How did you feel?

My Grandaughter was 20 minutes old when we met for the first time. I fell instantly in love, and I still feel the same.
We had boys, I always wanted a girl, and she more than makes up for not having a girl. I feel very lucky.

Annsixty All three of my DGC were born by c-section after long awful labour. I was talking about this thread with my DDs and they both remarked that when I came to see them after the births, I went straight to my DDs for a big cuddle and tears and did not look at the new baby until DDs urged me to do so. I had forgotten that - but they both remember it clearly as significant that I was their concerned and proud Mum first and a very happy Granny thereafter.

Apparently my first words to newborn Grandson were - So here's the big boy that caused all the trouble! - which I got into trouble for from his besotted new Mum. Our emotions are what they are and outwith our conscious control particularly in times of high drama.

Annsixty I don't think that your feelings are at all unnatural, given the circumstances of your first GC's birth. None of us can avoid our 'self-preservation' instinct. Given what happened, maybe you've held a bit of 'you' back, just in case something went wrong again. I'm only guessing.

My GC hasn't taken over my life either but I am still elated at how strong my feelings were when I did meet him. Then again, my situation wasn't surrounded by the fraught circumstances which you had. If it was, I'd possibly feel the same as you do.

You obviously love your GC and that is to be treasured in whatever form it comes.

We were camped at the hospital while DGD was being born so were able to see her at a couple of hours old. She was tiny (preemie, which was the reason for us being there) and in a NICU incubator and her face was mostly hidden behind tubing.

My heart just melted, as did DH's ... he has been her slave ever since although he is actually a step-grandad.

Currently awaiting DGC number 2 and hoping for a less stressful arrival!