A different Christmas this year

What a wonderful Christmas present for you all, a new baby! I had a 22 month gap between #1 daughter and #2 and made sure there was a nice present from the baby for the toddler. I had the baby at home but grandma came and took big sister away for the day after she'd seen the baby, a treat visit for a big girl.

Is grandson used to staying with you? Maybe do a practise run or two before then? Make it a treat? And what others have said about opening presents with you if you can't be back home for that.

Hi Blue. How wonderful. Great your grandson knows you well. Could you take him to see Father Christmas. Christmas lights. Soft play.

C sections are not stay in for five days anymore as they were when I had mine. Both my daughters were home next day with theirs (inherited physical problem).

Who's to tell you when you do your Christmas? There are no hard and fast rules, just do it when you can. If I end up in hospital over Christmas then so be it, we will have our Christmas when I come home or before I go in. The main thing is that I will be getting the treatment I need and the same for you. You will be getting a safe delivery of your second grandchild. Your grandson will be getting a sibling, for life. It's only for a couple of days.

Maybe don't even celebrate on the day itself but leave it until you can all be together. Get him to make a "Welcome at Christmas" card for his sibling. Or a Christmas stocking with little teddies or whatever in it. And a present for mummy too. All the best, X

My DH had major brain bleed in May and is now in a nursing home. Unable to move or communicate it will be our first time apart in 44 years, I am heartbroken. BUT my DS, DDIL and two beautiful GC coming to UK from overseas to stay with me I cannot wait, bring on the 22nd. To any other gransnetter in similar position I send love and a big hug and hope that you do not have a sad and lonely Christmas xx

Oh cherry that is sad for you. Lovely that the family are coming though. Save up the lovely moments you will have and look back on them in the New Year.

Blue treat him to a couple of pressies but have Christmas when everyone home hope all goes well
Cherry I'm glad you are not alone this Christmas hope you make some lovely memories with your son and family which you can tell dh about when you visit ?

Cherryblossom how sad for you, so lovely that your family are coming to you though. Brain haemorrhage is so awful! Takes the person away in many ways.

Last year DD was admitted to hospital on 21st December to be induced with her 3rd child as she was overdue and baby's movements were decreasing. DH & I moved into her house to look after the 5 and 3 year old. We had a lovely few days preparing for Christmas, baking and doing crafty things.
Baby really didn't want to shift and only when a C section was looming did labour move up a gear. She was born on Christmas Eve and DD was desperate to be home in time to put the older children to bed which she did.
Christmas Day was lovely and included a visit from the midwife.

I'm sure your little grandson will have a super time with you, I'd just keep it very low key.

Gransnetters - how wonderful are you all!

I have been so touched by the fact that so many peeps ( over 30) have taken the trouble to reply with lovely thoughts and ideas for our different Christmas this year!

It's really helped me and know I am going to enjoy creating our special scrapbook with photos and reminders of the Christmas that his new baby brother arrived! As well as the comforting thoughts about C sections and safe arrivals whether it's Christmas or not!

Thank you all so much!