A few days ago, I got to meet Maple at last. Maple Rose is my first grandchild and what a sweetheart she is. After some unavoidable delays that meant she was over a week old before we were officially introduced, she didn't seem to mind and so another adventure begins.
I'd forgotten what it's like to hold a baby human. They're so tiny and fragile and wonderful. My son handed her to me and just like that, I went swooping back to the first time I held him when he was born. All the worry and hope and joy and love that you pour into those little bundles looks up at you and life is suddenly different.
You realize that she's seeing all things for the first time and in the whole of the world that'll never ever be again. You're watching something that happens every day but truly happens only once. That time when everything is new. It's absolutely wonderful.
Welcome to the world Maple Rose...you stole my heart from the first.
May all things be wonderful for you now and onward. May you be as sweet as your namesake tree, as rare and beautiful as your flower and even if you come with a few thorns...well that's ok too. You're in the best Mom and Dad hands I could wish for and I know they'll love and teach you well. I would wish that you always look at the world with wonder in those eyes like the first time and reach for all you can like you reached for my fingers.
So off you go with all my love little one. Life is suddenly different once again.
