Donna and I were at a Children’s Clothing show in NYC this weekend and when we got out, there wasn’t a taxi available thanks to rain and lots of people coming out of the conference center at once. A very nice, strong-legged man offered us a ride–luggage and all–on his bike. We were very skeptical to say the least, but we’re so glad we did!
Well there is nothing better than being a grandparent. Nothing can describe the feeling that one gets when they hold their newborn grandchild for the first time. It’s like looking into the future. You see yourself as a child, you think about your children who now adults are having their own children and you think about the generations to come. It makes you feel that your life has come full circle. You are a proud parent and a prouder grandparent.
I remember when my daughter first told me she was going to have a baby. She gave me a card with the first picture of our new grand child – a sonogram of a 12 week old baby. To say I was excited is an understatement.
She got a little more creative next time around. She sent me an email with a photo attached. No message just the picture of my granddaughter standing with a gigantic smile on her face and a tee shirt that read “I’m the big sister.” She got us!
I’ve always heard that it takes a village to raise a child, but it wasn’t until I had my daughter that I found out how true that statement really is. I don’t know what I would do without the guidance from my mom (and dad) friends. This also includes the many parents I’ve met in the blogsphere. From advice to being there as a sounding board, these voices have helped me raise my daughter in what I think is the best way possible for our family. (Now, anyone that is a parent knows that the feeling of knowing what you’re doing changes from confidence to doubt, to concern to utter confusion and back on a daily basis!)
That’s a big reason why we feel so strongly about having this blog as part of What Every Baby Needs. Sure, all babies need clothing, toys, etc., but first and foremost they need their parent(s) (or caregivers in whatever form they come) to provide a loving and nurturing environment. And one of the best ways we know of to being the best parents we can is feeling like we always have that ‘village’, in whatever form it takes, there for us when we need it.
So please join our community! We will use this as a forum to talk about what it takes to raise a child, including all the joys and tribulations that occur from day to day, how to best be an active participant in our grandchild’s lives, day to day questions, concerns and commentary about all things baby.
I look forward to hearing from you!
