Sunday, April 29, 2007

The Virtue of Wool Gathering

Ten Days Old

I was so pleased to finally be able to help Thesha out a little. Last night I fell sound asleep at eight o'clock or so, but when I came to around 1:30, I decided to head over to rock the baby if need be. Poor Smudge had not had a great time the previous night, and, of course, that means that Thesha didn't either. In the event, I got over there just after two o'clock, just in time for rocking duty because Smudge was just finishing up a post-midnight snack.

She was a bit fussy for a while, but the old fella was able to keep her pretty calm through those spells, and then she rested quite well for the next few hours. Mom stumbled out of bed around six o'clock to find Smudge and Grampa still rocking and enjoying ourselves. It really pleased me to help Mom get a good night's rest. Frequently, due to silly sleep patterns, I am available at night, but lately I've been tired and crashing early and deeply — just when poor Mom could use a wee bit of assistance. However, it worked out well last night, especially since Theboy had taken the early shift. As a result, Thesha pretty well got the traditional eight hours, as did I because when I got home, I tumbled for almost another four hours.

The odd thing is that, at least to some extent, I can do that sort of thing (rock for hours) without getting too bored. My mind wanders about the universe as it will, and the time goes fairly quickly or at least more quickly than many would imagine ... although keeping the aches and pains at bay from being relatively immobile can make it stretch out a bit. It makes me think of going to high school where the administrators determined that the best punishment was to enforce forty minutes of strict silence after school. Not that I got all that many detentions, but I had my share, and, when I did, they didn't bother me too much. In fact, they were usually over before I knew it.

So, my propensity to wool gather does work for me on occasion, and, should we ever meet, kindly overlook the faraway gaze that overcomes me from time to time. It's just the way it is and not to be taken personally.

12 comments:

Ginger said...

Wow. A good use for your insomnia. How lucky for Thesha ... and you, getting to rock the little sweetie. :)

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

Lucky you. I wake up some nights wishing there was someone I could visit for a good cuddle.:)

I prefer your school punishment to mine. We had to do long and wide additions. We had to get enought done and right or we had to come back the next day. I got one detention for "going up the down staircase" It lasted for months. Luckily I graduated or I would still be there. That was 1962 BC (before calculators)

Margaret said...

Dr. John sent me by to take a peek. What a proud grampa you are. She is a super cutie, almost looks identical to our little one when she was that size.

Besides the nice head of hair. (Katie was a baldy until 14 mos.)

Enjoy this time. You already know how fast it goes. Before you know it they are walking, talking and growing up on you. =O)

Mary said...

what a great grandpa you are!!

KGMom said...

So, who is luckier--you (aka Grandpa) or Smudge (aka sleepless baby)?
Maybe luckiest is the new mom to have such a beautiful daughter and such a caring dad!

methatiam said...

I'm afraid that if I let my mind wander, I may not get it back, and I'm too afraid I'd be happier without it.

oshee said...

How sweet for all of you. It is very good of you to be so helpful, even through the night, for you daughter. She is lucky to have you.

Pam said...

You are a wonderdul grandpa...isn't it great? I could rock my grandbabys for hours on end and was quite happy to woolgather.

And Mom needs that sleep!

Anonymous said...

Nice to have that warm trusting weight in your arms.

ChrisB said...

You will be able to look back with fond memories of these rocking sessions and when she's older it will be a fine tale to tell her.

Cathy said...

First impression: I get a little teary thinking how blessed your family is to live close enough to have this kind of mutual support. Precious beyond measuring.

Second: "Wool gathering". A lovely saying that I've not encountered often and will now 'google' to learn the orign.

Anonymous said...

Both mom and baby are so very lucky to have you both so close.

And you are so lucky to have this baby time. Grandkids seem to grow up even faster than our own did.