Bits and Pieces: Mother’s Day and Babies

by Paula Johnson

Mother’s Day used to be a simple event. As I grow older and have newer moms in the families, Mother’s Day has become amazing.

Keeping up with babies is quite a job! Dusty’s daughter, Lexi, just had a baby boy, Tripp. No photo yet. 

Dusty and Michelle’s family added a new one since last Mother’s Day – Colt. I call Bella, Cash and Colt the three musketeers. At 4, 2 and 4 months, they keep the activity level jumpin’. Schedules don’t allow for even weekly visits, but I love to see how fast they grow and develop in such a short period of time.

I get to see my Illinois families even less often. However, Jill (John’s daughter), and I carved out a couple of days this past week for me to go to Chicago. I hadn’t seen Roman in over two years, and now he is 4. A typical 4-year-old, he is in constant motion – body and mind! Even standing still, he isn’t standing or thinking still.

Jill and her John just had Charlotte 2 months ago. I was so anxious to see her while she was still little. My siblings and I had an Aunt Charlotte (our Dad’s baby sister) who also took care of Jill when she was little. Now the name carries on.

Not only is it delightful to see the newest human additions, but I find all the current baby gear absolutely amazing. Even cloth diapers have Velcro now. So much safer than those horrid giant safety pins when my baby sister, Chris, was born. And the cloth diapers have a protective coating on the outside – eliminating the need of those cumbersome and stinky plastic over pants for diapers. 

Jill and I had planned a Taco Tuesday Bridal Shower for Maggie, sister Mary’s daughter. I brought all the margarita makings and assorted other needs. However, by the time I reached Jill’s last Tuesday morning, Maggie had contacted Jill – she just tested positive for COVID – no shower.

Cancelling a party never stopped me from giving presents. So, Jill and I proceeded (with Charlotte’s help, of course) to gather all the spa delicacies for a big basket of goodies. We even had enough for a small “groom’s basket.”

That afternoon after picking up Roman from day care/school, Jill, Roman, Charlotte and I went out for Taco Tuesday and margaritas. 

The next day, we ran errands, got caught up on each other’s lives – Charlotte had a shortened addition, and ordered pizza to relax at home.

Later, Dad John picked up Roman at school. When he saw me in the house, he ran to me with out-stretched arms calling, “Aunt Paula, I missed you!” Borrowing from Tony Bennet, I  left my heart in Chicago.

It’s been nearly a year since I saw Adam’s daughter, Lili. So, a visit is due soon. Bro John keeps me up-to-date on her. The Niabi Zoo is a favorite kid’s zoo for the Quad Cities. Along with live animals, there are a playground and a carousel – don’t let the elephant fool you!

I treasure every moment I have with the little ones. Seeing them at their best or their worst, matters not to me. However, I have often replied to those who tell of an exhausting time with grandchildren, “This is why people have children while they are young!”