Awaiting the welcome....

Hey look - still no pictures - I could steal one but that would be breaking the honor code somewhere.  Right?  I know I have 4 kids - and I love them all - and yet now and then I pick on one and say something about them.  Mandy is about ready to pop - she is now 14 days from her due date.  I remember her telling me she was preggo right after we had gone for a Harley ride.  She said, "Have you ever taken your grandkids on a Harley ride?"  I'm all, no - heck no.  She said, "You did today".... and the rest was history - screaming and jumping and total hysteria.  It's been fun watching the little guy growing inside her making her shirts rip at the seams, create havoc with her walking, sitting and sleeping issues.  I have enjoyed so very much our conversations about being a mom.  Of course I expect both of my daughters to be better mom's than they had - that's a given.  It's been sweet to hear Mandy tell me of some of the things she wants to teach her son - that I taught her, it honors me deeply to hear her talk like that.  Our sweet coversations of 'what about this - what about that' have meant the world to me.  I am always amazed at how beautiful she looks, always glowing and growing, and beautiful.  I appreciate how graceful she is about letting all of us feel the baby move inside, we're always talking to her tummy, whispering our secrets to him.  Sometimes I see or hear the worry in her face and voice, and I try to talk that out of her.  I am grateful for her sweet husband - who although totally overloaded with BYU Law School, still has Mandy and the baby at the top of the list.  He is amazing also, and I am grateful for his love for her.  I have appreciated and adored her sister and sister in law's attention towards her - giving her advice, and offering up all their help.  There are a several uncles.... awaiting to go over the finer laws of sports and cars no doubt.  The Grandpas, are practicing not crying.  It's all in all been a great journey, and it's closer than ever now.  I have spent many prayerful moments asking that she'll make it safely to the hospital with Ryan when the time comes.  I have also pleaded that the pain of delivery would pass quickly as I never want my girls to be in pain.  I've asked God to make sure that the 10 fingers and toes we've seen on the ultra sound will be fully functionable and adorable.  These are just a few thoughts I can share - the rest are very personal and directly between God and I.  I'm so excited to hold this little person for the first time - I'll stand in any line of those also waiting just to have my turn, I'll be patient, because I know he's loved by so many already.  I'm excited to be a Grandma with Ruth, because she's bringing so many amazing things to the table when it comes to being a new Grandma.  I don't ever want to let this little guy down.  It changes your perspective on life when you know that you are something to someone.  I want to be there for him in his needs that he asks of a Grandma.  I want to make sure he laughs a lot - and can sing all of the funny songs I know.  I want to read to him and hold his hand when he asks me to.  I have a lot of stories to share with him, about where he comes from and I can't wait for him to hear about all of those Italian Lapioli's.... sweet.  He comes to Uncles and Aunts that have awaited his arrival with joy.  He will know the secrets of heaven, and his sibling and cousins that await there to come.  He comes to greet Andrew and Emma, and that reunion will be sweet.  He'll bring the love of Great Grandparents passed from the other side.  He's already changed the world in my eyes.  So Mandy - just wanted you to know - that you are already an amazing mom, in every way.  On your hardest, most tired days, hold him tight and remember the great warrior he is to God.  Thank you for bringing this little guy in to the world, and for giving me yet another member of our family to love.  You are just beginning the greatest journey of your life.  Breath.... hee hee haa haa hee hee haa haa, and I'll be waiting for that phone call.  xoxo Bob