I’m not sure I can describe all the feelings that go along with that name, but I thought I would give it a try.
When I’m holding Victor as he sleeps on my chest it takes me back to the days when I used to hold my babies like that. Those waves of love that seem overwhelming as they flow over me are the same, but there is a difference. I feel like it’s easier this time; like I’ve learned a lot in the intervening years and can just sit with those feelings.
I’m not as consumed with worries; either about what I need to do today or about what the future has in store for the angel in my arms. Maybe I’ve learned that the first doesn’t really matter and the second is out of my control.
I am more confident in the protective factor of the love that surrounds him. No matter what life throws at him, he will have a whole team of people in his corner, and I have learned to have faith in the power of that.
A Bottle of New Baby Joy
I wish I could bottle the whole experience – the squirming and the stillness, the squeaks and the silence, those little noises, the way he grabs my shirt or finger and holds on like I’m his lifeline, the belly breaths and the faces he makes…and there’s nothing like that new baby smell! It’s impossible to feel anything but hopeful when I’m in the midst of it.
Imagine if we could take that and spread it everywhere. The hope could be a cure for depression, and the pull to be present and enjoy could be a cure for anxiety. Imagine…
And watching your baby become a momma…wow, that’s very cool! Watching her navigate all the new experiences and find her way as she loves that little one with all her heart. And seeing how her relationship with her husband is evolving to include this new blessing; they are so good together.
I have to say that I have had part of this experience with Phil, Jessica and Ethan, but I didn’t meet Ethan until he was 4, so I missed the baby stage. It was awesome to watch Phil evolve into Ethan’s stepdad; the three of them also have a wonderful relationship!
One Piece of Advice
If I could give one piece of advice to new mommas and daddies, it would be to trust yourself. You’ve got this. You know what’s best for your baby. There is SO MUCH information out there. And every source purports to have THE answer to help EVERY baby sleep and eat and grow and develop.
My very wise mom used to say that unfortunately the baby never read the book, and that is even more true when information is coming at you from every side.
So, my advice is to gather the information, take it all in, be open to trying new things and then put it through the filter of your gut – what do YOU think is the best thing for your baby. “Experts” can give you information from research and their personal experience, but no one knows your baby as well as you do. They may sound like they know the one best way to do things, but they don’t know your baby. Trust yourself, you’ve got this! And when you need help, ASK!
Being a gramma is, without a doubt, THE BEST JOB EVER! It’s like you “pay your dues” as a parent and this is your reward…and it’s so worth it!! I have loved, and continue to love, every minute of being a parent, but being a gramma is even better; being a gramma ROCKS!
