For the Love of Babies

Babies are one of the sweetest gifts from God. How magnificent after only nine months a tiny human appears into this world. I recall a few moments (minus the obvious pain of childbirth) from when my daughters were born. An overwhelming relief when you hear their first cry. The exact moments when your babies are placed into your arms. The sweet scents of their newborn skin as you hold them tight. The touch on your fingertips tracing their tiny features while trying to figure out whom they look like. And the instantaneous swell of love multiplying in your heart.

It’s amazing how babies fill you with joy. Their charming innocence envelops you as simply as those little fingers wrap around yours. The dependence of a new little one will be the biggest and most rewarding job of a parent. When I thought about a future job in high school, I envisioned motherhood. As my babies grew, so did I. They motivated me both mentally and spiritually to strive to be a better person.

Babies and a First Time Mother

Babies’ needs are complex. Nothing can completely prepare you for the time when they arrive. Even though babysitting and having younger siblings were a help, the sole responsibility of a baby is overwhelming for a new mother. I wanted to do everything right. Family and friends are always good for advice, as well as reading books and articles. My first informative book was by Dr. Spock. (This is not the Dr. Spock with the Vulcan salute from Star Trek). Dr. Benjamin Spock wrote Baby and Child Care. When my second came, I received a subscription to Parenting magazine. By my third, the internet arrived (even though nearly an expert) I was able to Google my questions.

My first daughter was born in the hot summer month of August. She was a sweet size at 6 pounds 14.5 ounces. For a new mother, she made it easy on me. Always content, in fact, I only have one picture of her crying (and she was ill with Roseola).

My second daughter was slightly over 7 pounds by two and a half ounces. She was born in the springtime of May. The first six weeks went trouble-free and unfortunately, she developed colic. For three long months, I tried almost everything to keep her comfortable.

When my third daughter arrived, ten years passed (my second daughter believes it was because she was a little more challenging). Although my tummy grew the largest with my last, she was my smallest baby at 6 pounds 10 ounces. Born in the fall, October, she was an easygoing baby who enjoyed cuddling and singing (even if off key).

Grandchildren Babies

Life comes full circle when your babies begin having babies. Sometimes you can get sentimental like writing a blog post or showing everyone, you meet all the babies pictures in your cell phone. Even better than pictures is to show off your grandbabies in person. Convincing your children to bring them to your work is one good way and I’m wearing the guilty black and white stripes. Everything they do you’re proud of, it could be as simple as a first smile, rolling over or calling you Nana.

Of course spoiling is a given right of a grandparent. Whether taking them somewhere special, doing a project or in my husband’s case dishing out an ice cream cone. He’s also the typical papa when he digs in his pocket for money to put in their piggy banks.

Grandbabies are the perfection of your babies.

One of the questions asked when a baby is born is how big they were. I’d love to hear the size of your babies.