Baby for a Day

Yesterday, Caroline and I had the privilege of caring for my 5-month old nephew, Jay. Since his birth in February we haven't spent a lot of quality time with him due to school, illness and being out of town this summer. So we were very excited to have him with us all day yesterday.

Being out of the baby "groove" for some time now, I forgot how many items are required to transport a baby from home to another location. I laughed as I took out a load of toys, a boppy, the "johnny-jump-up-thingy", the diaper bag, and finally, a baby-filled car seat! Fortunately for me I have a port-a-crib at home, or I'm sure there would have been some type of sleeping device for this little one. Loaded up, we took, a 4 minute drive to my home for the day. It was around 8:30 a.m. when I got inside, and I took Jay upstairs to awake the children. They were excited to see a baby's face instead of a puppy's licking their faces!

The day went as most "baby days" go: bottle, sleep, play, a little crying, bottle, play, a little sleep, more fussing, bottle, a bath, sleep etc. We did manage to squeeze in some pool time after a bottle, thinking it would wear him out for a very long nap. However, that haul-everything-to-the-pool-for-a-25 minute-swim adventure resulted in only a 30 minute nap! Guess it was the excitement of being in a different place with different people that kept him wanting to be awake for more fun! (Smiles.)

Caroline did most of the "work", if you will. I made a couple of trips out to take and pick up Reid and to throw in a couple of errands here and there, so she was the caretaker for most of the day. She is the nurturer of the family anyway, and I am very impressed with her abilities to do so. When I am sick or not feeling well, she is quick to assume the role of nurse. The baby who turned me into a momma is becoming quite the momma herself!

I have to admit that it is a wonderful treat having an infant in the family. The cousins are all grown, and Jay is becoming the focus of the family. The kind of attention that we are able to give to him provides some insight into grandparenthood! And I believe my first lesson was yesterday... take him for the day, and then send him home! I am, however, ready to do it all over again!!!