Grandmas are moms with more frosting

You know they always tell you that there's nothing like being a grandparent. Until you are one, all you have to compare it to is being a parent. No comparison. I am very active in helping to raise my one year old grandson, Caleb. He has a fantastic single parent mommy who has a very demanding job. That's where I step in. Caleb and I have bonded in a way I never dreamt possible. There is nothing like looking into those big blue eyes and seeing that unconditional love and admiration shining back at me, those big sloppy wet open mouth kisses, the way he lays his head on my shoulder when he's tired or the way his face lights up when he comes through my door everyday. He is the light of my life and a wondrous blessing from God. I felt the same way about his mommy, well sort of. I can't explain the difference really, but there is one. I don't love him more, just different. I don't know, maybe it's the getting to send them home everyday part. All that love without all the responsibility. Whatever it is, there's nothing else like it in the world!

New Babies and Childhood Illnesses

My niece had a beautiful baby boy today. Dillyn Michael, 7lb, 15 oz. Lots of dark hair. I just love that new baby smell, don't you? Nothing smells sweeter, except perhaps that new Cadillac smell. Anyway, Ashlyn is Dillyn's big sister. Ashlyn has always been loquacious, amusing, too grown up. She called me one evening, which in and of itself was cute as she was just 4 years old. She said she had to call to tell me something really important. "Aunt Celene, did you know that when I was a little baby I was Black Toast Intollerate? That's where you are lergic to milk, did you know that?" I laughed hysterically at this dreaded disease! I'll be telling her kids that one some day. Of course she never really was Black Toast Intollerate. She just has a vivid imagination. Silly little monkey! If her new brother is anything like her, my niece has her hands full.