LJ/DW Idol, Week 6, Topic: Not My First Rodeo

[adoptedwriter]

Dear HoneyB,

Your mom is about to become an actual mother for the first time. (Seriously, we are into “any day now” mode.) When she and your dad announced the blessed news to the world, they posted a photo of three sets of western boots: a man’s set, a woman’s set and a tiny pair of red child-sized boots. Your future first boots, perhaps for your first rodeo.

It was charming being how your parents are into the trendy, country, rustic imagery these days. (Plus your mom is a total shoe queen!)

You may know that your mommy is an RN and had experience working in an L&D ward during part of her internship. Still, now it’s her own body and baby; the tables are turned. It wouldn’t matter how much education and life experience she’s had with other people’s babies, this time it’s all new and personal.

Here I am an experienced educator since 1983 who has worked with all sorts of kids from newborns to college age. My job in all this excitement both now and post-your birth is to avoid helicoptering and too much pontificating while letting you and your parents ease through the wonder, magic, and challenges of young familyhood. However, I pledge to always be here if you need me.

It's like, I am having a baby vicariously. I’ve redecorated a room for you at our house. I refurbished the old dollhouse your mom and aunt played with. I have bought so...many...clothes, LOL. Now I am nesting by doing extra laundry, shampooing carpets, organizing papers, pitching what I don’t need and basically making my home and automobile baby-ready. At work I’ve prepped ahead just in case I get “that” phone call and have to leave fast or not come in the next day. I even have my own to-go bag packed with toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, and spare underwear, in case we’re in for a long stretch of time at the hospital. My backpack is on the rear seat of my car beside the base for your state-of-the-art  Chicco  ™  car seat.

Your mom probably thinks I’m ridiculous.

Regardless, it’s my way of being ready at a moment’s notice. I’ve been through this experience. Twice. It was beautiful, passionate, overwhelming, a little scary and exhausting.

The newness for me is that I will now fill the esteemed role once held my mother and mother-in-law. I’ll be the grandma! Am I up to it? You bet your sweet baby booties I am!

Seeing a baby live in person, (not via ultrasound) for the first time is not easy to describe because most adjectives are clichés, but when we, (as a collective family), finally hold our long-awaited, beloved new infant daughter/granddaughter/niece in our arms it will bring much appreciation for the magical awesomeness of life full circle. It will take our souls to another level, and it will be all good. So very good. I’m looking forward to witnessing this from the perspective of one generation up.

I want all the best for you and your family, Baby HoneyB. I'm looking forward to sharing holiday traditions, maybe going on trips, enjoying songs, stories, movies, and family events for many years. In some ways, you’ve been a part of our lives spiritually for ages, but we also know that your physical arrival will change our lives for the better and make our world an amazing and positive place. I can’t wait to meet you, HoneyB! You’ll be here before we know it!

  https://stricklandp.wordpress.com/2018/11/14/something-im-looking-forward-to/

Comments

[bsgsix]

Soon! You'll have to keep us updated (I follow on FB, but keep us updated - I love new baby news)! :)

[adoptedwriter]

We are in interesting times for sure! In a week or less we will know more!

[tonithegreat]

This is so sweet! My sister is due with her second in late December and I feel like my mom is on the same page with you with preparations. A delightful take on the topic.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks, Toni!

[tjoel2]

Wonderful story!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[static_abyss]

Congratulations, and it was nice to read about your feelings in your entry. Wishing you all the best!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[jenwithapen]

How cute! What a GREAT take on the prompt!

I am SO IN LOVE with all the ideas get when they approach these things! <3

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[bleodswean]

I adore this and I hope you put it in her baby book! It's a perfect response to the prompt! Congrats to all of you, looking forward to seeing a photo of you holding your darling grandbaby!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! I've been "writing" to HoneyB since I've known about her. (March) I'd started a journal for my older daughter's baby that sadly did not make it (in January) but revived it in March. I journaled for both of my girls back in the day. My kids do not have time for that stuff, but it's in me to still do so. Who knows? We might see more of these journal entries as time goes on!

[onecheapdate]

Aw, it's been so nice to read along as you reflect and prepare for the baby. It's so obvious how excited and ready you are to meet the new little one. Wishing you and your family the best of luck!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks so much!

[murielle]

I was excited for you before, but after reading this I am infected with your excitement, too.

This is an absolutely lovely entry! (You have my vote!)

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you!

[eeyore_grrl]

Exciting! :-) May the baby be healthy and awesome and may you love being a grandma! :-)

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[bellatrixe]

This was so sweet :D All the best to you all <3

[daisysparrow]

This was my Mum about a month ago!! (Although we only got the carpet shampooed this past Tuesday.)

[adoptedwriter]

LOL. I should clean my car out better too....Won't happen...LOL)

[kehlen.livejournal.com]

Is this your first grandchild? :)

Hopefully all goes smoothly with the birth and adjustment :)

[adoptedwriter]

The 1st!!!!!

[bewize]

So unbelievably sweet! Good luck and congratulations!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[halfshellvenus]

This is such a sweet welcoming letter. Grandchildren! How I envy you. :)

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! I e been keeping a baby / grandma journal since we found out.

[fausts_dream]

Very cool news, I can feel your joy in every word.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[the_eternal_overthinker]

Aww <3 This is wonderful and reading it filled me with joy :) God Bless the little one. And hoping to hear the good new soon..Cheers!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! Will post to the GR when we have specific news.

[alycewilson]

So exciting! I checked out their birth announcement, and it's very cool. Wishing the best for you all. But you're right, babies do something magical to the soul.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!