Santa Babies

While Ken & Brenda were home for Thanksgiving, they photographed my most beautiful grandbabies ~ Brannan 3 1/2 months & Greyson 3 months. Each baby has his own unique personality and I hope that they will grow up as best friends (much like Boston & Jackson).
Brannan ~ can't you just squeeze those chubby cheeks?

Greyson ~ love that big smile of his

Greyson & Brannan ~ my special Christmas Angels

Greyson ~ 2 months

I had the opportunity to keep Greyson last Friday, so Mimi and I scheduled an appointment to have his 2-months portraits made. Although I was a tad-bit apprehensive since I had never kept him for any long period, the sitting was quite a success. Greyson wore the white Feltman Bros. suit that Matthew wore for his christening at the First United Methodist Church, Picayune in December, 1983.

He also had portraits made in a yellow Feltman Bros. romper that Mamaw gave to Matthew.

Oh how my life has changed...

Two months ~ that's 61 days ~ how much different can one person's life be after 61 days???

1. I have been a grandmother to two of the most precious baby boys for 61 days.

2. I have changed poopy diapers for 61 days.

3. I have rocked and fed Brannan & Greyson for 61 days.

4. I have watched as four young adults became a little more mature as they evolved into parents for 61 days.

5. I have prayed that God would provide guidance to those four young adults as they provide shelter, nurturing and discipline to those most precious baby boys for 61 days.

6. I have worried when either baby was fussy for 61 days.

7. I have fallen asleep thinking about those precious baby boys for 61 days.

8. I have told everyone I've come in contact with just how happy I am to be Granna to Brannan & Greyson for 61 days.

9. I have watched Mimi & Papa be smitten by those precious baby boys for 61 days.

10. I look with anticipation to all the love, joy and excitement that comes by being the grandmother to the most precious baby boys from day 62 til the end of time.

Cause for Celebration

Today is a very special day ~ my Mother's birthday.

She is...

78 years young

married to the same guy for 59 years

mother of three ~ Robert, Ken & Judi

mother-in-law of two ~ Valerie & Brenda

grandmother of 10 + 5 ~ Jessica, Matthew, Ashley, Erin, Tyler, Julie, Cullen, Taylor, Caroline, & Todd + Benji, Gabrielle, Jamie, Jeffrey & Amber

great-grandmother of 7 ~ Boston, Jackson, Cade, Grant, Harper, Brannan & Greyson

She is the glue that sticks our family to together and all that we are is because of the love she shares with each of us.

Thoughts about Grandparents Day

National Grandparents Day ~ what's up with that? Is is just another holiday that the United States came up with to get another day off from work?

The Facts...
Marian McQuade has been recognized nationally as the founder of National Grandparents Day.

President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation declaring the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.

A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill is the official song of National Grandparents Day.

Forget-me-not is the official flower of National Grandparents Day.

Sunday, September 12, 2010 was National Grandparents Day but more importantly, it was my FIRST GRANDPARENTS DAY!!!

The Proof...

Brannan ~ 1 month old

Greyson ~ 2 weeks old

Being Granna to these precious boys has brought enormous joy to me and they are only a few weeks old. I anticipate lots of fun times with Brannan and Greyson. And now, I fully understand just how GRAND life has become since their births.

Brannan & Greyson ~ Best Buds 4-ever

Brannan and Greyson finally got to meet each other tonight @ Greyson's home. While I thought it would be a great idea to have both boys together ~ photo possibilities were endless in my mind ~ my sweet angels didn't get that memo. I remember well the time of the day from about 5 - 7 being called "the witches hour" or "the childrens hour" ~ you know, the time when it seems that babies get fussy and no matter what you try, they are just not happy babies. Add to that, the crazy idea that Granna had of making photographs and Brannan and Greyson both became pretty inconsolable. Thank goodness, both Mommies were very near by and calmed their fears. I am sure there will be ample opportunities for photo shoots ~ probably more than these little boys would prefer ~ but I am confident they will appease me.

My Precious Grandsons

I think they like each other ~
(or will at least tolerate one another)

Mommy, Brannan's getting fussy ~
can I get out now or can you make him stop???

Granna's favorite little boys
Greyson Matthew ~ 1 week old
Brannan John ~ 3 weeks old

Special Delivery @ Forrest General Hospital

Gabrielle & Matthew arrived at Forrest General Hospital early Wedneday morning for the birth of their son, Greyson Matthew McQueen.

After being poked & prodded, Gabrielle settled in for labor ~ epidural administered and resting comfortably.

Matthew and Gabrielle visiting prior to Greyson's birth.
They have no idea just how special their lives are about to become.

Daddy cut the umbilical cord of his newborn son, Greyson, as Dr. Bailey & Mommy watch.

Greyson Matthew McQueen
6 lb. 7 oz. ~ 19 1/2 inches long
6:42 p.m.
August 25, 2010

Mommy holding her new born son as Daddy watches.
First official McQueen family photo.

Daddy & Greyson napping after a long first night.

I'm thinking, I'm thinking, I'm thinking...
about how much I already love Mommy & Daddy.

Daddy's little sea-turtle
don't you just love those big eyes
and that cute little tongue sticking out?

Mommy and Greyson

ready to leave Forrest General Hospital.

Let's Roll, People

I've got my whole life ahead of me.

A Letter to Greyson Matthew

Greyson Matthew, today is the day that you will be born. From all indications, you are a perfect baby ~10 fingers, 10 toes, and the cutest nose you ever did see.

I love you, my grandson, even though I haven't touched you, smelled you or kissed you.
I wish for you the heart from your Daddy...
I wish for you the love of learning from your Mommy...
I wish for you the love of life from your Granna...

You have a strong heritage from which you shall grow.

Be proud of your name, for it is a good name...
Your Daddy is a great man,
Your Daddy is a hard-working man,
But most of all, Your Daddy is a man who loves your Mommy more than life itself...

...until YOU were born ~ his heart expanded for the love he now has for YOU.

I love you with all my heart,

Granna

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A Peak Inside Brannan's Nursery

Melissa Wozniak, a childhood friend of Jessica's, captured the innocence of our baby, Brannan John Sessums this past weekend in his nursery. While Melissa and Jessica have been seperated by hundreds of miles since 9th grade, their friendship has remained solid, each honoring the other by being bridesmaids in their weddings.

Birth announcement canvas painted by Jennifer Butler.
Precious little one.

Brannan showing his serious side.

Mommy & Daddy's wedding rings adorn Brannan's feet.

Diamond wedding band, belonging to Granny, was given to Jessica upon graduating from USM and plain wedding band, belonging to Mamaw, was given to Jessica the day that Brannan was born.

Bookshelf in Brannan's nursery stocked with books from friends and family.

Train canvases hanging above Brannan's changing table were created with love by Jennifer Butler.

My sweet Angel ~ love this little man of mine.

Love those chubby cheeks : ~)

Sweet dreams, Brannan.

This rocker, purchased by Mamaw & Papaw in 1927, has rocked five generations, including Brannan's great-grandmother, Mimi, his grandmother, Granna and his Mommy.

Resting on the bookshelves in Daddy's office.

Our precious Brannan.

My Daddy is the best Paramedical Instructor.

My precious daughter, Jessica & her sweet baby boy, Brannan.

Gotta have at least one photo representing Southern Miss.

From Start to Finish @ Wesley Medical Center ~ August 11 - 13, 2010

After being admitted Wednesday evening to Wesley Medical Center and an easy labor and delivery Thursday, Brannan John Sessums was introduced to his Mommy.

Brannan John Sessums, Mommy and Daddy ~ now their little family is complete. God has blessed them with a healthy pregnancy and delivery of a beautiful baby.

Bath time ~ hopefully, Brannan will learn to love bath time. But, isn't that a cute booty???

Daddy & Granna had a fun time dressing Brannan after his bath while the Nurse observes to make sure we're doing it just right.

First of many talks I will have with Brannan ~ we were discussing how much we already loved each other and how much fun it would be to attend Southern Miss athletic events together.

Dr. Jonathan Shook, Pediatrician with The Pediatric Clinic of Hattiesburg, checks Brannan out and reports that "he's a fine, healthy baby".

Mommy & Brannan in matching outfits from Old Navy. Aren't they cute ~ don't even look like they just got out of jail.

Brannan John Sessums ~ dressed and ready to go home with Mommy and Daddy. Only one day old and he's already stolen their hearts.

Mommy & Brannan are all smiles leaving Wesley Medical Center ~ thanks for the wonderful care you provided.