A Baby in the House
I didn't get married until I was 35 so I never had kids of my own. Frankly, I never had much to do with babies. But I married a woman with two grown children and one grandchild. My stepdaughter with the grandchild lived in another state so I still wasn't exposed to any babies. Other than when I was a kid with my younger brothers, I never even held a baby until my third grandchild was born. Funny story about that: While I was holding him he apparently got hungry and thought I might be able to accomodate the situation. As he tried to latch onto my shirt with his mouth, everyone in the room was going into hysterics. Everyone but me. :)
My granddaughter had a baby girl last year and about 10 months ago they moved into my house. I now have the chance to experience what I've always missed and never thought I wanted or needed. I get to spend major amounts of time with little Krissa. And what a special baby she is (but aren't they all?)
She was about 4 months old when I rocked her to sleep in my arms for the first time. The feeling was indescribable. To think that a little child would be comfortable enough and feel safe enough with you to fall asleep while you cradled her was one of the most awesome things I've ever felt. I'm sure every parent out there knows this feeling.
I'm getting to watch her grow and develop. She learns so quickly. I probably shouldn't be overly proud of this but I taught her to say "dude."
Every time she sees me her face lights up, as does mine. We have so much fun together--watching Sesame Street videos on youtube (she walks to the computer and says "Babies!"), blowing bubbles in the backyard, looking at my book of llamas (she loves llamas already; I told you she was smart), or just playing hide and seek in the curtains.
I've come to realize that when you hold a baby in your arms what is actually happening is that they are holding your heart in their hands.
I hope you enjoyed this blog entry. For most of you there is nothing new here. You've experienced how special a baby is. I do want to caution that this is probably the only personal glimpse you will have into my life, so don't be looking for another installment. :)
13 Comments:
Thanks for sharing, Gary. I only have two grand children, 20 and 9. My son who is 45 is going to be a daddy for the first time in February. He is on top of the world.
By honeybee4, Sep 28 09 10:58 AM
Babies just seem to bring out the best in us.
Enjoy Elmo. He is a pretty smart "dude". Sesame Street is fun to watch.
By Deunan, Sep 28 09 11:22 AM
If you'd had the same experience in your twenties, chances are, it wouldn't have been as wonderful! I really believe we appreciate most things more when we're older...Kids, included! I'm happy you got your chance. :)
By veronikkamarrz, Sep 28 09 12:13 PM
What a wonderful,insightful blog.I can appreciate all that you have been experiencing.I have 5 granchildren but the baby is 8,so we don't have any little babies.I really do miss that too.Enjoy it while they are little, they do grow so fast.
By pattycake65, Sep 28 09 2:59 PM
Thank you, everybody.
Deunan--She loves Elmo. How did you know?
VM--It's hard to say what it would have been like to have a baby in my life 30 years ago. I'll never know. This is pretty good, though.
honeybee and patty--You've had children and grandchildren so I'm sure nothing I said here was new to you.
By deputygary, Sep 28 09 5:59 PM
Awwwh you're a softy, DG! :)
But I promise I won't tell anyone!
I always think that children are a way for us (as adults) to see the world again, properly.
And a great excuse to watch some terrific movies and TV shows! :D
I have two nephews 7 and 3, and my three step grandbabies are 2 and a half, 3 years and 4 weeks - all the Other Kids are big teenagers or 20 somethings.
It is So Nice having Little People around! :)
And I think you're wrong about saying there is nothing new about your feelings - every feeling with Every Child is Different.
And seeing someone special with their special little person - that's beyond words, and gives me tears! :)
And a Little Update .....occasionally?
Please? :)
By MarchHare007, Sep 28 09 6:44 PM
This is beautiful and evocative, Gary. And I remember my son at six months, opening his eyes to make sure I was still there, before finally giving in to sleep. Yes, we identify, and yes, it's the best feeling.
By lesley153, Sep 28 09 8:00 PM
lesley--thank you. And thank you for sharing the story of your six month old son.
Stew--I am Not a Softy. Am not! Am not! Am not! As to updates...maybe.
By deputygary, Sep 29 09 8:10 PM
Of course you're not a softy! :)
Updates would be lovely.
By lesley153, Sep 30 09 8:07 AM
There sure is no feeling quite like it. Thanks for sharing that...it brings back memories. :) I still know all of the Disney movies from watching them over and over and over...:)
By AnneBonney, Oct 01 09 12:09 PM
What a great window into your heart, makes me proud to know you and touch the softer side of you! :)
I'm expecting grandchild #7 in late January, so the excitement will be here before we know it! Fortunately this daughter lives near by so I can savor all of this nearly daily! :)
I am a mother of three, step mom of two and have taken care of many other children as many as 11 at a time, all tolled. Every single one of them has a place in my heart!
Thanks so much for sharing this and I honestly think that there's no way that Krissa could not love llamas! :)
Hugssssss
Giz
By funnytrivianna, Oct 03 09 5:04 PM
You're welcome AB. So you should be a whiz at the Disney movie Expert game? :)
You must have a heart as big as Canada, Giz. I have great admiration for foster parents. And when you said there was no way Krissa could not love llamas, you meant who doesn't love llamas, right? :)
By deputygary, Oct 04 09 8:56 PM
A glimpse into the enigma that is DG... but a very heart-warming one. Thanks for sharing your story. And now I understand the reason behind your profile commentaries :)
By Squisher, Oct 15 09 7:41 PM