Papa's Hat

Dearest little man,

Last Friday, when Papa and I left your house, we forgot his hat. It is a black ball cap with a Pink Floyd emblem on it. We remembered it on the way home, but we were already almost there, so we thought we would pick it up next time.

Imagine Papa's surprise when you and your Mommy came to our PrimeTimers meeting to deliver it! You were so excited to be doing this special thing for Papa. You came into the room and looked all around very carefully, and then you spotted him! You ran to him, waving the hat, "Papa hat! Papa hat!" Derek, your enthusiasm and huge smile and giggles lit up the whole room. It was like the door had opened and let sunshine in.

And then you saw the drum kit on the platform! Oh, how you love drums and music and dancing. You jumped from foot to foot, grinning from ear to ear, your beautiful blonde hair bouncing up and down with you. Nana danced with you. Mommy smiled and laughed with both of us. It was wonderful. You have very good rhythm! Everyone in the whole room thought it was the cutest thing they had ever seen. And so it was.

When your baby brother is a little older, what fun you will have running and playing together. I wonder if he will dance, too? He is already crawling all over and pulling himself up to a standing position. He doesn't know that he's small. He thinks he is as big as you are. But, of course, he isn't. Not yet, anyway. Nana loves to see how much you love him and how nice you are to him, how gentle and kind.

And now my heart is very full and feels very big. I am pretty sure it will start overflowing all the way to my eyes again as I tell you once more how very much I love you and Blake. Yep. There it goes, overflowing to my cheeks. But that's okay. It's a beautiful feeling.

See you very soon, my darling,
Nana

Today, You Are Two

Dearest Derek,

Today, you are two years old, and your little brother is six months old. As you always say when something is either wonderful or overwhelming, "Wow!"

Nana is shaking her head at how quickly time passes. On Saturday, there will be a party for you, and you will open lots of presents and eat cake! I wonder if you will get the frosting all over your face, like you did last year?

I am looking forward to seeing you, and I am bringing you a gift that your Mama said you would especially like. I hope you do! But I know you will love the one she has for you, Derek. How disappointed I was when I saw that it had disappeared from the wish list! Then she told me she was the one who had it, so everything is fine. If anyone gives you a gift that will be your favorite, it should be you own Mama and Dada.

No, I can't tell you what it is. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I am sure looking forward to seeing your eyes light up when you see it!

Happy birthday, darling boy,
Your Own Nana

My Own Nana

Dearest Derek,

Papa and I just love our Friday afternoons with you and Blake. The way your face lights up when you see us come into the room is its own reward, and then there's that big smile you reserve for Papa.

"Papahhhhh" you say just before the excitement takes over your legs, and you run down the hall or over to the back door. Because Papa never says "No" to taking you outside so you can play together, you dashing from one end of the yard to the other, and he doing his best to keep up with you. He especially likes pushing you around in your red "cahcah," and you especially like tugging his hand and urging him to take you for a little walk in the forbidden zone: the sidewalk in front of the house.

I am not sure if you are plotting your escape into the bigger world or if you just want to see the big, shiny "cahcahs" that are parked in the driveways and here and there on the curb. You point to the blue one that is in front of your house, and you say, "Nana cahcah." Yes, that's my blue car, Derek.

The first time you and Papa went out the gate, I was in the house taking care of little Blake, who is also such a happy fellow and very cuddly, too. You and Papa went out to the back yard, as usual. Suddenly, the doorbell rang at the front door. I went to answer it, and there you were! The joy bubbled up inside of you, and you giggled and laughed at the fun of this new game. Your laugh is a tiny bit maniacal and mischievous, and it lights up my heart.

Speaking of lighting up my heart, the other day I picked you up so you could see the appliances on the countertop in the kitchen. You are fascinated with those, just as you are fascinated with everything in your world. You held me very tight and put your head on my shoulder in a brief cuddle. And then you looked up at me and said, very softly, "My own Nana," and put your head back down on my shoulder. My heart melted so much that water ran out of my eyes. Yes, Derek, I am your own Nana.

And I love you.

Ba-a-a-a-by!

Darling one,

Nana and Papa are so proud of the way you have greeted your baby brother.

When your mama was in the hospital for Blake's birth, we were very excited to be able to stay with you and take care of you and play with you. You did so well.

You had fun with Nana and Papa! Nanas and Papas have a very hard time saying, "No," to their grandchildren, we have noticed. Your mama says that is perfectly fine. She says grandparents are supposed to spoil their grandchildren. Isn't she wonderful? But you already know that.

You missed your mama and dada, of course. Every once in a while, you would ask, "Mama?" And Papa and I would explain to you that Mama was at the hospital with your new baby brother, and she would be home very soon. And Dada was there, too. I think you must have been looking forward to seeing your baby, just as much as we were!

Then, suddenly, you heard the door open, and you looked at me with your eyes bright and very wide open. You gasped and said, "Dada!" You know when it is Dada coming in the door, even when you can't see it. And he came around the corner, holding the baby carrier. He turned it around so you could see Blake. The look of wonderment on your face was so precious, my darling, as you took your first look at this strange and intriguing being. And you smiled.

Baby arrives!
Photo by Josh. All rights reserved.

You looked at Blake, gasped, and said -- ever so softly and sweetly, in a sing-song voice -- "Ba-a-a-a-by!"  I know it was just exactly the reaction your parents were hoping for, dear one. Oh, how my heart melted. My heart melted so much that tears came out of my eyes.

You like to touch the baby ever so gently, and you pat his hair ever so softly. You hardly even have to be reminded to be careful. You have a good and kind and generous heart, Derek. And I know Blake does, too. We are looking forward to watching him grow up, just as you are doing. It will be quite an adventure, won't it?

Hugs and kisses,
Nana

Garbage Trucks and Escalators

Hi, precious one!

Last Friday, we went to the mall for lunch. While we were waiting for a place to sit at the restaurant, you and I were checking out all the ceiling fans. Oh, there were lots and lots of them to see, and you were smiling really big and making your "sign" for "fan" and making your "sign" for "please," so naturally Nana was taking you around to see each one. Nobody can resist your smile, Derek. Especially Nana.

There were even fans outside, which you were very sure you wanted to see. So, I picked you up and took you outside. You were pointing at the fan and making the "fan" sign and smiling and happy. And then, what do you think happened? A big, shiny garbage truck pulled up! You couldn't decide whether to look at the truck or the fan. It was a challenge! I asked you if you wanted to look at the fan or the truck. And you said, "Tuck." And just then the "tuck" started backing up, and it made "beep, beep, beep" noises. I explained to you that drivers of big trucks can't always see small things that are directly behind them (such as the man and his little boy who chose that very moment to walk behind the truck!), and so there is a special warning "beep" when the truck is backing up. I hope you will remember to always be very careful when you are behind a big truck.

Reaching for the camera!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

Just then our table was ready, so we had to go sit down in spite of your reluctance to do so. We ordered our food, and then I offered to take you for a little walk in the mall so you wouldn't have to sit in that high chair for such a long time, and your mama thought that was a good idea.

By the way, your mama looks so pretty all the time. It is like there is a light shining from inside her, because your baby brother is going to be here soon. We are all very excited about that!

Anyway, you wanted to run and run through the mall. You did not want me to hold your hand at all. For such a small person, you certainly can move very, very fast! Good thing Nana moves fast, too. The jewelry store was a favorite place, with such beautiful, shiny things right there at your eye level. Fortunately, they were behind glass, but that didn't stop you from trying to touch them. Who can blame you? I wanted to touch them, too.

And then you spotted the escalator. It is one that has clear sides, so you can see it going up or going down when you are beside it. You ran over there faster than I thought possible, and you looked at it with great admiration. Here's our conversation:

Derek:  "Pfthbluhbltha!"

Nana:  "Do you like the escalator?"

Derek:  [smile] [sign for please] "Pfthbluhbltha!"

Nana:  "Would you like to go for a ride on the escalator?"

Derek:  [big smile] [sign for please...sign for please...sign for more...sign for please]

You are certainly becoming very proficient with your sign language, Derek, and it's wonderful to be able to understand what you would like.

So I picked you up, and up we went on the escalator. You were so happy! Oh, you loved your first ride on an escalator. We came right back down again, because I knew your mama would be wondering what happened to us! Nana hopes we will be able to have many more wonderful adventures together, sweet one!

Big squeezes,
Nana

Happy Birthday, My Darling

Dearest Derek,

It's so hard for Nana to believe, but you're going to be one year old tomorrow! It probably seems like a long time to you, and you've already accomplished so much. But to me, it was only yesterday that Papa and I went to the hospital to wait as you were making your entrance into the world.

I don't know why it is called "making your entrance into the world." Maybe it's because people think the world is like a stage with people who are acting a role in a play. Either a comedy (a funny play with lots of jokes and laughing) or a drama (a very serious play with hardly any fun in it). Actors "make an entrance" when they go onto the stage. So, if the world is a stage, and people are actors in the play of life, then we are making our entrance when we are born. Oh, my! Nana got all serious there for a minute.

The other day when I went to see you, you smiled so big. I think you were happy to see Papa and me. We were certainly happy to see you, Derek. We always love to be with you. You held out your arms to me so I would pick you up. My heart melted, as it often does when I see you. Of course, my heart wasn't actually melting, my sweet. It only felt that way because it was all warm and gushy.

After a while, you wanted to have a snack, so I put some Cheerios in a bowl for you. Naturally, you dumped them on the floor. And then you started eating them. Oh, dear. Daria the Great would not approve of that, but your Mama seemed to think it would be okay to observe "the five-second rule." That was only because the floor was very, very clean. The five-second rule is when it is okay to pick up some food from the floor and eat it. With Cheerios, the five-second rule might be all right. With pudding, not so much.

Derek loves to read!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

You love to sit on the floor with a book, turn the pages by yourself, and read to yourself. It is marvelous to see, Derek. It is important to love reading. If you can read, you can find out about just about anything.

You sat on my lap with your book, too, and read to me. You read with so much feeling and excitement. You were cuddled up nice and snug and comfortable. And you gave me a big kiss and a hug. Oh, Derek. You know just how to make me feel loved and special. And, you know, I certainly love you very, very much and think you are the most special little boy.

It has been a spectacular and special year, with lots of "firsts" in it. And tomorrow is your first birthday. How quickly time passes, Derek. So very quickly.

Love you to the moon and beyond,
Nana

A Walk in the Park

Dearest Derek,

Today, you smiled with your whole heart when your Mommie opened the door for me. I knocked on the door, and your dog Shasta barked a warning. Shasta is a good dog! The door opened, and there you were, in her arms. Unless you are sleeping, you are always in her arms when she greets me at the door. On the one hand, I can see you both at the same time that way. On the other hand, I don't know who to hug first. It is a heartwarming problem to have, Derek.

We sat down in the family room. Shasta was sitting next to you, and your eyes lit up so bright as you reached over to her to pet her. She didn't look quite as enthusiastic, but she was very patient. You cooed and spoke "Derek" (that's your own language that only you...and God...understand right now) to her. I think you were telling her that you love her and think she is soft and cuddly.

I want some, Nana.
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

It was a hot day, so your Mommie asked me if I would like some ice tea that she had made. Of course, I said yes! As she served it to me in a frosty glass, you walked over to where I was sitting and reached for it. It was herb tea, so your mom said I could share with you. But you didn't want to share, exactly. No, you did not. I was happy to give you little sips, though, and we worked it out so you got some and I got some. We were both happy, I think. The front of your shirt was pretty wet, though. You like to drink from a glass, but you haven't quite figured out how to swallow a mouth full of liquid. That is why your mom got your sippy cup out for you.

And then we all decided it would be a shame to waste an opportunity to go for a walk on a sparklingly clear, warm, summer day. Your mom slathered you with sunblock lotion, which you wanted very badly to taste, strapped you into your stroller, put on your sunhat, and off we went. Your mom was pushing the stroller, and I was walking Shasta. What a peaceful and happy time we spent together at the park! I hope we can do that again often, Derek, because there is something wonderfully relaxing about a stroll in nature.

Too soon, it was time for your nap. And it was also time for me to go. But I will see you again before you know it. Oh, how I look forward to that!

Much love and lots of kisses,
Nana

"Wow!"

Dearest Derek,

It has been a couple of months since Nana wrote in this diary. So much has happened!

Nana and Papa went to the Caribbean for a cruise on a very big boat. That's because Nana's classmates decided it would be fun to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their graduation from high school with more than just a dinner and a dance. We saw some beautiful tropical islands, with flowers and sharks and turtles. There was lots of white sand to play in, and the water was salty and clear and very, very blue. We had a lot of fun, Derek, but we missed you!

Before we left, you were already crawling and pulling yourself to a standing position, pushing a little ottoman (That is a piece of furniture that you can put your feet up on, or sit on, too) on the tile floor to get from where you were to where you wanted to go.

When we got back, you were taking steps while Papa or Nana or Mom or Dad were holding your hands, and you were so excited. And in such a hurry to move faster!

One week later, we went to see you, and you were standing by yourself. Your Mom told us you had taken one step without holding on to anything the day before! Sure enough, you took one for us, too, to show us your new skills. And you smiled. You were so proud of yourself.

The next week, you took two steps before sitting down. It was very cute the way you were doing this, too, because you were sitting down very slowly and carefully. That shows you were developing the necessary strength in your muscles to not only hold yourself in a standing position, but also to step forward and to sit down on the floor without falling. You were trying to develop your balance.

Then you took three steps, and we knew you would soon have walking figured out. You just needed to build up your confidence.

And now, here you are, ten months old, walking across the room with your arms out, giggling and smiling and so pleased with your skills. This video clip was taken by your Mamma. You have four teeth on the top and four teeth on the bottom. You like to show them to people, maybe, if they ask. It's part of your charm that you "choose your moments" rather than letting others choose them for you. You are not a performer. You are your own person, a real boy with a mind of your own, and you are learning to make important decisions for and about yourself.

Last Friday, you walked to me gingerly but eagerly. It was very exciting to see you do that, Derek. Now you are going to be able to scamper about hither and yon (that means "here and there"). And you still crawl, too, when you don't trust your steps and balance to get you where you want to go quickly enough. You are a very speedy crawler! Crawling is important for developing "eye/hand" coordination.

You love your Papa, and it is so very sweet to see you playing with his beard. I am sure he will not shave it off until you have decided not to play with it anymore. You also like putting your fingers in his mouth. You have very sharp fingernails, Derek. And you keep trying to grab his glasses. You like shiny things, like Nana's earrings. I don't blame you. I like them, too. Papa likes to communicate with you in creative ways. For instance, he likes to look at you and pant like a dog. You think that was the funniest thing, and you smile with your whole face and bright eyes. And do you know what you did this time? You started panting like a dog, too! It was the cutest thing ever.

I am so glad that you don't cry when you see me anymore. You smile and hold out your arms to me. That is so much better. And you also gave me a hug! You know just what to do to fill up your Nana's heart with tender feelings. Wow.

And that was your first word, your mom told me! She said "Wow!" And you said "Wow!" That is a very unusual word for a baby to say first, but you aren't just an average baby, Derek. Not at all. "Wow" means "wonder of wonders," and that's just what you are to me, sweet one.

I love you so much,
Nana

And He's Off to the Races!

Hello, my sweet love,

Your accomplishments in the past month have been impressive! Not only can you sit and play with toys, you can roll over from your tummy to your back whenever you want. And your mommy told me that you even rolled over from your back to your tummy once. But you apparently aren't too keen on that. Maybe it is a scary feeling for you.

But this week when Papa and I came over to see you, you outdid yourself by showing us that you can now crawl! Now, it's one thing to push yourself from here to there like you did last week, and quite another to pick a direction, get on your hands and knees, and get yourself there. We are so proud of you, and our hearts overflow with love whenever we see you. When you smile at us, it is as if the sun has come out from behind the clouds. It makes our hearts so glad, Derek, and it fills us with joy.

Mommies (and nanas and papas and daddies) get very anxious when their babies are crying and they don't know why, so your mommy is starting to teach you something called “baby sign language.” That is so you can communicate with her, even though you don't speak English yet. It's very amazing to see your face light up when she “signs” the motion for “milk.” Yes, indeed! You know what you want, Derek, and pretty soon you'll know exactly how to let everyone else know, too.

Oh! And there's something else you can do, too. Something so wonderful, Nana can still feel it on her cheek and in her heart. As I held you in my arms, your mommy told me you can give kisses. So, naturally, I asked you for one and turned my cheek so you could easily plant one on me. And you did! It wasn't even all wet and sloppy like your mommy said it might be.

Pretty soon, you will not start to cry every time you see me. I hope. I know it is because you think it means your mommy is going somewhere without you, and that makes you sad. Of course it does! You want to be with her all the time, and who can blame you? You are her sweet love, too.

Love and kisses,

Nana

6 Months Already!

Hey, little man!

6 months!
Photo by Josh.
All rights reserved.

Wow. You are six months old already. Six months must seem like a very long time to you. You've been growing and learning and getting used to your home and all the people whose faces you've come to know and love. Well, I hope you are coming to know and love us, though you seem very upset at me when your mom leaves to go grocery shopping.

You are so sad as soon as she leaves the room that we have decided to all hang out together when Papa and I come to visit. That way, we hope you won't associate seeing us with not seeing her. You are now at the age where a baby is very attached to his mama. And why not? She is an amazing mama, so pretty and kind and loving.

As I was saying, six months must seem like a very long time to you. When you are small, you think time drags by so slowly. And you will hear older people talking about how fast time flies by. Yes, it is very strange. But it's true. The last six months have gone by very, very fast for Nana and Papa.

I've heard that the less you have of something, the faster it disappears. I guess that is true of time, just like it's true of ice cream. You don't know what ice cream is yet, Derek. It is cold and rich and creamy and delicious, and there are so many different flavors! Someday, I hope to introduce you to a few of those.

I love you!
Nana

Baby's First Christmas

Hello, sweet love,

On Sunday at church, Papa and I sat next to you and your mom. Your dad was on duty in the sound booth. He's been doing that since he was 12 years old. Right now, he's taking turns with your Uncle Patrick. Someday, maybe you will make sure everyone sounds fabulous.

Anyway, when Nana leaned over to say hello to you, you smiled and reached for me. It was the first time you did that, and my heart felt all soft and gushy and full again. You have that effect on me. You are such a charmer, little man!

You and your beautiful mama.
Photo by Josh.
All rights reserved.

Speaking of which, on Christmas Eve, which was your 5-month birthday, we all drove up to Redding to spend the holiday with your great-grandmother, "Daria the Great." It was the first time you had met most of the family, because they came from all over to see each other and to meet you. They came from Oregon and even all the way from Halifax, Nova Scotia! You charmed the socks off all of them, Derek, with your shy smile and the sweet way you coyly hide your face, burrowing against the shoulder of whoever is holding you. And, naturally, everyone wanted to hold you. They all agreed that you were very, very good. I think they meant you didn't cry and fuss the way most babies might around all those new people and in a strange place.

There is something about babies that brings out the best in everyone. People look into your eyes and see brightness and hope and curiosity and eagerness and trust. When you coo and smile, it makes them happy and fills their hearts with wonder. It helps them to focus on what is important and to forget about their worries and woes, even just for a moment. That is a wonderful gift to give to someone, Derek. And so, on Christmas, you gave lots of people something very special.

Christmas is the day when we celebrate the most special gift of all, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. Each Christmas, we remember that God, because He loves us so much, sent His very own Son to be with us here on earth, to show us how to live and to be our bridge to God. Someday, you will understand just how important and wonderful that is, and what a unique place you hold in God's heart.

Merry Christmas, little one!

You make my heart smile,
Nana

Girl Time

Hi, sweet Derek,

Papa even gave you a bottle!
Here's proof!
Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

Last week, your mom brought you to Nana and Papa's place so we could watch you for a little bit, as she was meeting a friend for some "girl time." "Girl time" is something that grown-up ladies, especially mommies, sometimes need so they will feel connected to something called "the outside world." When babies are very small, as you are right now, mommies spend lots and lots of time with them at home. Home is "the inside world." The inside world is wonderful, but mommies sometimes start to feel like part of the furniture there.

Mommies love to spend time with their babies, of course. They love to hold their babies, and feed their babies, and listen to their babies coo, and celebrate their babies' milestones. But grown-ups also need adult conversation. And so mommies like to see their "outside world" friends so they can chat and laugh and be care-free for a little while. This is no reflection on their babies or the love they feel for their babies. Strange as it seems, it actually helps them to be better mommies.

Photo by Chris.
All rights reserved.

And speaking of milestones, Derek, you were all smiles for Papa yesterday. That made him so happy, and he was doing all kinds of silly things to keep you smiling at him. Thank you for making your Papa feel loved and appreciated and funny. I'm glad you're such good friends already. Oh, dear. My heart just filled up with so much tenderness that it started to leak out of my eyes a little bit. That's called "getting misty-eyed." And it's another one of those things you'll experience as you grow.

We love you so!

Big hugs,
Nana

Two Months Old!

Dearest Derek,

Here you are, two months old already! Nana can't believe how quickly time is passing and how fast you are growing. You weigh more than twice as much as you did when you were born!

You'll never guess what happened just as I started to write this letter to you. Your Papa's brother, Uncle Bob, is your dad's uncle, which makes him your great-uncle. But don't worry. It isn't as complicated as it sounds.Maybe you will call him "Bob the Great." Anyway, Uncle Bob came by. Naturally, I put my writing aside so that I could talk with him.

He lives a little bit far away, so he stayed with Nana and Papa while going to a special training for nurses who work with cardiac patients, to learn how to do some special testing to help them. "Cardiac" patients are people who might have something wrong with their hearts.  Uncle Bob is very smart, and he is also very kind and generous. You will like him very much, I think, when you get to know him. He has very interesting ideas. One of his favorite things is to go on vacations to exotic places like Bora Bora so he can swim with colorful tropical fish. After you learn how to swim, maybe you will enjoy that, too. And I know you will like his cars!

There was another important visitor this month, and she came from hours and hours away to meet you, Derek. She is your great-grandmother, Nana's mother! Her name is Daria (the Great?), and she is 90 years old! Yes, that is very old. But don't tell her that, okay? It might hurt her feelings, because she still feels very young on the inside.

Happy grandmas!

She was so excited to be able to meet you in person, and to hold you, and to look at you. I could see by the stars in her eyes that she had fallen completely in love with you, just like I did. And when your mom sent out the birth announcements, your Great-grandmother Daria called me on the phone to tell me she couldn't believe how you were smiling in the picture, and how handsome you were, and how sweet. I could hear the pride in her voice. It sounded all soft and full of wonder, and she was chuckling and laughing and happy.

You are so special to her, Derek, just as you are so special to me. I can't wait to cuddle you tomorrow!

Much love,
Nana

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

Right on Cue!

Dearest Derek,

Yesterday, Papa and I visited you at home for the very first time. We were super excited to see you outside of the hospital, and we're so glad they let you go home with your mommy and daddy.

Your mama said that you are a perfect angel so far. Well, of course you are! And it's a good thing, too, because new moms and dads are very, very tired from not getting enough sleep and from worrying about every little hiccup and noise (or lack of it).

As I held you, your mommy and daddy and Papa and I were talking about the meaning of your name ("the people's ruler"). I gazed at your tiny face, and I told you that you are small right now; but, before you know it, you will be big and strong and tall. You will be "Derek, the Mighty." I said that, for sure, you are definitely the ruler of the people in your house! And do know what you did? You chose that very moment to smile really big! Brilliant! We all laughed and laughed.

Your mommy said that your timing is perfect already. And it is.

Much love,
Nana

A Star Is Born

Hi, Derek,

Early, early in the morning today, Papa and I got a phone call from your Daddy that it was time to go to the  hospital. Your Mommy and Daddy were on their way there so you could be born! I was so excited as I got ready to go. It was very dark outside, a time of day when I am usually sound asleep. I am not a morning person, but for you, Derek, anything, anytime, anywhere!

We arrived at the hospital about ten minutes after your Grandma Jane. Papa and I waited in a special room outside, but she was able to see you being born! It was a wonderful experience for her, Derek, and she got happy tears in her eyes telling me about it. She is a lovely and loving person. I feel blessed that your Daddy has such a nice mother-in-law and you have a family that adores you.


And so you made your appearance in the world at 4:49 this morning. You did not like your first bath and screamed the whole time. I thought I heard you say, "Hey! What do you think you are doing to me? Leave me alone, already. I want to take a nap!" to the nice nurse who was taking care of you. Your voice is strong.

As I watched your Daddy holding you gently and giving you a tiny bit of formula to tide you over until Mommy is ready, I could see he is a natural. Most new dads are a little nervous holding their infants, but not your Dad. It was as if he'd been practicing for years. He's an awesome Daddy already. 


When I held you in my arms, my heart felt like it got really big and full. And when your Papa held you, your tiny body seemed to disappear into his tender embrace. 


Welcome to our world, Derek. You were created especially by God. You are a miracle. There has never been anyone like you, and there will never be anyone else like you. You are unique and valued and gifted, and this is your birthday. So, happy birthday!


I love you, little one,
Nana

Baby Showers and Wall Colors

Dear Derek,

Well, your mom has some great friends! There were two baby showers in one week, the first on Sunday afternoon hosted by Mrs. Baumgardner, and the other the following Saturday afternoon hosted by Miss Russell. There were some very special guests, including your mom's friends and your aunts and great-aunts and grammas. And also your great-grandmother, "Daria the Great!" She is going to be 90 at the end of the month, and she traveled for hours to be there. She's my mom, and she's amazing.

This is the punch I made.
It was yummy!

A wonderful time was had by all, and I was blown away once again by the generosity of others. So many gifts of clothing and baby gear and, of course, dozens and dozens of diapers and baby wipes. I don't think you're going to have to worry much about what to wear or whether your bottom is going to stay dry. Not that babies worry about all that, but mommies sure do. Your mom will be able to change your clothes five or six times a day with no problem!

I've told you already how beautiful your mom looks. She is happy and excited and glowing. There is a look in her eyes that says she is very relaxed and calm as she waits for you to make your appearance, Bump. I know she will be the very best mom and will dote on you. She will be amazed by your every growth step.

Your dad likes car races.
He hopes you will, too.

And your daddy, well, he's got that same excited anticipation and relaxed look. He is already totally devoted to you, as you will see when you feast your eyes on your room. He painted it for you with the help of Papa Harry, and it is so perfect for a little boy. Or even a big boy, for that matter. You will love it.

By the way, while the ladies were busy at the baby showers, guess what your daddy was up to? He and his friends had a "Man Shower" up in the mountains. I think it was a great way for them to celebrate, too, and yet be very manly at the same time. Be sure to ask him to see the pictures when you are a little older. Nana's heart is smiling at the thought of it, Derek.

It's only a few more weeks now before I get to see you and hold you, little one. What a day (or night) that will be for all of us who have been waiting and waiting. You are loved!

Hugs and kisses,
Nana

Your Mom Looks Adorable

Hi, Bump,

Your mom looks so healthy and cute, Derek, and there's a light in her eyes that shows she's so happy. Her "baby bump" (That's what they're calling it these days) is definitely showing now, and your dad is really excited. He says you kick him sometimes, and he likes that a lot. It makes him feel so connected to you already. Your mom gets to feel you kick and move all the time, of course, and she loves it. But it's so special when others can, too. We all know you are in there, and feeling that movement when we happen to put a hand gently on your mom's tummy at exactly the right time is its own reward for having waited patiently. Okay, maybe not so patiently, but certainly hopefully.

I finished a special gift that I've been making for you. I don't want to say too much about it, since your mom and dad haven't seen it yet, but I really hope you will like it and find it cuddlesome. That isn't actually a word, but it exactly describes how I hope you'll feel when you're wrapped in it. Oops! Too much information!

I do that a lot. I hope you won't mind.

Love you so much,
Nona...Nana...Gamgam...or whatever you decide to call me

Bump Has a Name!

Dearest Bump,

Today, I leaned over close to your mom's tummy and said hello to you using your "real" name for the very first time. I think your mom and dad find me strange (yet funny) when I do stuff like that, but I want you to recognize my voice even before you see me in person. That way, when I meet you in person for the first time, you will already know me.

Derek is a very good name. It is a strong name. I looked it up, and it means "people's ruler." It's a popular name, the website says, and it's been popular for years and years. No wonder!

So, I thought about the meaning of your name for a while, and here are a couple of ideas that entered my head. "People's ruler" obviously means "ruler of the people," which may or may not be a benevolent (good and kind) thing. But if you look at it a different way, it also can mean "popular ruler of the people," in the way that Princess Diana was "the people's princess." (She was much loved and very looked up to by many, Bump. She was also beautiful. Princesses should be beautiful if they possibly can.)

Your parents have given you a name that speaks of destiny. I know that you will be a good and kind person. The very best of leaders with the most awesome of destinies.

Much love and many hugs and kisses,
Nana (or whatever you choose to name me)