Baby Goes Out

Hiya, Derek,

Last Sunday after church, you and your mom and dad joined Papa and me (and a whole bunch of other people) for lunch at Mike & Gayle's restaurant, where you mostly slept and didn't even cry once.

Could your dad look more proud?
I think not!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

I mentioned the name of the restaurant because this coming weekend will be their last in business due to a problem negotiating a new lease. That's grown-up stuff that you won't care about for a long time! Sometimes, Derek, no matter how hard we try or how much people support what we're doing or how well we do it, we will not succeed. But that doesn't mean we should not give it our best shot. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

Nana went off on a tangent again. That seems to happen a lot, but I hope you will be patient with me, or maybe even think my tangents are endearing. We shall see.

Here's what I meant to tell you when I started this letter, Derek. When I picked you up to hold you, because I just love holding you, you tensed yourself up really tight all over. Your tiny body felt, for the first time, as though it is becoming strong and solid and not delicate. Of course, you only weigh eight pounds, so you are still very small and just starting to learn how to hold your head up. Still, it was thrilling! Right now, you fit perfectly in the curve of my arm, close to my body. Soon, you will be giving me hugs. I love hugs, and I know I will especially love yours.

Papa and I are so proud of you!

Much love,
Nana

Babysitting!

Dear Derek,

Oh, Nana is doing so well! I didn't call you Bump! Oops. Well, I can only do well for just so long, much like most people. Pretty soon, you will understand what that's like, Derek.

Last Friday, your mom had very special company all the way from Minnesota. That's very far. Your mom's friend who was the maid of honor at your parents' wedding was visiting. I thought they would like to have some "girl time," and so I was very happy indeed when your mom asked me to watch you while they went grocery shopping. Okay, so I offered, and she accepted. They were gone a little longer than expected, and you were so hungry! It was a good thing that Mommy had left some milk in the freezer for you.

It's been a very long time since I've warmed up a bottle for a newborn! It was your "first" bottle since coming home from the hospital, and you drank it all down in about five minutes. And then you didn't even burp. Your mom says you are a champion nurser. Yes, you are!

He's a good nurser!
Photo by Harry.
All rights reserved.

I love to hold you, Derek. Your sweet little face is so adorable and tiny and precious, and you smell good, too. What a handsome little man you are.

Sunday was your first day at church. The ladies were very good about looking at you without touching you. Well, most of them. And the rest of them couldn't help themselves. Happily, you didn't mind too much. It's hard to be upset with them. They all love you so much already. Church ladies go a little gaga over babies.

Papa holding Derek.
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

And today, Papa and I got to go to your house to watch you together! You were so good and slept right through until Nana had finished a few chores to help out your mom, and then you "ate" really well again. But you had a couple of really big burps for Nana. Your mom said it would make your dad so proud!

My heart gets very full whenever I think of you, Derek.

Much love,
Nana