Comments on: The Grandparents have landed

By: Joyce

Joyce — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 18:03:52 +0000

I can identify with that to some extent Joanna. I didn’t feel it so much on Hannah’s first birthday, as she was only a couple of days out of hospital, and we were all of us on our knees with exhaustion. But I was beside myself with joy at her 2nd birthday, as it was something I had thought we could well not see. It felt like a massive achievement.

By: Joanna

Joanna — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 10:59:39 +0000

I was absolutely elated on Tamsin’s first birthday, to have got that far, she was still with us, she was gorgeous etc. I feel quite sad at the moment at Isabelle’s disappearing baby-ness as she is the last. Her b’day will be much more low-key.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 23:39:37 +0000

I don’t dread BB’s birthday, but I might feel a little sad, as well as excited etc. I certainly did feel a bit sad on SB’s 1st birthday, to be saying goodbye to the ‘baby’ SB. Don’t know if there will be anymore little beans, so maybe i’m mostly sad for that thought?

By: Helen

Helen — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 21:17:54 +0000

not sure nic, but released you posts! I think birthdays have a poignancy. a recap of the past year, and a look forward to the future. I have loved all SB’s phases so far, and the next bit is almost unbearably cute!

By: Nic

Nic — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 20:20:40 +0000

I think it might be too many – - – s

By: Joyce

Joyce — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 17:29:54 +0000

What did you say to deserve that, then?

I do understand the passing the baton on bit, as it’s something we’re starting with our own family, and it’s scary to find oneself drifting to the top of the generational pile – I like it better when there was a fair bit of cushioning. I also understand the poigancy of a baby’s passing milestones, and thinking that a phase you might never do again has passed. But to be honest, I can’t really get my head around that being filled with sadness or dread. Maybe I have a different perspective, but I see Hannah’s birthday as about triumph, and a cause for huge celebration. I’ve felt like that from her very first one. I also think that whole unfolding “what will come next” bit incredibly exciting, and I do like the fact that she becomes increasingly more interesting as she gets older. I think the whole process of motherhood though is about a gradual letting go, and while that has its moments of “where did the years ago”, it’s also, IMO, great to see the wings spread, and see what they look like after a while in the cocoon. Mixing my metaphors rather a lot

By: Nic

Nic — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 15:42:21 +0000

ooh, I’m being moderated!

By: Nic

Nic — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 14:11:56 +0000

Me too – I love the children’s birthdays. Ady and I were only talking last week about how once they get past their first birthday the date becomes about the child too and not the mother any more. Davies’ in particular was a real milestone date for me as it celebrated one whole year of me being a mother. I still have that indulgent feeling the evening before each of their birthdays but now the day is all about them.
I remember well the excitement of being another year older – the milestone of reaching 5, hitting double figures at 10 and becoming a teenager at 13.

I’m sure having two different gender children helped in not having the poignant going through the clothes again moments though – I imagine that catches the back of the throat. I was a bit stunned to realise that Tarly will be three in a couple of months and Davies has only just stopped being four – which somehow seemed strange!

TBH I have delighted in leaving babyhood behind and share the children’s joy at them getting older. But then my love of celebrations is well documented anyway!

By: Roslyn

Roslyn — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 11:01:58 +0000

Dreading? Oh Merry that’s harsh. I’m with Heather, first birthday’s are just so wonderful, marking the start of a fantasic journey to come of walking, talking and independance. I adore my children’s birthdays which is why I make such a song and dance about them. I love celebrating the person they have become and marking the start of the next journey. They all know it is their special day and one to be held in wonder and joy. I decorate the house and invite friends to share. I always have all their photo albums out so we and all our guests can sit and look through and laugh and smile over memories gone but forever held.

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 09:48:21 +0000

Don’t be sad. First birthday’s mark the start of one of the most exciting years (and as far as I’m concerned way more fun than the first)…this time next year she’ll be talking and walking and tantruming!

Real Playdough does small good and homemade just doesn’t give one the same *hit*.