Snarfy and I met some new friends yesterday at the park. It was great to get out and interact with new moms and other babies. It was also amazing to see the differing personalities of all the babies. I know people have different personalities — that’s what makes us unique and able to get along well with some people, but not so well with others. But I never truly realized how different babies personalities could be. I guess it’s taking me a while to fully grasp the concept that my baby is, indeed, a little person.
There were two older babies in the group, aside from mine. One of the mom/baby pairs we are already friends with so Snarfy and the other boy know each other. The new baby was quite boisterous and loud. Snarfy already wasn’t having a great day since he has been having nap troubles, so this new, louder and crazier baby was definitely a little too much for him. He wanted nothing to do with his new “friend”. We played on the swing by ourselves and walked around and talked. Overall the playgroup went really well. Next time Snarfy meets his new “friend” I’ll make sure he’s more well-rested and able to play.
But today I started reflecting back on the events of yesterday. After seeing how excitable the new baby was, it got me thinking. My boy is calm and quiet. Even when he’s upset, he’s usually not very difficult to console. He is named for my paternal grandfather and my husband’s paternal great grandfather. I never met my husband’s great grandfather, but I did know my own grandfather. From what I can remember of him, he was calm and quiet, and very loving and caring. His smile could light up any room. His mannerisms were deliberate but placid. A very soothing personality to be around.
As I was walking Snarfy upstairs to take his morning nap, I realized that he must have inherited a lot of those same characteristics. Calm, quiet, loving, infectious laughter and smiles. It was at this moment, upon realizing how alike my son could possibly be to my grandfather, that made me wish I could go back in time and talk to my grandmothers and great grandmothers and hear their stories of motherhood. I wish I could have known these great women and heard what it was like to raise my grandfathers and my parents. It’s fun hearing stories of when my brothers and I were little, but to hear what it was like to raise my father and mother? I would give anything. Or to hear my great grandmother reflect on how tranquil, calming and happy her son – my grandfather – was as a baby…
Unfortunately I can’t pick the brains of these strong women before me. But I can reflect on my own time as a mother and see my son for who he is. He is his own person. He is strong and smart, and calm and happy. He may not love every other baby that he meets, but no one likes every person they come into contact with. Snarfy will let me know what he needs and who he wants to play with. He is a baby and he will continue to grow and develop in this ever-changing world around him.
He is named for two great men, and he will prosper with the same greatness soon enough.
