Birthday Boy/Little Man

My little man turned five last week and according to his mother was not to thrilled with the fact. She had been telling him that when he turned five he would no longer be a baby, but rather, would be a big boy and soon be starting kindergarten. "No momma stop singing Happy Birthday to me because I don't want to be a big boy, I wanna be a baby." This is what the birthday boy said last week to his mother when at 6 am she woke him to get ready for daycare.

Becoming a grandmother was one of the happiest days of my life when it happened 5 years ago. I had made, ok really asked and begged, my son to hold off till I at least turned 40 before making me a Nana and thankfully he complied. I couldn't imagine being a grandmother before this age and was quite happy he waited. Although honestly I don't figure my begging had anything to do with it really. I still remember the day quite vividly. Funny how the mind works this way, I can't remember what I had to eat yesterday but can recall this day in all it's joy. Though sometimes the exact date escapes me, for this I use Princess's brain to remember these small details for me.

The night my daughter in law went into labor her and my son stopped by my house on the way to the hospital per my instructions. No way was I being left out of this grand event regardless of the time of day or the day itself. It was very late in the evening when this happened and I was getting ready for bed. My poor DIL was excited, scared and thrilled to be in labor. She was also scared to death to ride to the hospital with my son. Son was driving like a maniac since he was scared and excited too. So off we went, her and I alone in my car and poor son in their car alone. I know strange but that's the way it was. We arrived naturally in plenty of time since this was DIL's first baby, in fact we had time to spare. Hours to be exact.....we waited patiently for little man to come into the world.

My son and DIL wanted me in the labor and delivery room with them for this occasion. I didn't want to be anywhere else either. I couldn't imagine being outside in the waiting room pacing the floors. I wanted in there as well. For the most part I tried to stay out of the way, only talking when needed and let my son handle things and take care of his wife. I enjoyed seeing the play of emotions going across both of their faces during this time and hearing the exchange of words passed between them. Words like: "Don't you ever come near me again, this is all your fault" as said by DIL. To which I remember smiling and remembering saying those exact words myself. "This hurts like hell" once more my DIL saying it like it is. To be honest though her delivery and labor sure beat the hell out of mine. She was in labor around 14 hours with no stitches needed and barely any pain meds. Lucky her!!

Little Man arrived early the morning of April 23, 2003 and weighed in at 5 lbs. 5 ozs. The most beautiful baby in all the world. Next to his father and aunt of course. I cried big tears of joy and happiness and couldn't wait to get my hands on him. When I finally was able to do so I really honestly didn't want to give him back. Of course I had to but damn it was hard.

I spent the night with DIL that first night and loved every single minute of being Nana and helping when needed. I gave Little Man his second bottle and remember holding him so close and cooing to him and making him promises about the future. I remember his mother sleeping and me being able to have those precious times alone that night. I was overwhelmed with joy, memories, emotions and pride.

Little Man and I have spent many hours together. It's wonderful being a grandmother. Words sometimes cannot describe the feeling. My only wish is that he lived closer to me so that I could spend more time with him.