Bubie & Grandpa

I am now officially a Bubie--the fourth generation of Bubies (Yiddish for Bubba, or grandmother I assume) in my family that I remember. What a legacy to aspire to, these wonderful grandmothers. Hard to associate that word with myself, bringing up as it does memories of my own dearly loved Bubie, and our beloved mother, so lost to us now. How mom would have adored this baby! These Bubies made their grandchildren feel that they were the most magnificent part of the universe, and after holding Wilken and staring at his beautiful face, I now begin to understand that he is, in fact, the center of a loving universe and that his Grandpa and his Bubie will reflect that starlight in his eyes.
David has decided to be Grandpa, the name Nate and Elanor called his father. He is wild about any baby, and in particular this one, and pulls rank at drop of a hat to hold the baby. Even as I write this, he has Wilken comfortably asleep on his (rock hard he insists) belly while Elanor takes a much needed nap.
Since 4:00 am on 5/15/05, when we received the call from Ryan and Elanor that her water had broken, we have been in as much of an altered state as they. We began by spending the first twenty minutes bouncing off of each other as we raced around the house trying to get organized, got out of the door by 6:00, made 4 stops, and arrived in San Marcos just in time to see Ryan and Wilken in the nursery window as the pediatrician conducted the first exam. David wrote Ryan a note asking about Wilken's score, and Ryan mouthed back that he was perfect. He is the most adorable baby, delicated yet undoubtedly male features, tiny, and the most comfy, warm bundle one could hope to cuddle.
Elanor has had some tough days physically--pain, tummy problems (the worst day of her life she says), even a urinary tract infection the day after getting home. Nursing itself has been a challenge. Wilken is cute as a button, but a lazy baby, and he and his mommy have been working hard to get this feeding business down. It is still a struggle, but Elanor is commited and he is a growing baby, so that is a great match. She had one melt-down yesterday, deservedly so, but is mostly her usual cheeful, sweet self in spite of her many discomforts.
Ryan is there every, and I mean every, step of the way. They are a splendid team, and he has taken on any task, from accompanying his baby to all tests and procedures, including his circumcision (!), to changing the first poopie diaper. They are starting out wonderfully to be the greatest of parents. Life will get a bit more interesting when we (finally they will breathe in relief) go home, Ryan goes back to work, and Elanor takes over her new job full time.
Time to fix breakfast. I have the easiest of jobs! Enought for 5/21/05.