I Am A Grandmother - Welcoming Gino Bossie Altieri to the World

The past 4 days have been like a whirlwind and my heart is so full.  Marc and Charlotte gave birth to my newest little grandson, Gino Bossie Altieri, born on December 11, 2014, weighing 8 lbs. 4 oz., 21 inches long, and looking perfect…a perfect blend of his mom and his dad.   

I have wanted to write a blog to capture the event but didn’t know what I would write.  How do I capture in words an experience that is beyond words?  But I know that once I start writing, any blog really writes itself…so here goes!

Gino is the son of my third son, Marc...my baby.  I have always been amazed that each of my children has a unique connection to me, and since Marc was 5 years younger than his brother Mike, he and I had time together, as if he was an only child, while his brothers were in school. Because of that, I think we have a unique connection.  We would run errands together during the day, and he would sit in the passenger seat next to me with his little feet barely hanging over the seat edge, and he would chatter away telling me all the important things that were in his little mind.  He told me “I think my hobby is talking!”  And we have always talked.  Sometimes joyfully, sometimes painfully…but we have always talked and shared honestly what was inside of us. 

For years I listened as Marc told me of his desire to have a family.  He didn’t long for fancy things, or status…in fact he seemed to go out of his way to prove he was different.  But he did long for a life partner and a family.  However…he never met a girl that he could connect with in a soulful, meaningful way.  He would tell me that maybe he needed to accept the fact that he would remain a bachelor, that he would never have a family.  I carried his longing in my heart.

Then at 43, he met Charlotte and his life changed.  He found someone who wanted all the love he had to give and would accept him for who he was…would love him with a warmth and sensitivity and spirit  that is priceless.  She was someone that he could gather in, love and protect, support and share life with in a way that was authentic.  They are so good together!

Marc and Charlotte - 2013

So at 44 he became a father and he and Charlotte brought Gino into our life.  I have been amazed at how the two of them approached this birth, truly a team.  Marc went to every Dr.’s appointment, charted her progress, photographed her growing figure, talked to his son in-utero.  He attended lactation classes and ended up knowing more about breastfeeding than I did, after nursing three children. He never left her side through the entire delivery and recovery.

Cutting the cord.

Hi little guy!

First Family Photo!

The day of the birth, it was truly a family event.  Everyone was gathered at the waiting room of Long Beach Memorial Hospital.  

Uncle Fred & Aunt Sharon, Joey & Kimberly, Poppa, Mom & Jay and Mike Pedersen...waiting!

His brother Michael, who was on a business trip, was connected through constant text messages.  Michael even had Facetime with his new nephew via his iPhone just hours after the birth. 

Hi Uncle Mike!

But I honestly don’t know what thrilled me more…the gift of this precious new baby or watching the elation on the face of my son.  

 

In the room, with Charlotte's Aunt Vickee, her brother Brian & Samantha

Parenting is not easy.  Having my three sons has given me the greatest joys and the most intense pain  I have experienced in my life.  All any parent wants for their children is their happiness.  Seeing Marc so radiant with joy…holding his son, calming him, changing is diaper, helping him latch on to Charlotte’s breast, tending to Charlotte’s needs…my heart is so full and I am so grateful.

So this blog did write itself.  And surprise…it was more about Marc than about Gino!  But I guess  that is my perspective as a mother.  We remarked in the waiting room that having a child is having your heart walk outside of your body.  That holds true whether that child is 1 day old or 44 years old.  

The greatest joy for me is that Marc and Charlotte have invited me in.  They have allowed me to be intimately involved in this glorious event.  And isn’t that all any parent longs for…to be allowed to share in their children’s lives…be it joy or sadness…but to share in their lives.

 

Welcome to the world, little Gino Bossie Altieri.   

Every child should be as wanted and loved as you are!