A Shout Out to Gammy

Ben's Gammy has been there for Ben (and his Mom and Dad) since before he was born. So we wanted to take a moment to send a shout out to Gammy!!!!

Gammy was kind enough to come to Chicagoland to wait it out with us while we counted the days until Ben arrived. Wisely, she chose to fly in the day after my due date, knowing that in this family kids are stubborn even in utero.

We waited, and waited, and waited...

Here she is "hiding" behind my ample pregnant stomach. (Hey, there is not much else to do in February in Chicago when 9 1/2 months pregnant...)

Finally, after 2 weeks of waiting, I went into labor. Mom stayed by my side the entire time, cheering me on and giving moral support (and physical support as she held my head and neck during contractions).



She even danced a little for us to keep the mood light when we thought labor would never end!


And when Ben did decide to greet the world, Gammy was among the first to hold him and love him.

When it was time to bring Ben home from the hospital, she stayed with us until we got the hang of it. We were clueless first time parents, and I truly do not know what we would have done without her help and advice. I know for sure we would have starved and ripped our hair out.

She grocery shopped, she cooked, she helped with midnight feedings, she cuddled and loved Ben (when Dee gave her a chance); and most helpful of all, she talked me down when I freaked out about all sorts of things that a first time mom worries about because she just doesn't know any better.

Sadly, she eventually had to head home. (Thanks Bill for lending us to her for a month!) Fast forward 5 months, and Gammy was back to see her baby Ben. This time she did more than cuddle and love him. This time Ben was ready to party!

The two of them enjoyed many wrestling matches. It was a close call, but I think Ben took her a few times!



They had tummy time together. One of them fell asleep during tummy time. I'll give you one guess who. (Hint: It wasn't the 5 month old.)


Gammy and Gampy helped with feedings. Ben's not much of a cuddler, so they had to take their snuggles where they could get them.


Gammy introduced Ben to new and exciting games, which of course he loved.

Ben is now quite smitten with his Gammy. It might have something to do with all the love and attention he got from her. When I picked him up from his first day back to daycare, his teacher asked me if Grandma had been visiting. When I said yes, she told me she knew it because Ben just wanted to be held all day, so she just knew Grandma must have been spoiling him!


You are welcome to come spoil him any time. We miss you and love you both!