Two kids and a lady

Sometimes things are very fun around this place. Since Karrie has a new job title of Grandma, the fun level has picked up dramatically. There are tears sometimes, but so it goes with a 9-month-old and a 1-plus-year-old toddler. There are fun times and stressful times but all valuable times.

Have you ever watched a baby fall asleep in her highchair? It is hilarious for all except the babe in question. Opening her eyes when you try and give her a bite, very slowly and looking at you annoyed because she is trying to sleep. She opens her mouth a little and, eyes shut, her head falls back down. It was funny. It was also fun for the boy watching and laughing with us but not quite understanding why.

How about walking on leaves for the first time? Both were scared of the sound but enjoyed it at the same time. The most fun was had by picking leaves up and crushing them with their newly discovered superhuman strength for leaf crushing. And then a handful goes in the mouth and the fun is over for all.

New discoveries to be had by all: Discovery of toes, discovery of cats, discovery of an annoying purple dinosaur, and tasting food for the first time. All great discoveries. The lady makes some discoveries too. She discovers that her lower back aches every night. She discovers that having babies is for young people and that sometimes a highchair is the only place to get a little one to fall asleep.

But these moments are golden, to never be replaced. Valued treasures to be cherished. Yes falls, teeth and dirty diaper explosions are not the fondest of memories, but they are part of the growing up process. You take them with the hallmark moments. And it is all worth it.

I know we would not trade away a single cuddle from these two. The laughs and tears have been priceless, and it makes us glad we are here at this very moment. It makes us cherish the time we got with our grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and cousins a little more. We hope that our memories will be cherished by them, as well, as they grow and mature.

Every day is a new day. Cherish them. Love them. Embrace them. None of us are promised tomorrow. I’m Jess Saying.