Hello, Spencer Blake!

My world expanded in the most wonderful way last week when our newest grandchild breathed his first breath in Texas.
Every grandparent knows this is the best gig ever. There simply are no words to adequately describe the joy and miracle of new life, especially when that little life shares the same branch of the family tree.
Spencer Blake Spangler, whose middle name is a loving nod to his Aunt Blayke, took his sweet time making his debut, keeping his mother on edge for more than a week past her due date. But once he decided the time was right, it was showtime in a matter of hours.
The name had been picked out long beforehand, but young Spence lived up to his billing. He added just enough suspense to help us long remember a day that will now be permanently circled on the family calendar.
Grandma Paula and I were thrilled beyond words to be on hand for the big event. Taking care of Big Sister Scottie was our main assignment on D-Day, so we were invited to join the party before the party actually started. That in itself was a precious gift from daughter Robyn and her husband, Steve, who now have their hands full with two littles whose birthdays are less than nine months apart.
If that math seems confusing, I reflected in July on the “love under oath” we celebrated when Robyn and Steve signed the final documents making Scottie Jean’s adoption official. Robyn found out she was expecting just three days before Scottie was born in late December and Paula and I learned that news just minutes after meeting our new granddaughter in January.
Our prayers were answered and our cause for celebration quickly multiplied, all in one fell swoop.
And now, somehow, we have a trifecta of grandkids all under the age of 1, with the “oldest” of the trio, cousin Arlo, arriving last November. Three babies. Three completely different little characters. Three little lives that have changed ours forever.
I already know that watching these three precious kiddos grow up together is going to be one of the biggest blessings of my life. There will be birthdays and Christmas mornings, family vacations and backyard adventures. There will be scraped knees, school programs, ballgames, graduations and if I know our family, there will be plenty of laughter along the way.
I’m also guessing there may be a little friendly competition among this trio, who could, technically, all be in the same grade. After all, Arlo’s father, Joe, was quick to point out that those 10 tiny fingers looked like they were forming a natural golfer’s grip. Spencer’s daddy was a terrific soccer player, even spending time in the net as a goalie at the professional level, so my hunch is that he and his sister may be reaching for a ball of some size or shape as soon as they are able.
For now, though, the lessons are focused on life’s basics. It’s such a joy watching each one develop in the slightest of ways each passing day, with a new little boy now added to our trio of love. This Grandad gig is all it’s hyped up to be, and the fun has only just begun.
Welcome to the family, Spencer Blake.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net