, get engaged, and also hopefully have babies of their own.

Yes, I am exhausted at the end of my days.  And all the while, as I see his smiling face each morning, I forget all that exhaustion from the previous day, and I simply cannot control the big smile that envelops my face, nor my heart from melting.