So I am about to become a Grandpa

It was way back on December 7, 1983 that my son finally showed up at 8:43 am at the Naval  Hospital here in Chucktown. Wow, did my life change. Then on November 6, 1986 at 7:53 am my daughter made her entrance at the Moncrief Army Hospital in Columbia. And wow, did it change again.

I didn't read any books to get ready to be a dad although the wife read every how to book on parenting and taking care of newborns you could get your hands on. I relied on the time tested experience that I had observed from my father and his father and eventually she put the books down and did the some based on the time tested experience of her mother and her mothers mother.

That experience has garnered us two wonderful children who have grown and married and are both now expecting their first children, both boys(much to my excitement). We will welcome our first grandson Zachary into this world sometime in early September and our second grandson Ian in late September or early October.

Now, how does my life differ as a grandpa? We first off, the grands won't be here 24/7 so we can send them home when we have reach our limit. Second I can spoil them rotten like I would never have consider doing with my children when they were growing up.

Having said that, let me say this. I will not "child proof" my house. I think that is a BS way of opting out of teaching your children what they can and cannot do. I never had child safety locks on cabinets when I was a kid. I had a mom and dad who slapped my hand every time I reach for something that I was not supposed to mess with. As as result, I knew what was off limits and knew what was OK to mess with.

We have some great improvements planned for the back yard including a righteous jungle gym setup and kiddie pool. These improvements will in no way intrude on our massive vegetable garden that we enjoy every growing season as we have a double lot to work with.

In closing I am looking forward to this chapter in my life more than I thought I would. One grand son will be local and one is in Connecticut. Hopefully we can see as much as possible of our long distance grandson.

Stay tuned for updates as they get here and grow with us.