Babies: A Grandma's Point of View

I loved when my children were babies. Small and sweet and helpless. However, like other Moms, I had so much to do to keep a house running, and keep the family fed that I never really fully got to enjoy them. Before I knew it, they were no longer babies, but children, then teens, and now adults.

Fast Forward to the present. I now have the incredible honor of being a "gamma" to two beautiful children. Only 18 months apart, these little wonders are the apple of my eye. I am not in such a hurry anymore. "Gamma" has plenty of time for them. My oldest being 22 months and my youngest being 3 months they are both in precious stages. My oldest and I have babble sessions. Well, she babbles, I respond as if I can understand her. "aheod hoefslj dowren." To which I respond, "You know, I was saying that VERY thing just yesterday!" She is cute and compact (she will be very short) and funny. She comes to gamma for comfort and for fun. For the most part, it is her Mother and Father's responsibility to discipline her, even though they live with me. As much as I treasure the times I have with her, the best part is, when I am having a bad day, or am tired and just do not want to deal with children, I can go into my room and shut the door!

My little Grandson, the 3 month old had a rough start. Last month he had to have surgery because apparently he was born with some twisted intestines which prevented him from thriving. He is fine now, and he and I are getting to really know each other. When my own children would get fussy, I would get distressed. When my "little stickman" cries, it makes me smile. I comment on what a cute "sad face" he has as I comfort him. He loves the little songs I make up, (I did that with my own kids too) Each day is a new discovery. He has now discovered his hands and arms and they simply fascinate him!

With my Grand Children, I am older, more relaxed, and better able to enjoy them. I celebrate each new milestone with them as well as celebrate each new day. They have brought new hope, and new excitement into my life. It is an experience I will always treasure. So, for all of the Moms out there, I say thank you! We may not always be able to express it, but those children you brought into the world are new hope for we Grand Parents! Some day, you will understand.