Sammy Says Blog

When my daughter had her first child, I was absolutely thrilled. We all know that grandparents have free rein to spoil their grandchildren. Parents have to take care of all the unpleasant parts of raising a child - instilling discipline, changing diapers and forcing them to eat their vegetables. Then, when it’s time to go to grandma’s house, the kids can be lavished with gifts.

I went to the hospital shortly after my daughter went into labor as I wanted to be ready and waiting with a new baby gift basket. Of course the present was actually intended to help out my daughter and to show my pride and love for her. I’ve seen enough baby baskets in my day to know what to include, so instead of purchasing a premade basket, I compiled one myself, including everything from a nose cleaner to Q-tips to a baby bottle warmer and some plush toys.

I experienced mixed emotions when my wife told me she was pregnant for the first time. Of course I was overjoyed at the thought of having a son or daughter, but the burden of responsibility hit me all at once. Suddenly I was no longer the center of attention; I would have to put the kid’s needs before my own. I got over that as soon as I saw my daughter for the first time in the hospital. I even got used to the sleepless nights spent comforting the temperamental child.

Still, I never got used to the idea of changing baby diapers. I longed for the day when the baby would start using her kids toilet seat and that unpleasant responsibility would be off my shoulders for good. Looking back on it now, I can hardly believe I had wished to speed up my daughter’s aging process. These days I can’t believe how much she’s grown. Take lots of pictures because the time whisks by and you will find yourself missing those precious moments.