My Baby's Baby

I was thrilled when my daughter told us that she wouldn’t be home for Christmas this year. Thrilled because the reason she can’t travel is the arrival of our first grandchild! Yes, my baby is having a baby. When I heard my daughter tell us that our special gift was due to arrive on December 20th, I was elated. We talked, we planned, and we giggled. After we hung up the phone, it hit me.

Where has all that time gone? Has it really been more than twenty-eight years since I felt those flitters and movements that told me I soon would be joining the motherhood club? It doesn’t seem quite possible.

I get lost thinking about the little blonde girl who would squeeze my hand as she toddled her first steps, and her huge grin when she was finally able to let go. All of those nights that we cuddled up to read a good book keep flooding my mind. I remember the teething and the sleepless nights, the toothless grins and the squeals of laughter.

It was over twenty-eight years ago when the doctor announced that we had a little girl. My husband and I held each other, and then came that moment that forever changed my life. The nurses handed me that little bundle, and I looked down at my daughter for the very first time. More than twenty-eight years. It seems impossible.

Her first ride on a bicycle, the first day of school. I see all of those peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that I packed in lunches. The school field trips, the loose teeth, and yes, the broken bones. Memories of school plays and concerts, birthday parties and sleepovers.

Then there was high school. The first date. Those first times that she drove solo in the car were filled with anxiety and fear. Graduation with all of its excitement, and then that drive to drop her off at college. It all went so fast. It seems like just a blink.

Then I think of what joy being a parent has brought to my life. It’s something that I’ve wanted for her since that day her father walked her down the aisle. My baby’s going to have a baby, and the joy of parenthood is soon to fill her life. How lucky for me that my life will also be filled with the joy of watching my beautiful daughter grow into her new role as Mommy. It truly is the circle of life.