What do you see?

Yesterday, I wrote about the love experience between me and my 3 month-old grandson, who steals your heart with little effort. He is so attentive to everything that surrounds him. He is such a positive influence in the lives of all that touch him. It was so cute to watch him observe his brother swimming. Just seeing the pool and all that water excited him visually. He brings such joy to life, waiting and eager to experience all that life has to offer.

Of course, it helped the big brother who was anxious to show off his new swimming skills, to know that his baby brother was looking on. I got a chuckle watching his red goggles, which seemed to need adjustment, often. Someday, he will be a fantastic swimmer. Seeing him in the pool brings back memories of another time, over thirty years ago, of his dad learning how to swim with his friends, in the same pool.

Luckily, he was getting a one-on-one, with the instructor, a skilled mom, observing each and every stroke, often giving him pointers, gently. She even has him singing twinkle, twinkle little star for his brother, while letting him go. Floating alone on his back, for just a bit, unaware, as he concentrates on his song. Of course, once he finds himself swimming alone, it's a different matter.

It is not everyday you find the kind of mother he has, as she makes sure he develops to a well-rounded young man. And, it can't be easy to accomplish all that she does with a nursing infant, husband, home and full-time -job commuting to Boston.

The importance of raising children in a loving family cannot be underestimated. It takes daily commitment, and reinforcement, tight scheduling, and more pep than I remember having. My mom used to say that she was very strict with the first child as the younger ones would be imitating them. So, we are sure that the baby will do just fine. If he is anything like his big brother, he will be every bit as successful.

The baby was very excited seeing the Christmas tree and all the lights everywhere, just like Nate did. Nate was thrilled to add his vehicles to the Christmas scene, with his red-pickup-truck centered, with a tree in the back. Other cars were parked near restaurant scenes, his favorite items were signs of Main Street, and the American flag. He promised that when he comes over to grandma's house, he will be playing with the setup some more. He learned to turn the lights on the village scenes "off and on" from the start, our little engineer, who has to know how everything works.

While rocking baby Ryan, he was so taken by the afghan on the back of the chair, which is yellow, orange and green granny squares, put together with black yarn. Color is his world right now, and I recall his brother doing the same thing at the same age. He is already fond of a little stuffed reindeer and all the fish located on his play-yard. At three months, he is trying to communicate with us, making sounds and laughing as he is amused by the experience, showing an expressive face, dimples and all. When he is not sucking on his "Binky" pacifier, he is chewing his hands, or blanket, which he moves up and down, proud of his achievement.

These are the same hands that like to pull on your earrings, especially the hoops, which he won't let go. Grandma knew better this time, forgetting the last time we were together. His brother did the same thing, which I had forgotten, and put them soundly away. Next, he'll be pulling my hair.

Life is surely different, than the time of Jesus and His birth in Bethlehem. There is little connection, but the love story will never change between family, then or now. It is said that the three kings arrived, following a star. A journey which took about two years. I wonder what the reaction of Jesus was upon seeing them and their gifts. Do you ever wonder about the whole event? This is a time of advent, preparation....and Wonder. Ponder on Love. Love is a gift, and He is the Gift that lasts for all eternity.