So I’ve been a little busy the last couple weeks.
On the day he was due for his grand debut–October 17– our excellent baby stirred around enough to poke a leak in his bag and get everyone excited. When we got the call, BW and I got ourselves together, headed down to Jason’s and Kat’s for what we all assumed would be the big event.
However, by mid-afternoon, he changed his mind, resealed his bag and settled down. BW headed home the next morning, and I stayed–as co-coach for labor and delivery–all assuming again things would get going any minute.
I can work anywhere, so that wasn’t a problem. It gave me time to help the any-minute-now parents finish getting everything ready, time to cook some meals for them. Even when minutes turned into hours, and hours into days, no problem. Our Kat had on-and-off contractions and a lot of fatigue–and a couple more trips to see the midwife as the baby kept teasing his entrance.
Just after midnight on the 24th things start moving. Contractions coming close and pretty hard, so it’s a trip to the birthing center. Only to find out poor Kat’s having serious back labor (been there, done that. NOT fun.) No real progression, just pain as her boy’s decided to go spine-to-spine (like his daddy before him). After a couple hours, a homeopathic shot to try to help her sleep, and home we go.
I got about three hours, and Jason reported he managed a couple. Poor Kat didn’t get much at all. I hear my girl in the morning and go downstairs–I’m in the third-floor guest room. She’s on the phone with the midwife, pain is horrible, and she’s opting for hospital and epidural.
This is the right choice.
So we get dressed, feed the cats, move out. I let BW know.
I sit in the back seat, rubbing her arm or shoulder, see that Jason keeps taking her hand while we try to help her breathe through the pains–nearly all in her back.
When we park, she has another big one right in the lot. A nurse heading home after shift stops, gets her a wheelchair, and escorts us straight up to labor and delivery. So grateful to her.
Now she has her midwife and an OB nurse, the exam, and finally after another hour or so, relief. You just don’t dilate well with back labor, and they’re going to try to encourage the baby to turn from back to front, but first Mama needs to sleep.
And finally she’s able to for a few hours.
The room has a little sofa that expands so Jason gets some sack time, too. And the long day continues.
They have what they call a peanut ball–because of its shape–and as we go through various OB nurses–shift changes–and a shift change in her midwife–they have her try various positions with the ball.
She can eat broth and jello, but would like her own broth. BW and I make a trip to their house for that, some more supplies, and go back on watch. BW takes Jason off for something to eat; I catch some Zs on the sofa.
Day becomes evening–but she’s making progress now, and the pains are tolerable. We order pizza–and BW and I sit and have a slice in the waiting room so poor Kat doesn’t have to smell the pizza goodness. Then BW finds a place to sleep a bit, I go back to doze in the chair in the room with Kat sleeping and Jason conked on the sofa.
The night passes. I’ve actually coached before, helped out–and of course had my own labor experience. I’ve never witnessed such a long one. She’s passed 24 hours since that first midnight trip to the midwife. Come on, Baby, what’s the deal???
But as dawn breaks things are moving. Baby’s turned nearly fully around, she’s nearly fully dilated. Time for more broth, more jello, more shift changes.
Honestly, by now that room is pretty much the world.
I’ll add here, that my boy was a rock throughout. So proud of him. Of them, as they showed such strength, such endurance, such teamwork.
Then Kat spiked a fever–likely from being on the epidural for 24 hours. And the baby’s heart rate’s a little elevated. I admit that was the only thing that scared me.
By then we have our original midwife Joanne, and a completely wonderful OB nurse Allison on duty. Kat has to get antibiotics, and they have to tell her this means at least 24 hours in the NICU for the baby after birth–hospital policy.
My poor sweet girl just broke. She rallied because she is The Amazing Kat, but news like that during the last legs of a long, long labor took its toll. I know both Jason and I had to struggle to maintain so we could reassure her. Joanne and Allison were just wonderful with us all.
Now, fever down, baby facing up (almost), it’s time to push. Joanne’s predicted at least a nine pound baby–holy shit! I mean seriously!
Kat, as you might expect, is pretty damn tired by this time, but she is so strong, so brave. I would never take an actual picture of a laboring woman, but I still have one of her in my mind, so clear. She looked like an Asian goddess–powerful, beautiful, fierce–as she began pushing her son into the world.
Jason and I help–deep breath, hold it, hold it while you push. Suck in, hold, push. Jason was just magnificent.
I could see him crown–all that dark hair–and telling her that helps.
There’s his head, and oh my God, he’s gorgeous. Joanne explains that–big baby means big shoulders, so she’s going to have to do a little turn to help him get them out. But no–he’s ready, and with another fierce push, he just slides out into the world–and with a lot to say.
Under two hours from first push to last, at 10:39 a.m. on October 25, and we have a new light, new life, new family with a now blissful Kat holding her son, a beaming Jason holding them both.
A little comic relief when they ask if Jason wants to cut the cord. A big, instant, resounding NO. Nana? A quick, delighted, grateful yes. So I make that snip–as I did with my oldest grandchild–to give my youngest his first independence.
They have to clean him up, and Daddy crosses the room with him, takes pictures while they do all the post-birth stuff with Kat. I hold her hand through this–she has pain with this part, wants it over, wants her baby. My girl hasn’t had an easy time of it, and this part isn’t any easier.
Finally done, and Allison wheels the baby and scale over so Kat can watch him be weighed. Joanne had it right. He’s nine and a half pounds, 21 inches of serious handsome.
Kat gets her baby back, he even nurses a little. BW can come in now, meet his newest grandson. (He brought something up during the early pushing. I met the poor guy at the door, grabbed whatever it was, and said: I don’t have time to talk to you! The baby’s coming! Closed the door in his face. )
The baby has to go to NICU, but can stay with his parents for at least an hour first.
I get to hold him. Oh, here he is–and he looks right at me. There you are, I think. Yes, there you are. And where have you been, what have you seen?
They haven’t picked a first name–they have a short list, but decided they wanted to meet him first. His middle name is Wilder, a gift that BW treasures. I’ve been thinking of him by a name for the last couple weeks–had to keep reminding myself not to–but this one name on their list kept sticking in my head.
They still don’t decide when Allison asks. Don’t know yet.
It’s while Jason’s filling out a form, and I’m holding the baby. Jason laughs, looks at Kat: I can’t finish filling this out because it calls for his name.
Kat says: He’s Griffin.
And holding the beautiful Griffin Wilder, Nana does a happy dance. Because that was his name in my head.
I give Griffin back to his mother, hug my kids. BW and I leave the new family alone. Jason will stay at the hospital with Kat and Griffin. BW and I will go back in the morning–then I have to go home for Saturday’s signing.
Kat and Jason look so much more rested the next day–and Jason takes us down to see the baby, who is doing really well, but has one test that’s inconclusive–so maybe a little longer in NICU. Kat’s doing some nursing and pumping so he has plenty of milk, and he has wonderful nurses looking out for him.
Still hard to go home. Despite that, I slept like a log Friday night!
Saturday’s signing is busy and happy–even with a soaking rain. Girlfriends at home after help everything smooth out.
I get a text they’re maybe letting Griffin come home Monday. So that’s when I’ll head back down to help the new parents for a few days–and get lots of Griffin/Nana time.
But it turns out that test–and what they were waiting for–means our boy spikes a fever of his own. Nothing dangerous, but he needs to stay in for a couple more days.
I keep the cat company, help get the house ready. I know how hard it is for them to leave the baby–though there’s a hotel attached to the hospital.
They finally decide to come home, just make the trip back and forth–so I go with them on a visit, get to cuddle that sweet boy again. He’s doing really well, but needs to finish the course of antibiotics before release.
I fix a pot roast with all the trimmings. They both need some red meat, some home-cooking.
At long last, a full week after he came to us, Griffin comes home.
He’s healthy, beautiful–and his parents can finally take that full breath out. Their baby’s home. He’s so beautiful–all babies are–but maybe cooking that extra week added more magick. His eyes are already brown–no newborn blue for Griffin–and he’s so alert–and so chill.
And apparently a night owl like his mother. <g> I slept just fine his first night home–not so much for the new parents. But that’s why Nana’s here. Give me the baby, get some sleep.
Fed, changed, swaddled he reclines in his little bouncer wide awake for a full hour while I sat at their table writing. Then he slept for another before he made any fuss that first morning.
Nana believe in the three S’s when a baby’s fed, changed. Swaddle, sway and a quiet Ssssh in the ear. Griffin responds well to this.
He also likes going outside. Put on one of his little hats, and–as the weather was gorgeous–step outside in their pretty yard, show him his domain. I tell him this is his kingdom, and he seems to agree, and be pleased.
Mama nurses and pumps, cuddles–looks so happy. Daddy changes, cuddles–and looks the same. They started reading him bedtime stories in NICU and have made that a sweet, sweet habit already.
Nana cooks, does laundry and all the things new parents shouldn’t have to worry about when they’ve had this long, incredible journey, and have their baby home.
He likes to look up to the sky through their kitchen skylights. It’s obvious to me he’s spent some time flying up there before this trip to Earth. He recognizes their voices–and looks you right in the eye.
Daddy took him for a walk in his stroller around the neighborhood, and–as that post-birth business was tough, and Kat’s not supposed to do a lot of walking as yet–Nana walks him now and then, too.
He’s had a couple of visits with friends and family, and seems happy to be admired and passed around. He’s also very content to sit with his Nana in the mornings while she writes–though I did my final spell-check on the last chapter of the book I finished during all this with him in one arm. Sweet.
Now the new family is settled in–and Griffin has his first check up with the pediatrician. It’s time for Nana to go home. I made sure to cuddle and rub before I did so I could take that incredible new baby smell with me.
My kids are an incredible team, warm, easy, loving parents–I’ve been privileged to witness that first hand. My girl is a warrior. My son is a rock.
They have a perfect baby–so relaxed, so laid-back and so beautiful. It’s been my joy to have all this time with him.
The only hitch? They refused to let me take him home with me. So selfish!
But they did send more pictures–of Griffin in the Chewbacca outfit Jason and I picked out on our NY trip. Cutest wookie ever. And the report that he’s healthy, has already gained a half pound–now an even ten.
So I guess they get to keep him. As long as they bring him to Nana’s soon.
Nora
So Handsome! Congratulations to all!
Whoa! What a ride . . . (I’m talking about me here. Thanks for the happy tears. I needed them today, and this story was the perfect catharsis.) That was a serious birthday for Master Griffin Wilder. Welcome to the world, little man. And truly, can you have a greater family? Good on mama and daddy for being so brave. BW, too, and for all the help you had getting here. Lucky, lucky.
And congrats, Nana Nora. Ya done good.
What a beautiful boy! Congratulations!!
Congratulations to all on this wonderful, unique, unrepeatable gift from God ?
Nora, congratulations….he is seriously beautiful. You guys have had quite the adventure. Poor Kat, back labor is awful. It sounds like she is a real trooper. So happy things are good with everyone, such an exciting time. And grandbabies are a blessing.
He is just so beautiful. Congratulations to all! Such a blessing.
Oh my, thank you ever so much for sharing with us. He is a precious little boy, isn’t he. Congratulations to Kat and Jason – such an adventure the three of them will have together.
CONGRATULATIONS!! I am over the moon for you and your family!
I was in the Delivery Room when my granddaughter was born and will never forget the moment when her head peeked out and she was looking right at me. My daughter was so exhausted, but I told her she had to finish pushing the baby out.
Those first few minutes holding her, holding my daughter, who’s a Kat also, were so precious! I took her first picture.
Enjoy Griffin, enjoy all your grandchildren. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be extra special this year, with a new life to celebrate.
Griffin looks content with his world! Babies know when they are loved. So happy everyone made it through the trauma and are all doing well at home. What a blessing and love his name! Congrats to all.
Congratulations All! He is Beautiful!
Congratulations to you and your whole family, what a blessing. Thank you for sharing your family’s story with us.
Such a wondrous time! Tears for your joy. May the ANGELS hold and guide them. Blessed be.
So wide awake and wondering already! Yes, he’s been here before. Lucky little guy to land where he did this time. Congrats to you all!
Yes, what a ride you took me on here, Nora. Congratulations to all of you. For as much as you and your family are “ours”, thank you for sharing as much as you do with us. And my goodness, Griffin is gorgeous. Like, not like all babies are gorgeous, but so pretty. So pretty.
Congratulations and Happy Baby to all! Welcome to this crazy world Griffin❤ Know you are loved, and will accomplish many things in this life.
Congrats on the beautiful baby grandson! He is a gorgeous little guy. Aren’t grand babies the best? You have to soak up all that baby goodness while you can. I don’t believe you can cuddle them too much. FYI – the best swaddle blankets, in my opinion, are the ones by Aden + Anais which are very lightweight and stretchy which allow you to swaddle them well, but they aren’t so restricted that they can’t move. No one told me about swaddling when my babies were born unfortunately, and we would have benefited from that technique had I known. So I am late to that concept but fully believe it makes a baby feel secure.
Congratulations, being grandparents are the best thing in the world. Beautiful baby, all that hair. Enjoy, grow up way too fast!!!!
Mazel Tov! He is gorgeous!
What a beautiful boy you have Nana. Congratulations
to his parents Kat and Jason. Love the name as well.
Truly you are blessed.
What a wonderfully descriptive ride. Wishing: All the best of smiling cuddles to the new parents, grandparents and little person. I so love when babies look into your soul ~ like they know who you really are. Much love ~ it’s going to be amazing for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Gosh, Nora, I wish you could work up some enthusiasm!
A sweet baby, and a lovely new family. And, kudos to Nana for all that wonderful help in the house.
Thank you for sharing such a precious experience.
Congratulations ???? to the new mom and dad and of course, to nana and papa.
Griffin looks like his mom and is absolutely adorable.
Makes me wish my son and daughter in law could have another, but I’m happy with the two I have.
Welcome Griffin and Happy Belated Birthday!!!
I was also in the room when my grandson Jasper was born. He promptly peed on the doctor just after his birth. We all laughed, even the Dr.
My brace daughter in law gave birth naturally, with NO meds both times!!! She a hell of a woman, because I surely did ask for pain meds. The epidural was brand new and I opted not to use it and got a small dose of something else instead. Whatever it was made me heave so I only got a small dose of it.
Oh how handsome and how sweet. Reminds me so much of my little man’s arrival 6 years ago. There’s nothing like holding your grand baby for the first time. From one Nana to another, congratulations to all.
Congratulations. I love the name and he’s lovely.
Congratulations to all the family. What a beautiful baby! Love the cheekies & all that dark hair. There is just nothing like grandchildren. God bless all of you and that dear baby.
My goodness, he’s positively PERFECT. Congratulations. Expecting my very first Grandbaby in July. I am absolutely over the moon with excitement!
Congratulations to Jason and Kat! Grandchildren are such a blessing! If I had known I would have had them first! Congrats to you and BW on your newest grand Griffin.
Awwwwwww. He IS VERY handsome! Congrats to all!
He’s so so beautiful!!! Congratulations to all.
Oh so Sweet and Incredible! Congratulations to all of you!
What a beautiful beautiful baby! Congrats to the whole family- Mommy and Daddy look so happy and content to have him in their arms. Even though there were a couple of hurdles to overcome all is well when a happy healthy baby comes home. And Nana Nora? The joy your new little angel brings to you just radiates from you. Wishing you all much love and health and happiness.
Congratulations to you and your family as you all welcome this new precious addition. He is totally adorable and will go far with such a strong name. Many blessings to Griffin and his family as he begins his life’s journey.
Congratulations Nana. So happy for you. I cried reading the story about Griffin’s birth. It’s a lovely one, very hard but lovely. Thank God for Kate. May God bless Jason, Kate, Griffin and your entire family
He’s so cute!!! And what a strong name! Congrats to the whole family!
Congratulations to everyone for making it through all that trauma, especially for Kat who worked the hardest. 🙂
What a beautiful baby Griffin is and so bright-eyed. What a joy he is and will be.
Congratulations on the perfect addition!!! Kat looks amazing for having just given birth and Griffin really is an adorable wookie. Wishing you all the amazing Nana moments all over again with this little prince!!
He is such a handsome boy! Congratulations, Mama, Daddy, Nana, and the entire family! Babies touch the world with love.
Congratulations on your beautiful grandson! How wonderful to read a true story about a happy, healthy, joyous family and their Blessed journey…I am a Nana to three amazing grands & there’s nothing in the world that can compare! God’s Blessings on you and your beautiful family!
Congratulations, you have such a beautiful family, Griffin is incredibly precious. Your description of Kat shows how much you love her, as always, you have such a gift with words, thank you for letting us experience this with you.
Oh, Griffin is beautiful! I shed some happy tears reading about his grand entrance. Kat is such a strong woman, Jason a staunch presence – many congratulations to both of them, and welcome to Griffin.
Thank you so much for sharing your family’s journey! Bright blessings to all of you.
He is beautiful! So happy he is home and everyone is healthy, happy and most of all – blessed. Congratulations!
Thank you for sharing Nora, the new arrival is beautiful and is welcomed into a loving family, BW must be so amazed to be included in the naming. You all look so happy, enjoy.
Nora, he is absolutely beautiful!
Congratulations to Kat on a job well done! I am absolutely thrilled for you, BW and the family. What a fun Thanksgiving and Christmas you will all have! Blessings on little Griffin. I will be looking forward to all the pictures ahead.
Oh he is just so adorable! I can’t believe they wouldn’t let you take him home with you 😉
His 7 day adventure in NICU brought back memories of my firstborn, who spent 10 days in one. Walking out of that hospital without her was the hardest thing I had ever had to do up to that point in my life. I swear those 10 days made her a free spirit though – she is so adventurous and open.
Griffin, you started your life with such an adventure – may you have many more, especially with your Nana 🙂
He truly is beautiful! Huge congratulations! And that baby smell…nothing like it! ?
Congratulations to everyone
What a gorgeous little man! He seems like an old soul, so serious when he looks into the camera. Congratulations to the whole family!
He’s absolutely adorable. Congrats to you and the family on the new addition!! <3 the name!!
Beautiful and amazing. I know you were a huge relief to them. Yay for everyone!
Aww, he’s a beaut!!! Congratulations to you all!!!
Oh he is gorgeous!! Congratulations again!
Congratulations “yiayia” Nora! Greek for Nana! Lol! He is truly blessed! He looks like a Griffin!!! May God bless him for always!! Congratulations to all!!
Congratulations to all of you? He’s so handsome and I bet you’ll get some Nana time at your home soon. What a sweet little family. Love his name!
So beautiful. Tears in my eyes.
Such a handsome baby boy! Best wishes to the entire family
Oh poor Kat all the tough stuff she endured. Griffin is the most adorable Wookie ever. Congratulations to each of you for an awesome accomplishment.
Congratulations to All! ??
Griffin Wilder is a beautiful baby and will bring great joy to his family. This is just the first of many adventures together.
Congratulations to the momma, daddy and grandparents! He is absolutely gorgeous!
He is beautiful, just like his parents. A hard time coming, but so worth the wait!
I just got my 11th grandchild and he is close by! I too am in heaven. lol. Mind you I also have 18 greats and just got my first great great a week after I got a close enough to hold grandson. Life is wonderful with our beautiful families to love.
I hope you hold him again very soon and get daily photos.
Congratulations to all of you on the birth of this beautiful boy. He is gorgeous, handsome and bright! Love his expressions???. Look forward to many more pictures of this angel as time goes!
Congratulations to all. Glad everyone is healthy and enjoying life.
Congratulations on the handsome baby! There is nothing like a new baby to love. Thanks for sharing the news.
Congratulations to all. He is just beautiful! I wound up with a huge smile on my face after this posted. Thanks to Nora for sharing and many thanks to Kat and Jason for allowing us all to share and rejoice in this wonderful event. Awesome pictures!
Congratulations to all! Griffin and I share a birthday ❤️
So, so cute! I can sympathize with Kat; both my sons were back labor. But look what that gets! Congrats to all of you and enjoy that babe.
He reminds me of my granddaughter when she was born….and old soul in that sweet body. I think he’s been here before….just like out Lilly. Hope the entire family has fun with him. I bet his older cousins are happy. Peace and love.
Congratulations!!! Griffin is beautiful! Love the name!
Thanks for sharing Kat and Jason’s journey to become parents. It was long but so worth it when you see that beautiful boy. Nothing like that new baby smell LOL.
Enjoy this first year as it goes so very fast and so many changes in the first year!
Congratulations to the whole family. Always a precious treasure to hold a cuddle. My 5th grandchild (1st grandson) was born on Father’s Day. She experienced many of the issues you guys went through, yet during the first snuggles we all agreed the gift of life was so worth the worry and wait. Griffin is adorable, enjoy all the moments of his life.
Congratulations again
Congratulations. Seriously adorable baby! Best wishes to new Mom and Dad and many blessings on the whole family.
Ooh how exciting! I just now am seeing this post! My, Nora, is there anything you don’t excel in ?! Awesome … all of you , 9 1/2 lbs.! What an achievement for tough Kat! The name is great…..congratulations to all of you! An inspiring story of a dramatic birth!!
Mazel Tov! What a beautiful sweet boy. Love his name too. Very strong. The 3 “s” got me through my baby years. Worked like a charm. Have a sweet time with you newest grandchild and enjoy.
He’s a good looking young lad! Congrats to your family.
Congratulations to everyone. He looks like Kat. Nora, aren’t grand babies the best? I have 2 and just love to spend time with them.
He is just a beauty!! Love his bright eyes!! I am also so in love with is name!! Congrats to all!!
Congratulations to all. What a beautiful baby
Omgoodness what a handsome Griffin he is! Just perfect adorableness ❤ Thank you for sharing the blessings of a new child to the world. Great job to the new momma & daddy ❤❤❤
Whenever my son becomes obstreperous, I remind him of 24 hours of back labor. Great story and a beautiful family. Thanks so much for sharing.
Blessings to Prince Griffin and his Mommy and Daddy!
Congratulations. What a handsome baby boy. Needed to read a happy-ending story like this today. Thanks for sharing with us.
I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying!
Congratulations, Nana, Jason and Kat.
Welcome to the world, handsome Griffin!
Congrats to all.
How many grands does this make for you starting with Kayla to Griffin, Nana Nora?
Congratulations! Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations Nora , and he is absolutely beautiful. Nana is such a gifted writer. I recalled the back labor and more than once . I
Wonder if its a boy thing?
Congratulations! Best wishes!
Wow to the labor! Incredibly adorable baby! My best to Kat (Warrior Mom), Jason (Fantastic Father), Nana (the Swaddling, cuddling spoiler), and BW (the Rock). Beautiful family!
What a handsome, adorable baby! Congrats to everyone! I was my sister’s coach through back labor and I don’t know how “we” survived it. The baby finally turned over and my sister let out her one and only cry – a scream that should have cracked windows – the relief was so great. Then she said okay, I’m ready, and delivered inside of 30 minutes. All that after 21 hours of labor. I honestly don’t know why we’re not extinct, there has to be a better way to go about this. Welcome, Baby Griffin, you’ve landed and all is well.
Congrats Nana! I am a Nana/Granny. I figure whatever they want to call me it’s fine… I am theirs. Your writing is wonderful..as usual…i felt like I was there. Your DIL seems wonderful. You very lucky Nora. Enjoy that handsome healthy fella. Grandchildren are more precious that gold.
Such a beautiful, bright-eyed baby boy!!! I so love the name too…Griffin ? He is certainly blessed with amazing parents and grandparents. Love to you all. Blessed be.
Welcome to the world Griffin Wilder!
Beautiful baby! Korean tradition has the mother of the baby eating seaweed soup after giving birth because of high iron content. And then it’s the tradition for all Koreans to have the soup on their birthday to commemorate their birth. Might be hard to get the ingredients in Maryland but might be a fun new cultural tradition! https://www.koreanbapsang.com/miyeok-guk-beef-seaweed-soup/
Congrats. So glad everyone is healthy. God bless you all.
What a handsome little man! Congratulations to all. Thank you for sharing this incredible, blessed journey.
Congratulations Kat and Jason! Such a handsome boy. Nora, thank for sharing such an intimate family time. Sounds like a wild ride. Love his name, BW must be proud. Congratulations again to everyone. See you in December!
Mazel tov. What a journey you all have had. You will never forget to tell him about all the drama surrounding his birth. What’s so interesting to me, is the intuition you had, about his name. In the Jewish faith, it is believed that naming their child, is the only time in their lives, that parents are given the “sight”, or for lack of a better translation, a peek into the future. My husband had it when naming our daughter. He scribbled & circled her future name. Without realizing, if course, that would be the name she was given, after a grandmother & an aunt. May you see much joy from griffin, & from your whole family.
Congratulations to all of you! He is just beautiful!
I feel so privileged to read about your sweet family. I am a proud Grammy of 5 granddaughters and it’s the best part of my life. I am blessed to live 15 minutes from my son and his two girls (my Zoey s red head!) and my daughter and her twins and the baby of their family, Brooke. I’ve been reading Nora Roberts since your early days in Harlequin and still have all your books and re-read them like old friends. Met you once at a book signing in Houston! Didn’t start reading JD Robb until a couple years ago (no idea why!) and read them straight through! May God richly bless your time with sweet grands!
Thanks again for sharing!
Nora, what a heart warming story ! Griffin is so handsome , 9+ lbs is unbelievable. That hurts just typing it. Congratulations too the tired and happy parents and the rest of the family. And too you Nora for continuing to write for us your fans while holding your amazing Griffin. May God grant you and your family a wonderful harvest and good health. Blessed be.?????????????????????
Congratulations! He’s gorgeous
Glad to hear everyone is healthy and happy ?
Congratulations everyone. Thank you for sharing Griffin’s arrival. What an amazing addition to your family. I’m glad everyone is healthy.
He’s absolutely beautiful!! Huge congrats to Mom and Dad oh and Nana too. May his life be filled with laughter and love.
What an adorable little sweetie. Congrats to all of you❤️
What a handsome young lad. Welcome Griffin Wilder! Nora, you were so blessed to able to spend a lot of quality time with Jason, Kat, and Griffin. Congratulations to all! Kat, grab sleep whenever and how ever you can.
This makes me smile as my family just went through this. Two weeks of contractions for my girl before she finally delivered a perfect boy. We flew from England to Virginia to spend two wonderful weeks with them. Currently sitting at the airport waiting to fly home, missing my boy!
Congratulations to all !!! Very handsome not so little sweetie !!
Congratulations to both parents. Welcome Griffin to the world. You have an amazing Nana who writes and tells amazing stories. Enjoy him both of you as he will grow up so fast as Nana well knows.
Ahhhh major swoon.
Brave Kat already has the Prize for all she went through – He couldn’t be more handsome and perfect.
You all honored his name – Griffin: “strength and vigilance.”
Now Happy Ever After starts (again ❤️nd again)
Sending Blessings to all of you for the gift shared ?
Long and healthy life and much happiness to the amazing Griffin! Kudos to Kat and Jason! Labor is no picnic in the park! It is hard, tough work!!!
Thank you for sharing his birth with us!!!
Congratulations to all of you. Griffin is a very cute and good looking baby. I hope he continues to stay healthy and grows up big and strong. What a lovely blessing!
Congratulations “yiayia” Nora! Greek for Nana! Lol! He is truly blessed! He looks like a Griffin!!! May God bless him for always!! Congratulations to all!!
What a beautiful little boy! Congratulations to all of you and I love his names, good choices. Anything worth doing well is hard, poor Kat found that out but the end result was worth it to her I’m sure.
So hard on you all watching Kat go through her labour, but so glad Griffin finally made his entrance. Being a Nana is just the best,
Congratulation to everyone!
Congrats! So happy everything came out well in the end. All 3 of my kids were over 9 lbs. Not fun. But little Griffen is adorable.
Ooooohhh my! Perfection! Absolute. Perfection. Congratulations to Mama, Daddy, Nana and BW!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!
Griffin is beautiful! So thankful all is well for him and Momma and Dadda!! Sending God’s blessings to all !
❤️❤️
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!
Griffin is beautiful! So thankful all is well for him and Momma and Dadda!! Sending God’s blessings to all !
❤️❤️
Congratulations to all!!! He is beautiful and looks like his mama! Kat looks wonderful after such a difficult journey…God bless them all….and thanks for sharing your wonderful journey….as one nana to another, there is nothing like holding a grandchild!!
Babies are such a miracle…He is beautiful and it sounds like he made sure that you will all remember his entrance into this world. Congratulations to all of you…so many great moments to come.
Congratulations to the new family member! He is beautiful. Many memories to come.
How completely wonderful. What a beautiful little man. Griffin Wilder is a great name. Congrats to Nana on a job well done. He is precious.
Congratulations and what a wonderful story you’ve written that will surely one day be shared with your new grandson. I sympathize with Kat on back labor, I went through 36 hours of it back in 1979, not fun, but oh the precious result! Thanks for sharing your good news.
Awww What a super handsome little guy. I love the fact of how alert he is… He is so beautiful. I am so happy for the new family and for you Nora and BW. How awesome you could spend this time with them, helping and loving and a Rock yourself!
I totally love the little Trick or Treat, smell my feet announcement banner… It reminds me of checking all my babies fingers and toes, but more… Tell me, is there anything more sweet than smelling and kissing those adorable little feet and toes? haha.
Well of course there are but footsies are right up there in the top 2 for me.
I am so very sorry to hear that Kat had such a hard time. I am so glad that she went to the hospital. Especially with the pain relief and fevers.
Oh and how fortunate that you were chosen to cut the cord! I have that special connection with my first grandchild as well. It is always such a great honor….
I will close for now and wish everyone a very Healthy, Safe and Happy Journey into the exciting new chapter in your lives…. Welcome Master Griffin Wilder….. Beth Reed
He’s such a Handsome little man..Love those alert eyes…Congratulations, Nana ,et al…♡
Beautiful baby Griffen wiated to come into the world on a very special day, My mother’s birthday and her dear friend Lorie’s. We lost Lorie in Aug. I wonder if Griffen saw them when he was circling up there?
Congratulations!!!
So cute and thanks for sharing! Love being a nana and grandkids are the best.
Nora, what a long ride. Enjoyed reading everything about your youngest grandson. He is beautiful!
Congratulations!! To all!
What a precious little one!!! Congratulations to the proud parents and grandparents.
He’s adorable! Congrats to all of you! A good strong name!
I loved the narrative! Well done Nana Roberts! ?
What a beautiful narrative! As with all your writings, you brought Griffin’s story to life and made me feel almost like I was there. What a handsome boy – and beautiful family. Congratulations and much love and happiness to you all!
Congratulations Nora and BW, Kat and Jason! What a gorgeous baby! I know that this isn’t your first go round, but aren’t grandchildren the best gift ever? You are an incredible mother in law and mother! Sending you hugs!
Griffin is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
Oh Nora, I so wish I could write as well as you. I had a very similar experience. My youngest grandson was born on October 21 at 11:15 pm. My daughter-in-law ‘s mother and I were so fortunate to be in the room with my son and the new mom when Luke Leon Linder was born. Cynthia and I just held on to one another and cried the whole time Sherise was doing all the work. Luke was beautiful as we saw his head start to emerge from the birth canal with lots of black curly hair. He’s such a good baby. We are all so blessed. Being a grandparent is so underrated. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. Oh, by the way, I think I’ve read most of your books. Keep them coming. My best to Griffin. Dona Linder
A truly wonderful, heartwarming tale! And, like all your stories, had me hooked after the first sentence!! Blessings, happiness and good health to all!
Congratulations Nana Nora and family! May God bless Griffin always! ??????????
I just read this, and it brought tears to my eyes. In 6 days I will become a grandmother for the first time.
Congratulations, he is a beauty and I love those cheeks.
Congratulations! Such a beautiful family.
Congratulations on the birth of this precious blessing!! I’m SO happy for you all – – he truly is an adorable little guy.
You are a wonderful Nana, Nora!!
He is just gorgeous, congrats to all!!
Beautiful baby. ❤️❤️❤️ his pictures . Sooooo cute. And his eyes ? OMG..,Congratulations for you all. Thank you Nana Nora for sharing Griffin’s 1st journey. Can’t wait to see more ….
So happy for all of you – Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy!!
Such a beautiful young man! Grandchildren are the best! I started out as Nana but when Henry started talking he called me Yaya. I have no idea where he got that ? So Yaya it is. Now I am waiting for little Miss Savannah to say Yaya. Congratulations to all of y’all!!❤
Congratulations to all of you – what a sweetie pie!
Congrats to Nora n her family on the birth of Griffin. What a cute bb. Hope Kat is doing fine now n Jason too. Thanks for sharing the birth of yr grandson Nora. I kept smiling all the way when I read the story. Am sure Griffin will follow suit n become a writer one day. Take care
Congrats to the entire family and thank you for sharing this beautiful and heart-warming birth! The smiles and the tears were mingled as I read–but just beautiful. Enjoy the moments and a very warm welcome to the world Griffin Wilder!
He is GOD’s gift to wonderful people.
You have been Blessed!
I have read all the In Death books, even Big Jack books. This is my absolute Favorite series of books!, and I have read a lot of series books. Connections in Death is set to be released on February 5, which happens to be my birth day. I would like to know how I could get a signed copy of Coections in Death. I live in Iowa so there is no books signing close for me to go to.
Congratulations Nana! Griffin is beautiful.
What a beautiful birthing story, thank you for documenting this for all of your faithful followers. Your boy and girl are awesome and little Griffin is gorgeous! Congratulations to all your family.