My youngest granddaughter turns 1 today. Madelyne Sarah was born one year ago to my youngest daughter Carrie and her husband Craig. She was welcomed into her family by her big sister Emzee (her real name is Emily, but I've always called her Emzee).
When I was creating my own population explosion, it seemed to happen so very quickly and even though for years I thought my five would never grow up, they did. I missed having little ones around and even toyed with the idea of having just one more after Wayne and I married in 1988. Carrie being the baby objected loudly to the idea and after some soul searching, I knew it just wouldn't be practical.
I was lucky enough to be a stay at home mom (for the most part) up until Carrie was 7 years old. When I did work, it was for short periods - usually long enough to save up enough to pay for Christmas! I had so many different jobs it wasn't funny. Waitressing, busing tables, printer's devil, short order cook, selling encyclopedias door to door, sales clerk and cashier.
After my first husband and I went our separate ways, I no longer had the option of being 'just mom'. I needed an income, which meant that I had to work. Funny how they won't pay you to stay at home and work 16 hour days 7 days a week, with no sick days.
Once Wayne and I married, I knew that I still needed to work full-time. Supporting a family of 7 on one income is next to impossible, and seeing as how I had brought the 5 kids into our marriage, I felt that I was responsible for providing some of their support. So I knew that if I was to have another baby, I would have to return to work and cover the expenses associated with being a working mom. Daycare does not come cheap! I honestly don't know how young family's do it!
Anyway, after saying good-bye to the chance of any more babies, I was blessed with my first grandchild in 1993. Joshua was grandma's pet right from day one. I got to be Laurel's labour coach and let me tell you, it's a lot easier watching than pushing. Within a few years we were over run with grandkids and Grandpa (or Grumpa on a bad day) and I have had a ball. We now have an even dozen, which includes 4 steps and I love them all.
Laurel has provided us with 3 boys, Josh who will be 14 this year, Aidan who will be 7 and Colin the youngest will be one in April.
Krystal has a millionaires family with a daughter Areal who will be 8 and a son Aaron who turns 5 in June.
Aubrey has a step-daughter Jessica who will be 16 and a son Zachary who will be 10. Their birthdays are December 23rd and 24th.
Shawn who is getting married in June will have 3 step-children Kayla turning 15, Alicia turning 14 and Tyler who will be 11.
Carrie has her 2 girls Emily who will be 9 and Madelyne who turns 1 today.
I grew up with my children and enjoyed being able to play and be silly with them. Being a grandmother of 12 at 52, means I can grow up with my grandkids too.
Happy Birthday Madelainie and thanks for being my baby doll.
1 comment:
It is so very hard to believe that your Baby doll is 1 already. Having a large family is all I have ever know and I wouldn't change it for the world. Thanks Mom. xoxo Carrie
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