Celebrating A One-Year-Old

Wow, time flies. You may have seen an adorable little girl elsewhere in today’s paper. She just turned one-year-old. And, she is the most precious child ever born.

Yes, I’m talking about my granddaughter, Melody. It seems like just yesterday she came into the world, and here she is, a year old.

I cannot begin to describe the love I have for this child. I’ve heard others say for many years how special grandchildren are. And, I have step-grandchildren that I have certainly enjoyed, but to be honest, it’s not quite the same. Probably partly because I’ve been so lucky with Melody. She lives right down the street, and I am fortunate enough to see her several days a week. I’ve watched her grow, and my heart could just burst with all the love I have for her.

It’s kind of like having your first born all over again. But, I don’t have to deal with the unpleasantness. I change a diaper every now and then, but it’s not a chore…something I have to do several times a day. I never got up in the middle of the night with her.

I haven’t had the pleasure lately of giving her a bath, but am looking forward to when she will come stay at my house and I get that fun time. She loves it, I hear.

Looking back, I remember thinking about all those milestones with Melody just like I did with my children. When will she roll over; sit up, crawl, walk?

Well, I’m here to tell you, this little girl came into the world several weeks early, but it didn’t take her long to catch up. She’s just beginning to talk, and it’s so much fun. She watches your mouth, and tries to mimic what you do. At this writing, her vocabulary consists of Mama, Dada and Nana.

(And no, I’m not Nana, that’s her other grandmama, but it’s still exciting to hear her say words. She’ll say Grandma soon enough.)

She has been walking just holding one hand for several weeks now, but isn’t yet ready to let go. That’s o.k. She gets around just fine and she’s growing up so quick.

Melody is a happy child. We have been truly blessed, and because the pandemic hit right after she came home, she has never had to leave home while her mother goes to work.

Hannah works from home, and has a sitter come in some days to help out, but for most of this first year it’s just been the two of them, with Grandma joining them for lunch at least a couple times a week. Now Melody eats with us. She loves all kinds of food…no picky eater at this stage.

Her daddy has to go to work every day, but he certainly enjoys his Melody time on evenings, weekends, and whenever he can snag a day off. As a matter of fact, it fell to him this week to take her to the doctor for her 12-month check-up.

Pawpaw enjoys Melody, but is anxious for her to get a little bigger so she can ride the golf cart and four wheeler with him. He’s already started building her and her soon to arrive cousin a fort in the back yard. He is also working on a track for them to ride their own little cars on.

I remember when I missed seeing her for a few days…I would afraid she would forget me. No danger now. She knows me.

Melody spends a lot of time in her room…but it’s o.k., I think she has every toy made. And she has lots that require batteries. I think her parents may have bought stock in a battery company…it would be a good idea.

But her Nana got her a stuffed dog for her birthday, and she loves it every bit as much as her bells and whistles. She’s just perfect. She loves whatever you give her, and she loves me, I’m sure.

This child is definitely loved beyond measure. And I praise God, and thank him for bringing her into our lives.