Meeting Iris

Dear Iris

Thank you for the pleasure of your company last week. I have to admit that our time together was long overdue. I jumped into the waiting van and looked over to find two bright and very awake brown eyes smiling back at me. Your sister, Olivia, was fast asleep in the car seat behind us and big brother, Ben, was already eager to share lots of news and stories with me. But you, dear girl, held my attention. You were the new kid on the block. We sat side-by-side while your daddy drove us all back home for the next two hours. You already had quite a full day with mommy and daddy in Seattle but were still awake, giving me precious time to gaze into those big brown eyes. You didn't fuss or cry at the stranger sitting next to you. You seemed perfectly okay with my entering your personal space. The feeling was mutual.

I was so glad to finally make your acquaintance. I wasn't there last July for your home birth and missed the first tooth and other early landmarks. Easter week was a good time to come though - new life, new beginnings. It did seem a bit surreal and took some getting used to. After all, last time out, I had two grandchildren and now there was you!

You remind me of your daddy and your Aunt Jenn with those large deep eyes and you seem to have a streak of brunette which certainly sets you apart from your two blonde siblings. As I got to know you, I could see that you are sturdy and spunky and that will serve you well around Ben and Olivia. You are very chatty and laugh easily. You also seem to know what you want and when you want it. Another determined female. Credit that to both sides of the family.

You are almost nine months old and just about ready to take your first steps, a force to be reckoned with. I'm glad that you got to take me to Victoria BC for an overnight stay with mom, dad, Ben and Olivia. You travel well.

Grandbaby #5, it still amazes me. Now I have to find a way to add your birthstone to my grandmom ring. You're not ready yet for the tall tales I spin for your brother and sister but that will come. You seem quite content to be the baby. You giggle at Ben's knock-knock jokes and light up when Olivia hugs you. I think you are enjoying your role in the family circle.

I don't know when I will see you again. It was hard saying goodbye. I will miss more landmark moments as things happen so fast when you are this little. Just to know, I have an imprint of our time together and it's safely tucked away. I can pull the new memories out each day and keep you with me. All the many photos I took will help too.

Welcome to the family ... welcome to my heart.

Love, Babci xxoo