My 2016 is starting out in the best way - a new baby in the family!!

[Siwsan]

My nephew and his wife welcomed their first child, at 5:26, this morning. Lila arrived weighing 7 pounds, on the dot, and 20 inches long. I can attest that she has strong lungs, too, as I heard her in the background of the phone call from my nephew.

As some of you may remember, my 2015 was full of losses. My sister, who would have been a Grandmother, today, died in January. My mother died in February and my aunt, in September. I was almost afraid to answer the phone, for most of the year.

Now we have this new, much anticipated baby girl. And, since I will be the substitute for my sister, I've been given the hybrid title of Grand-Auntie.

I have yet to stop smiling and intend to pop the cork on something bubbly, to toast our newest family member.

[whitefordmd]

1. Congratulation. eom

[peacebird]

2. Congrats! Our grandson is just 14 months old, & believe me

You will LOVE being GrandAuntie!

[happynewyear]

8. Glad you have it right -- grand aunt indeed!

So many refer to themselves as a great aunt/uncles and there is no such animal to be found. There is a great grand aunt/uncle however!

Glad you are up on such things and congrats to the OP!

[fredamae]

3. Congrats! And enjoy! n/t

[polly7]

4. Congratulations, Siwsan.

What a wonderful way to bring in the new year! Lila, what a beautiful name .... I think maybe she's going to be just a tad spoiled by Grand-Auntie?

[Siwsan]

6. Her Mom made me PROMISE not to spoil her. So I will treasure her to pieces, instead

My niece is very much an "earth mother" type - Vegan, natural fabrics, very responsible. She's even using cloth diapers! I figure there is nothing more natural than cuddles for a baby and wisdom for a child, and I will give her those in abundance.

[polly7]

7. Awww .... she's a lucky little grand niece.

It sounds like she's in a very healthy, happy environment. There can never be too many cuddles or opportunities for wisdom .. what a great role you'll be playing. So much fun!

[MerryBlooms]

5. Oh, how wonderful! Congratulations!

[leftofcool]

9. We want pictures now!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats.

[Siwsan]

14. I am anxiously awaiting for my first photo and will definitely share it!

It was a pretty long labor. He called me at 2, yesterday, and she was dilated to about a 3. Lila arrived at 5:26 so Mom and Dad are pretty exhausted! The wait for my first glimpse of Lila is sheer torture!

[Arkansas Granny]

10. Congratulations. I hope this wonderful beginning means that this year

will be one of hope and happiness.

[mnhtnbb]

11. Congratulations, Grand-Auntie!

Time for a better year--and this is a great start for you and your family.

[1StrongBlackMan]

12. Congratulations!!! That IS a great way to start this new year ...

And, I am hoping that the rest of the year, just gets better and better, for your, yours and all of the DU family!

[malaise]

13. Lovely - regeneration

Life's cycles are amazing. Here's wishing you and yours all that is good.

[wendylaroux]

15. Ahhhh.. Sweet!

Babies make everything better!

[Hortensis]

16. That is absolutely the very best way to start the new year.

I'm very happy for you, Grand-Auntie. Lila means joy that will just keep coming.

[brer cat]

17. Way to ring in a new year!

I am sure you will be a GRAND Auntie, Siwsan.

[jalan48]

18. Congratulations! It sounds like things are turning around.

Life seems to be like that.

[etherealtruth]

19. How wonderful!!!!!!!

Hopes for a life filled with peace and contentment for her!!!!

[CTyankee]

20. well, I can wish you no better New Year's gift, Siwsan!

and Lila is such a lovely name...I'm sure she is just as lovely as her name...

At the same time, I offer condolences for your losses...there are those years where you think the losses will never stop...

congrats to you and your family on the wonderful new addition!

[madokie]

21. Congrats

for the awesomnest news yet

[Omaha Steve]

22. K&R!

OS

[Fla Dem]

23. What a wonderful gift for you. I wish you nothing but happiness in 2016! nt

[frazzled]

24. What a miracle!

A new girl is added to the family! And on New Year's Day, no less. I'm sure your sister, mother, and aunt are beaming on you all from somewhere out there in the universe .

Being a grand aunt is wonderful! I have four grandnieces, and the pleasures of seeing each one of them, so different and unique, grow and learn are phenomenal. It's the only good reason I know for the existence of Facebook and digital video and Skype! Getting to see them in person every once in a while (one of mine is far away in another country) is even more of a pleasure.

Enjoy this bright new start to a new and more hopeful year.

[femmocrat]

25. Congratulations, Siwsan!

We were blessed with a new grandchild in 2015, too. They bring us so much joy.

[Phentex]

26. Such good news!

Congrats to you and your family. Enjoy! I am happy for you.

[elleng]

27. CONGRATULATIONS!

[roguevalley]

28. I wish I could say in words how I feel for your loss. It happened to me too. But this is new life

and you are the path to the memories of everyone that baby would have loved themselves had they lived. Live long and prosper. I am happy as hell for you.

[cal04]

29. Congratulations!

That's great!
Love her name

[nadinbrzezinski]

30. Congrats

[ladyVet]

31. How precious! Even in our darkest hours, the circle of life continues. nt

[pnwmom]

32. My great-aunts were exactly like beloved grandmothers to me. I'm so glad

you and Lila will have this experience to share.

Congrats, Grand-Auntie!

(P.S. Grand-aunt is a traditional synonym for Great-aunt. But it will be uniquely special in your case.)