Preparing for your first grandchild is an exciting process that can be as unique as the childbirth itself for first time grandmothers. Once you recover from the initial shock that "your baby" is no longer baby, it is time to get both mentally and physically prepared to offer proactive support to both mommy and daddy from the beginning to the end of the new mom's recuperation phase. It is truly more than preparing for baby showers, opening gifts, and sending thank you cards. Preparation begins with the announcement. From that moment, nothing is the same. My husband and I received our announcement on Christmas day. Our daughter and son-in-law came into the living room of their home to say "the test was positive, congratulations grand mom." A child was in the wings! The excitement is indescribable. It is one of the many times you realize that it is only through the power of God that such a miracle would be possible. Months of pre-planning begins. Encouraging the ne