On October 20th, 2010, at exactly 10:55 p.m., the most beautiful baby in the history of humankind was born and I was there to witness it. Seeing that baby enter this world was so incredible that it defies description. For once in my life, I was at a loss for words. My midwife buddy said it perfectly. "Now you understand why I have the best job on the planet." And she does.
For five and a half weeks I stayed with that baby. He cast his spell over me, until I was totally enchanted! Time stopped and the world revolved around his pleasures and needs. That was okay by me. I wanted to stay even longer - say, perhaps until he left for college?
My daughter and son-in-law were exceedingly gracious and the time flew as we all watched the baby grow and change. He went from the sleepy infant to being the wide-eyed baby. Now every day we Skype so Grampy and I can gaze at him lovingly and see his new tricks. It makes us all feel like, although we are separated by the miles, we are still a part of his life. That matters to us more than we ever could have imagined.
Next week he will be making his first airplane ride, coming to Granny's for Christmas. (Of course Gramps lives here too and we will vie for holding time with each other and with Auntie Kate. I've been plotting my strategy now for weeks and am confident I will win!)
What they say about being a grandparent is true. It is joy beyond description.
Merry Christmas!!