Haven't forgotten

Last Friday afternoon, Arend and I (after picking 17 quarts of blueberries) loaded our grandson's *things* in the back of our van (along with our grandson) and made our way back home to spend time with a precious (almost) 4-month-old sweetie. Waving good-bye to my son and his girlfriend and her 3-year-old son brought smiles, and butterflies too. Would little Riley miss his Mommy & Daddy too much and maybe we'd have to bring him back earlier than planned.

No, I told myself, we're not going to fret about that right now. Let's get him settled in at our place and take care of him as best we can; that is, if I haven't forgotten how!

The (hour and 15 minute) drive home went smooth as silk, with Riley cooing in the back seat, in his car seat of course, watching the miles roll by while Arend and I gabbed about how the next few days would play out.

I knew (without saying) that I would be taking care of the grandbaby--that was a given, but maybe I could (possibly) get Arend to watch over him if I had to leave the room or something--that was okay with Hubby.

What I didn't realize, however, was the special connection this precious bundle would have with my heart, as he and I talked and cooed, as grandparents and their *babes* do. Rocking him to sleep in the minutes just before sunset, feeling his soft breath against my neck, brought sigh upon sigh of contentment from my lips, and his too. I sang a few lullubys to him, all the while smiling, with a tear or two tucked in the corners of my eyes, ready to spill at any moment.

And those 5:30 feedings, after Riley had slept for almost 9 hours straight (much better that Nanna did)--well, the morning "coming alive" had never looked or felt so sweet. Riley is a true *snuggler* and Nanna was happy with that. He even looked right up at me after one burp and grinned, as if to say, "What do you think of that Nanna"?

But all the words in the world could never articulate the depth of feeling in my heart and soul, to hold and spend quality "Nanna" time with that child--child of "my child"!

I guess you get the impression by now that I'm oh so captivated by a certain little babe and I hope and pray he can visit with Nanna as often as his parents allow.

Pictures capture his looks and smiles and "kodak" moments, but having him in my arms is the only *real* way to bond and experience that special relationship between us. Having said that, if you're reading this post, you certainly can see how he stole my heart. Of course, no one with a camera in hand (grin) was around in the wee hours of the morning but you get the picture anyway if you're a Nanna or Grandpa.
Until the next time, Blessings to you and "yours",
Barb