The joys of (grand)parenthood ...

There is probably nothing more fulfilling - nor more exhausting - than raising children.
They can be miniature versions of us or other relatives. We have the chance to shape and mold human beings. But, maybe, they'll break those molds and become their own person.
I've been blessed with three sons - but don't tell them I said that.
Lance is a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard and works for a large defense contractor - when he's not on duty with the Guard.
Stephanie is his lovely wife and a nurse and they have a beautiful daughter, Natalie, who will be one year old this time next month - more on her later.
Shane is at the University of West Alabama and married to the also-lovely Amber, a nursing student at UWA.
Bo is a junior at Madison Academy and is your typical 16-year-old, if there is such a thing.
Anyway, it's been a blessing and thrill watching them grow, taking part in their lives - academic and athletic - and also letting them grow on their own ... somewhat.
Granted, there has been plenty of angst and anger along the way - trips to the hospital, school, "time out" and other facilities and locations.
But I wouldn't trade parenthood for anything.
Well, anything except for grandparenthood, which is a whole 'nother thing in itself.
It's our chance again to watch children grow and take part in their lives.
And Natalie is a real treat. She's now walking and, in fact, is coming over this afternoon so I have to re-childproof certain areas of the house. Luckily, some of the cabinet doors still have safety latches on them and  I put pillows around the brick base of the fireplace.
It doesn't seem like 11 months since she joined our family last Thanksgiving weekend. Boy, what a time that was!
And what a time it has been. She seems to be so happy, constantly smiling - though I'm sure Stephanie and Lance have seen her in not-so-smiling, less happier moments.
I'm sure those moments will come here, too. This is what, I guess, grandparenthood is all about - enjoying your children's children, smiles and frowns.
There's also the thrill and eagerness while anticipating their visit.
Oh! There's the doorbell ...