How did you feel?

Everyone's stories are so warming. I don't think I would have truly understood until I met 'Tiny' (Liam) last week.

To people whose experiences aren't the same through distance, etc, my heart goes out to you.

One thing which shines bright as a beacon is the deep love we all have for our dear GC.

Thanks to everyone who sent congratulations. Congratulations to you too, be it your first or 10th GC.

My first grandchild arrived when I still had children at school. It was a long delivery ending in a cs. I was at the hospital. He was absolutely gorgeous. I subsequently have 5 more grandchildren. I do wish I had more time to enjoy them. I work. I get tired more easily as I am getting older.

'So' simple!

You become young at heart again - all the lovely childhood events that you might not have had time to appreciate when your own were small can be enjoyed again. The best invitation I ever had was when my dear first GS, aged about four and bored to tears in a shop with Mummy, took my hand and said 'Come on Nanny - let's go outside and be silly'. What an offer. We ran round the lamp posts and I swung him around - we were laughing so much and I have rarely felt such joy in something sop simple. He is almost eighteen now and I love him with all my heart, as I do the two that followed. Lucky me.

Totally overwhelmed with love for all three of them and it just gets better. As somebody once said, 'if I knew having grandchildren was so much fun, I would have had them first'.

The first time I saw my grandson (now sixteen months old), he was on a ventilator in Addenbrookes hospital. He was born with oxygen deprivation.
He has now grown into a lovable and loving little boy, although the condition he had has affected his hearing and he has a mild hearing disorder and has to wear hearing aids.
But yes, totally love him.

The best thing ever. Was there when DD2 gave birth (on my sofa lol) and met DD1 second son at a few hours old. Sadly never met her first born as he was very early and only lived for 2 hours but will always be in our hearts. Now both DD live 300 miles away.
I really miss them all. Even had a little cry just now as DD put on fb that they were on their way to the boys carol concert. Really miss those sort of occassions.

Tears in my eyes as I read these responses. Nothing like the love of a grandparent. And a prayer and thought to those heartbroken alienated grandparents all over the world who are denied this joy. Xoxo

First of all congratulations. It's wonderful isn't it. I know just how you feel.

It isn't just a Grandma thing. I'm a Grandad and I held my grandson when he was just 2 hours old - and my life changed in that moment.

He is 8 now and he is quite simply the centre of my universe. He is the fixed point around which my world revolves. The trouble is - he knows it!

I am so lucky to have three happy, healthy and adorable grandchildren. I love them all so much, it is wonderful being a granny.

I just love them all and the whole experience.

I had the enormous privilege of watching both of my Granddaughters being born at home. Both times were incredibly emotional. I am obsessed with both Grandchildren they melt my heart. I feel incredibly lucky.

I totally agree + I don't think you can fall in love on Skype.

Thrilled! My DS (only child) and DiL live in California. They'd been married for eight years and both in mid 30s when we had the pregnancy announcements. (So wonderful as I'd given up hope!)
DGD arrived two weeks early; I answered the phone at 1am to hear of her arrival. I quickly told DH the news, whilst continuing to talk with DS. DH went downstairs to make us a cuppa. On his return to our bedroom, DH said: "tell me again, is it a boy or a girl? ". He's never been allowed to forget this!

26 years later and every email, phone call or visit from any of my grandchildren makes my heart sing, how blessed I have been

Oh Juney enjoy!! it is so wonderful being a grandmother. the first is always that little bit special. I was booked on a flight at about the time she was due, but we knew she would be induced early for various reasons so I didn't think I would get to see her for three weeks. however the day she was born one of my best friends, whose children grew up with mine, who worked for BA telephoned and said I have just given you one of my concessions - you are booked on a flight tomorrow!! Oh what joy, so I saw her at 24 hours old. I got a speeding ticket going to the airport - best €45 ever spent! My granddaughter is very impressed with that!

I can't describe the love I feel for my lovely grandson who's 8 I never thought you could feel such s rush. Seeing my fan daughter and son in law as parents is lovely to. When my little man gives me a cuddle all problems go away. I live being a mum but a Nana is so special so enjoy

My first granddaughter is 17 now and that overwhelming feeling of love it still there and has followed on with the next six.

I fell in love with my first granddaughter when I saw her scan picture. She was peacefully asleep with her head resting on her arm, but the major cleft cutting through her lip, palate and gum was clearly visible. She could have been legally aborted; thank heavens her mum and dad were adamant that she wasn't, as she has grown into a lovely, clever girl (9 next week) who fills my heart with joy.

Congratulations! No one prepares you for that overwhelming sense of love towards your grandchildren. I think the first one will always be that extra bit special. The OH and I would go to the ends of the earth to be there for them. It has a,so bought us closer to our children and we have huge respect for them as we know parenting isn't easy. Grandsons 5, 2, nearly two and two more due next year (1 we know is a boy) working towards a 5 a side football team.

I watched my first grandchild being delivered by cesarean. It was amazing seeing him come into this world. He is now over six foot tall and nearing twenty. I have five other grandchildren now but I still have that moment in my head....

Both boys btw (which probably accounts for a lot)

Feel just the same as everyone else. On cloud nine. And the greatest thing is that every time another 'new' grandma is made I feel elated again.