Your Daddy’s Mama
I don’t know what it means to be a grandmother. It’s probably a role you grow into. When my son and his wife went to a wedding this weekend, Joe and I had some bonding time with three week old Bryce. I introduced myself to him. “I’m your daddy’s mama,” I said, wanting him to know that I was a mama too and that he could relax and feel in good hands.
“I haven’t done this in a while, I said to his parents before they left. “But not too worry. I feel completely comfortable. Once mothering is in you, it never leaves,” I assured them. I also had some help, a more than willing partner called “Grampa Joe.”
It was like drinking in an infusion of love, getting a booster shot to ward off life’s automatic pilot. After five hours of feeding, changing, rocking, watching, and kissing Bryce, we drove home with his sweet smell all over us. I knew his mama would notice our smell on him because I remember when I was a young mother how heightened primal instincts were and how sense details came into play.
Zoom in for Your Close-up: Video Clip of Bryce is HERE. One day old photos are HERE.
June 8th, 2008 11:56 pm
I think his neck is very strong for one so young!! Very cute baby, Colleen, and you will be a great grandmom!!
June 9th, 2008 2:27 am
Hi Colleen,
It’s been a while – and it’s also been a while since I have had any sustained interaction with very small children. My time will come soon enough, although I am in no hurry to be a grandparent. Fortunately, my kids are in no hurry to be parents either!
Cute pictures –
Michele sent me
Mike
June 9th, 2008 7:37 am
Precious moments!
June 9th, 2008 9:38 am
Truth – berfore I came to your site today I said I wonder when we’ll see more baby boy- I’m in serious withdrawal- Voila . I’m good now for about a week!!!
leg l;oks better!!
June 9th, 2008 10:11 am
Ah, the joy of being a Grammie! You have no idea (yet) how wonderful it can be. YOU become the place he will know he can always come to, no matter what. YOU are hugs and smiles and love when his parents have dealt with dirty diapers, throw-up down their backs, crying spells.
I remember my daughter saying to me, as I handed homemade oatmeal cookies to my grands, “But Mom! You never would let US eat cookies so close to a meal!” HA! Grammies and Grampies get to break those rules, and the grandkids know that. Oh, there are still rules…no banging on the piano, shoes off if you’ve treked through mud or snow. Later, you get to dance with your grandkids, and I know you’ll be ready for that! Enjoy every minute.
June 9th, 2008 11:55 am
Precious and sweet! Babies are terrific and even more terrific when they’re you’re grandkids (or so I am told). I’ll enjoy watching this one grow up as you blog about him.
June 9th, 2008 11:57 am
I love the photo of you with him where you seem to be talking to him. Can’t believe he is that old already! Time flies. I don’t have any grandchildren yet…my daughter isn’t ready!!!
June 9th, 2008 12:01 pm
I just visited with my 6 week old niece – Her momma hardly had a chance to hold her while I was in town. I kissed and rocked and snuggled with that precious girl. Babies are just incredible! I’m so glad you had the chance to be with your little grandbaby. It is a precious time, precious indeed.
Have a great day!
Kristin
June 9th, 2008 1:08 pm
oh, colleen – he is so adorable! lucky you. it is so deeply soothing to nurture babies, i think. that very primitive love and trust are both such treasures! thanks for posting these photos and the video. a great morning infusion of visual love for me. 🙂 hope the foot is better.
June 9th, 2008 4:06 pm
What a wonderful experience for you and for the baby. I admire your son and daughter-in-law’s courage. So many parents are too paranoid to give their child the opportunity to bond with a grandparent or relative. I’m delighted that Bryce will have you growing up!
How’s the ankle?
June 9th, 2008 4:19 pm
He’s gorgeous Colleen. It must be wild to be a grandmother.
http://www.GreenerPastures–ACityGirlGoesCountry.blogspot.com
June 9th, 2008 8:57 pm
Oh how I miss my babies!!!!
He is so cute and the mothers look good too and for that matter so doesn’t Grampa Joe.
June 9th, 2008 9:06 pm
I love the top photo–the two of you getting acquainted and just beginning to figure out who you will be to each other. That’s where it begins–the love, the amazing journey that is grandparenthood.
June 9th, 2008 9:19 pm
love the photos and the video! what a precious little boy….
and how did you get those tan legs with irish roots? i inherited my scotch-irish ancestors’ pearly whites. 🙂
June 9th, 2008 9:53 pm
You can’t see all the freckles on my legs. I do like to bare my skin and bath in the sun in moderation. I find I feel better when I do.
June 10th, 2008 9:04 pm
What a beautiful boy Bryce is! Aren’t babies wonderful? My brother just became a grandfather for the first time, and he is just completely smitten with his sweet baby granddaughter.
Hope your leg is feeling better!