Seven years ago, my oldest son left home to be with the woman he loves. I wrote at that time expressing my concerns that he wasn't ready, that he wasn't mature enough, that he wasn't thinking clearly. I also wrote that I didn't think I was ready.

They were married three months later. The following year they welcomed Kira Marie into their lives. Again, I wrote expressing every parent's normal concerns that they were too young, just starting out, that they were not mature enough or experienced enough to start a family, that they were not ready to be parents. And that I was not ready to be a grandparent. I even had a hard time saying the "g" word.

There is a world of difference between the young couple then and now. They've weathered adversity, job layoffs, and the typical bumps in the road that most couples face. Their daughter is a happy, bright, outgoing marvel, a credit to her parents' love and patience. And you can see the love in their faces at being together. I'm never more proud of my son than when I see what a terrific father he is. And they've stuck together. They've matured. They've kept their heads in the worst of times. They share their joy in good times. As they did a week ago.

On Monday, December 18th, they welcomed Aaron Lee into their family. A big, strapping eight pounds, fourteen ounces. I held him in my arms that night, and darned if he didn't lift his head and look me square in the eye. This is one kid who's going to meet life on his own terms, head-on. Like his father.

Do I think my son is ready? Yes. Me? I'm still not sure. But I'm having too much fun watching him with his children to worry about it!

Welcome to the world, Aaron Lee. You're in the best of company.