WELCOME ROSS EVAN!

 It's taken me a while to write about my newest grandchild, Ross.  This beautiful, precious, little boy was born on March 22nd. He is my fifth grandchild and the fourth boy! I am now surrounded by four very handsome boys and one exquisite princess!
Each and everyday with my grandchildren is a fun adventure.  Everything they do gives me joy. I can be in the most foul mood, or in the most depressed state, or notice an ache in my body that came out of nowhere... And then - whoosh- I enter one of my daughter's homes and miraculously, every issue in my life fades away. A smile instantly appears on my face.
 I have the invaluable fortune of living in close proximity to both of my children. And I have the extra bonus of having daughters and son in laws that basically have an "open door policy" when it comes to the grandparents visits. In fact, they welcome all of us, and gladly go off to shower, nap, cook, exercise, run errands, work, or just take a minute to regroup. They are thrilled to have a few minutes where another set of capable hands can watch the kids.
 I have to say that I was not "that" daughter to my parents or my in laws. I wanted some advance notice and didn't want unannounced visitors. Also, my parents and in laws were not as interested, involved, or as capable as Jud and me.  Yet, as a result of my own wishes, I now always call or text before going over. I don't want to take anyone or  anything for granted, and I never want to be taken for granted. I am sure there are times when my daughters just want me to leave and they have had enough of Nonni, but they have never made me feel unwelcome. I want them to know that I respect them, their spouses and their lives and in return, I want to know they have the same respect for us.
 I have told my friends that being a grandparent has infinitely changed my life for the better. I adore my children and love being their mom. But being a parent is stressful ALL the time (even now). You never stop worrying about their health, their happiness, their friends, their education, their issues, money, jobs, homes-all of it is a concern at various stages of life.
 As a grandparent, you have the privilege of watching your children parent. And that is such a miraculous experience!  It is an affirmation of the job we did in raising them.  They are highly capable, smart, and ironically, often, exhibiting similarities in our parenting styles, And sometimes, they are not!  But, however they choose to parent, they are truly GREAT at it! Thus, my reason for being a bit more relaxed about my grandchildren. My kids are crushing it...they have it all under control.
 So Mr. Ross, I  want to welcome you to a world where so many people already adore you! I know you will always be well taken care of, cherished, and loved. I wish for you a long, wonderful healthy life filled with lots of happiness, fun, curiosity, knowledge, and kindness. I, for one, will do my part to ensure that you will have awesome adventures with your Nonni.  And, I promise Pops and I already LOVE YOU UP TO THE SKY AND BACK AGAIN AND AS WIDE AS THE OCEAN. You are a special blessing.
Nonni (AKA One B)