Now I'm a believer
Surprise! I do love Mac. More than I thought I would.
Despite many a grandparent telling me it would happen, that I would fall in love with the second grandchild as easily as the first, I didn't really believe it.
Despite having written a post — and recently re-publishing that post — about how my heart grew with each additional child I birthed, I didn't really believe it.
No, I didn't believe it. I love Bubby beyond words and I couldn't imagine lightning striking twice and feeling such a way for another child.
Silently worrying that I might be flawed and not have the proper grandma gene or that I may have missed out on some elite grandma training, either rendering me unable to automatically love and adore the second, I took the advice, the words of wisdom — from others and from myself — in stride. I didn't really believe it. I figured I'd just keep it hush-hush once I met Mac and confirmed that he didn't rock my world the way Bubby did.
But rock it he did. And after only a day or so with him, the tremors courtesy of Baby Mac become full-blown heart movers and shakers.
I didn't cry when I first set eyes on Mac, as I did with Bubby. Yet my heart did a whoop-de-doo or two upon seeing his adorable bowed lips, chubby cheeks, long legs and round little fuzz-covered head. It was upon holding him that the tremors began ... and intensified with each cuddle, each cry, each tiny grip of his fingers around mine.
Sure, Mac likes to eat. A lot. Which worked in my favor during my visit. Megan supplements nursing with bottles, so Mac's hearty appetite provided me plenty of opportunities to bond with him over bottles.
And, yes, Mac is responsible for the very worst-ever diaper-changing episode endured by this grandma. Worst. Ever. But his relieved face with bright eyes focusing on light play on the ceiling as I changed him — three times in a row in one visit to the changing table — plus his soft coos upon finally being cleaned up led to more bonding, not cussing.
Then there were his grunts and groans. Not during diaper fillings but during his sleep...while I or anyone else held him. Just like this:
Hearing such baby noises was the final straw, the act that fondly and firmly cemented Mac's place in my heart. Right next to Bubby's place.
Equal to Bubby's place.
I admit it, fellow grandmas and grandpas: You were right. I can love the second grandchild just as much as the first. More importantly, I do love my second grandchild as much as the first.
Now I'm a believer!
And a real grandma after all.
Today's question:
Do you grunt, er, snore in your sleep?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Reader Comments (15)
It's funny that I have never wondered about loving another child as much as the first borns. I wonder if it is because I started with two? I just always want as many babies around me as possible! You are blessed, the boys are wonderful!
What an adorable video! And yes, I snore. I really can't help it, so why be ashamed?
I don't think I snore normally, but I did during pregnancy. Mac is a cutie, for sure. All those things you described have pulled my heart strings here at home. Yep, even the diaper changing disaster! :0)
I cried my eyes out at the ultrasound of my Grandson-to-be. Perhaps because he's a different gender I haven't doubted for a second that I'll love him as much as my Granddaughter? I'm in love with him already and I haven't even met him yet...I wonder if that's weird?
Nope, I absolutely don't snore or grunt in my sleep and I don't care what my family says...they're all liars! lol.
May your heart continue to do whoop-de-dos and grow in love for these first two to benefit from your great grandma heart! You could now write that elite grandma training book.
What a handsome little guy! He is so cute. Lisa, you have an endless supply of grandma love just you wait and see.
To answer your question: Hmmmm yes, I hear I do. And, my bed fellow is not fond of it at all!
I was really, incredibly worried I wouldn't love my second kid as much as my first, and what do you know? Same thing happened to me. He's tied for first place with his sister.
I do snore. A fact I remembered yesterday when thinking about BlogHer and hoping I don't disturb my roommate.... :)
Oh my goodness! Who could resist those adorable little sleeping sounds. It makes me want to hold him.
My husband says that I sigh and hum in my sleep. He snores, sometimes quite loudly. I think sighing and humming is more ladylike. ;)
I'm right in line with you on this ... #2 just arrived. Sweet as can be!
All I can say is Awwwwwwwwwww. Cute pics. Precious video! Yea I snore. Don't know if you knew but Deb actually recorded my snore once. It was sobering......and Loud!
Do you really want to know that? You won't ask for video verifying it will you? You won't, OK then here goes...At my age, .I snore so loud that I'm surprised you don't hear it all the way out there at your house. Well that's what my girls tell me anyway. I was once recorded by my college room mates in college. When they played it back the next day I heard and now a word from our sponser......SNOOOOOOOR Sorry, I can't quite duplicate that sound on a keyboard. There now everyone will know why I remain single since my husband passed away.
What an adorable video! Mac is a big and bright, alert boy! I knew you'd love him as much as Bubby once you held him and got to know him :)
Snore? Not me! Never! lol!
see, I knew you would fall in love :)
I snore--poor Mr. J! oh wait he snores too ;)
Oh dear, I must have been flawed and just not known it. I'd whip into my daughter's to steal away my oldest grandson when my granddaughter was new. There were so many fun things you could do with a 2-year-old. I was waiting, as my grandfather once told me about my new born daughter when I asked him to visit, "til her eyes are open." But once she said "Gra-ma," I was dead meat. And this latest one, has me with his squeals and open arms. They are all my favorites now -- my favorite 8-year-old, my favorite 5-year-old, and my favorite 1-1/2 year old. I can't imagine my life without them.
So very sweet! That video is priceless.