Congratulations, Grandma Xuan! :-) Shelle is simply gorgeous, as is her mother... and they look so happy! Yes, I'd say good genes run in your family! You all must be so thrilled with this new addition to the family! I'm so sorry I didn't see this thread earlier... I haven't been around too much... This is wonderful news! Thank you for sharing your family with us! Just think... two more, and you will have caught up to me! ;-) The two eldest of my own grandchildren are in school already! Gosh, time really flies! Treasure every moment... because they pass so quickly... it seems like only yesterday my own children were young, playing the games children play, wishing they were older and bigger... ah, the memories! All the best, Xuan... from my family to yours! :-)

Thanks, dirtpig (love your user name!) DD is very grateful--people are always telling us how she sings our praises! She's a pretty special young lady, so we are happy to do what we can to make her day memorable. Plus, it beats spending hundreds of $$ on a church or hall that we would never see again. At least we get to enjoy it afterwards!! Thanks to you, Connie--yes, I am very blessed to have a man that not only knows how to do construction, but WILL do it! :) I can't imagine what this place would look like if I didn't have his help...not like this, I'm sure! He's the one who wanted to buy it, so I remind him of that when he starts to fizzle (lovingly, of course!!). And I know what you mean about long-time hubbies--I bet there are other reasons you keep yours around! :) Karen

Hugs and sympathy to you, PKponder. I wish dogs could live as long as the people who love them. Our DS and family have had to put down the male and female Boxers they bought as newlyweds -- both of whom our DGS knew and loved. Last year they had to euthanize the male Boxer they adopted, who was loved by *both* grandchildren for the last six years. We always had a dog when DS was growing up. Today they say that having a dog in the family is healthy for children. Neither DS nor either grandchild (12 and 6) has any allergies..so far.

Congratulations, such an exciting time for both parents and their families. Do they live within easy traveling time so that you'll be able to see your grand daughter often? Uptown Gal is right - it is hard to imagine the love they bring. It is something 'sweet and special' - it's amazing how your heart just opens up. In the last 3 years I went from no grandchildren at age 68 to 3 grand daughters (well, technically # 3 is due in 2 weeks) plus a 3 1/2 year old step granddaughter and it seems miraculous. It's magical. Maire