A Lovely Day With Children

My daughter Jamie had a doctor's appointment today, so she asked if I would stay with Noah while she and Eden went. Everywhere she goes, Eden goes these days and will do for some time to come. (If you know what I mean...)

I was delighted, as I'm sure any of you would be to play with a four-year-old boy for an hour or two. I arrived a bit before noon, just as Eden finished eating. Jamie gave her to me for a cuddle while she quickly grabbed some lunch and went to get ready, but it wasn't long until I was enveloped in gaseous fumes. When Jamie came back downstairs, I quickly gave up the baby to her Mommy for a diaper change. Whew! I can't believe I went through that - twice!

Noah and I had our lunch and when his mother and sister were gone, he wanted to play ball with me. Out came the Welsh football that my friend Liz sent him all the way from Swansea, Wales. We tossed that ball back and forth, changing positions twice, for over a half hour! He's really good at catching now, so I had a great time. We tried spinning the ball all different ways and even used his Sponge Bob catcher's mitt (although he insisted it was a "glove.")

He doesn't like "story time" but I had brought him a new book and I told him I was going to read it aloud. He could listen but if he wanted to see the pictures, he'd have to come over to look at them. I read him "The True Story of The Three Little Pigs" by A. Wolf (that's Alexander for those who didn't know the wolf's name). It's the greatest book and tells the story from the wolf's point of view. Well, it wasn't long before "Mr. I Don't Want to Read That Book" came peeking over my shoulder to see the illustrations. When his Mommy came home, he told her all about it.

I had been to Baby Gap and Gymboree last weekend and found the cutest little sun bonnet and smocked dress for Eden. Jamie put her in it when she came home from the doctor and she looked so sweet, even though the hat is gigantic on her right now - even weighing 10 lbs today!!!

We had tea and a chat while Noah played with his Hot Wheels. Then he cuddled up to me with his Leapster and played "Cars" while Jamie and I chatted. It was touching how he shows his love for me. I almost got a smile from Eden today, too, and Jamie did get one! It was strange, yet heartwarming, to see my daughter interacting with her own daughter and how thrilled she was when she got that first smile.

A two-hour babysitting "job" turned into over four hours of fun. I left after Eden had eaten, pooped again, and fell asleep on her Mommy's shoulder. It truly was a lovely day.