Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Finally, I'm Great


At long last, I can truly say I'm great at something. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm good at some things, but I've never been called great. All that changed in the middle of the night and I can tell you I awoke this morning feeling, well, Great!

Laura & husband Eric have safely delivered Olivia Grace into the world. All are doing fine. Although, the yeoman's effort on my niece's part started yesterday morning at 6:30 AM! Almost 24 hours for Olivia to make her appearance. Let's just hope that doesn't portend how punctual she'll be throughout her life. Otherwise, get in the habit of telling her a fake time, a half hour earlier than you want her someplace!

Many know well, the close and wonderful bond I have with Laura. She's the one I call the Daughter of My Heart. Now with Melissa as part of my life, I'm blessed with two fabulous daughters when before I had none. I am a very blessed woman!

But, few know that it was Laura as a tiny baby, who taught me what it feels like to fall in love. I mean, actually, feel the fall part. It happened 30 years ago, like Olivia's arrival, in the middle of the night.

Shortly after Laura was born, Linda had to spend the night in the hospital with nephew, Sean, whose tonsils wouldn't cooperate and wait till the new baby was settled. So, enter Aunt Holly to lend a hand.

Now, I'd done some baby sitting in my time, but this would be my solo flight over a night and day. My brother would be there but, once my brother's asleep? Trust me, you're on your own. He hears nothing. Let me repeat, NOTHING!

In the middle of the night, I heard a cat mewling. Wait, we don't have a cat. The cat turned up the volume and became a wail. Oh, wait, crap, that's The Baby! Yikes. So into the nursery I go to find a pink, fuzzy noggin. Face all screwed up and actual tears. So very upset, arms flailing. I picked up The Baby and walked. Nothing. I put down The Baby and changed her. Nothing. I sang to The Baby. Nothing. I warmed up a bottle and fed The Baby or, attempted to. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.

I exhausted every option I could think of- 45 minutes later, still crying away, I mean The Baby was crying, not me yet. At any rate, I attempted to wake my brother. Forget it. Couldn't be done. Even with the baby wailing like an air-raid siren next to him! That's impressive.

I became exhausted. The Baby was exhausted. I didn't know what else to try, so in total frustration I took her to my bed. I tucked her in between me and the wall. And, I curled around her because I was afraid she'd get crushed or fall or who knows what. Slowly, like a clock running down, the wails got less and less until...They stopped.

And, the only sound I could hear was a baby sigh of relief and small breaths in and out. I laid there in the miracle of silence and slowly, I began to feel a sensation of peace. I began to sense a bond and love that I had not sensed before. I know I'd been in love, but I never had the awareness of the falling in love. In a few sacred moments, in the middle of a night, I fell in love with a small baby who slept peacefully next to me until morning light woke us both. I fell in love and, for me, that loved transformed The Baby into Laura Michelle. My Lar-Lar.

My niece, who will be the most wonderful of mothers as she has been taught by Linda, her wonderful mother, who was taught by Judy, her wonderful mother. I'm so proud and happy for Eric & Laura. But, mostly I'm happy for Olivia Grace who has made it possible for me to be Great.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Great Aunt Holly

4 comments:

LionKing said...

You've always been great - just think of this as expanding your repertoire!

I bet most readers of this blog will have their "moment" recalled today. I well remember, like it was yesterday, when your other daughter, Melissa, fit in one hand. The most amazing moment - and it was repeated again 8 years later when the "warrior" Evan made his appearance - and yet again - when I found you. Smooches.

jkc said...

Beautiful baby...beautiful name. So glad everything went well!

Anonymous said...

FLOWERI agree with both of the above wit exclamation points!

Anonymous said...

I went through those moments less than two years ago when my granddaughter, Carley, was born. Two hours after her birth, she was in my arms and I saw her daddy in her....my first born. That's what love is all about.
God Bless Baby Olivia Grace

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