Until Tuesday, October 2 was an ordinary day on the calendar. Now it is forever recognized as Brooke’s Birthday, and we’ll celebrate the date every year with parties, cakes, and milestone achievements. And as I watch my son hold his newborn daughter, I’m filled with gratitude and joy. October 2 will never be the same again.
The miracle of birth never ceases to amaze me, and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to see my delightful children and their charming spouses as new parents. That’s one of the many positive features about getting older. I’ll be there to help when needed, to bite my tongue at every tantrum, and loudly praise every piece of colorful artwork taped onto the refrigerator. And I’ll spoil my grandkids to my heart’s content. This grandparent gig is a lot of fun.
Three decades ago, the labor and delivery process was a lonely experience for me. I always wanted to have a waiting room full of eager relatives, similar to the movie scene in Father of the Bride II, and that’s what we shared Tuesday evening as the baby’s sisters, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins gathered for the grand announcement. There was a nervous energy until my son appeared and tried to be cool and calm – except he was trembling with joy. I shed a tear because my baby just had a baby, and the world is a better place.
So much has changed since he was born, and technology has enhanced the labor and delivery scene for the entire family. Throughout the day, my daughter-in-law sent text messages:
“11:57 am – Contractions every 2-3 minutes.”
“12:54 pm – Dilated 4cm.”
“3:36 pm – Dilated 5 cm.”
“5:20 pm – Holy Cow! I’m at 10!”
Baby Brooke arrived at 6:00 pm, by 6:30 we were all in the room and I had taken a photo with my cell phone and posted it on the Internet through Facebook. Within 18 hours, the baby had been professionally photographed and a digital version was available for purchase. This little girl is coming into a world of tremendous advances and incredible inventions, and we’ll all watch her journey with amazement.
Even with all the available modern skills and opportunities, her life comes with a solid foundation that has been established from generations full of colorful characters and trusted traditions. She’ll be surrounded by a loving and nurturing family who will celebrate her life, share their stories, and watch her blossom. She joins the special club of giggling girls who call me Tutu, and I’m delighted to be their grandmother. And, because I know my son and daughter-in-law, I’m confident that this awesome child will be protected, cherished, and nurtured beyond measure. Welcome to the world, sweet baby girl. Thank you for choosing us.
Today’s blog was fueled by a lovely bottle of 2007 Cakebread Cabernet. It’s rich, robust, and worth of a birthday celebration.
