another generation

Lots of surprising feelings come out of having children.

I expected to adore my babies with everything I have,

and I knew that their daddy would too.

But I really didn't expect the way that I somehow managed to love him more

as a result of seeing him become a father,

seeing him love and treasure our children.

But that wasn't the only surprise.

Seeing my own parents with their grand children absolutely blows me away.

Seeing how much my children love them back is beautiful.

I think it's a combination of enjoying the fact that those dearest to my heart

hold each other as fondly as I hold them,

and the fact that I somehow manage to get a glimpse back in time.

I don't remember being as little as my children are now,

I don't remember my brother as a baby,

or remember my own mum and dad as parents to tiny people.

And getting to see them with my own children

means that I get to see how they might have been,

back when they were new parents,

and when my brother and I were small.

I guess in actual fact they are probably more confident as grandparents

than they ever were as new parents,

that valuable experience makes a big difference.

But at the same time I also wonder

if perhaps my children are almost more precious,

simply as a result of the fact they are mine.

I can't get my head around the idea of my children 

ever being grown up enough to have their own children,

but imagine the amount that I would love those children would be incredible.

I can say with my hand on my heart

that my beautiful boy would list his grandparents as among his favourite people,

and that makes me so happy.

And my beautiful girl lights up for her Nanny and Pops

in a way which says that she feels the same way.

Grandparents are such a blessing,

and I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to know all of mine so well.

And I'm so grateful that I get to witness my children falling in love with theirs,

and to see the way they get loved and spoiled by my own mum and dad.