Marianne's granddaughter Gia celebrates her 12th birthday today.  Read Marianne's story below.

I remember the day that someone had told me "you'll never know what true love is until you have your first grandchild".  12 years ago today I found out what she meant.

On May 24th, 2000 at 7:58 pm my daughter gave birth to my first grandchild Giavanna Marie at 5lbs. 9 oz.  I was the third person to hold her.  First her daddy Jason, then her mommy Erica and then she was handed over to me.  "Grandma" - I knew that's what I wanted to be called the day my daughter told me she was pregnant by way of email, it was a baby train with blocks that spelled "Grandma".  I then called her at work and said “funny haha”, and she said “no, it's for real!”

When I first held that little bitty baby in my arms I cried (like I'm doing now).  The only other time I felt like that was when I gave birth to my own daughter.

My granddaughter, who I would hold in my arms till they ached, My granddaughter, the one who I gave tubbies to and wrapped her in warm blankies from the dryer, My granddaughter, the one who would snugglebug with me in bed and hold each other till we fell asleep, My granddaughter, the one who would wake up in the middle of the night with night frights and I would clutch her with every ounce of my being till she went back to sleep, My granddaughter the one who would run into my house and yell "GRAAAAMMMMAAAA", My Granddaughter, the one who I would watch the tape Baby Animals with over and over and over again until I knew every word by heart, My Granddaughter, the one who would hug me and say " I LOVE YOU GRAM " is now 12 years old... and you know what... I still warm her towels in the dryer after her shower, I still snugglebug with her every chance I get and if she has bad dreams I still clutch her with every ounce of my being and she in turn still tells me, "I LOVE YOU GRAM ".

Happy Birthday Boog!!! I'll Love You Forever and 2 Days!!!!

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