On Becoming a Grandpa

Taking a shower this morning at Dani's house, it finally hit me - my new status in life as a grandpa. More than about me, it's more about the transformation of my daughter who, after all, used to be my baby. As the hot water poured down on me, I was reviewing, in my mind's eye, the visits to the maternity ward over the last few days at Albany Medical Center. Here is my daughter holding her new son, gently stroking his face and taking in his features; memorizing every little crease and dimple in his newborn face; cooing at him, rocking him and telling him, over and over, how much she loves him. Erik, also, has changed in front of my eyes; suddenly, he's a new father and it's palpable in his embrace of this tiny new being. It's a beautiful thing, becoming a parent. When it happens to you, you don't realize the transformation that's about to take place in your life. But the grandpa can stand back a bit and observe. From such a vantage you can see and appreciate the change in all its exquisite glory.

Erik ... a natural dad, overnight.

Mike flew in from L.A. last night. We picked him up at Albany airport and hurried back to the hospital for a quick introduction to his new nephew before visiting hours were over. It's funny, watching him pick up Ethan, a little stiff at first, like handling a piece of very expensive and delicate china, but quickly adapting and then warming to this little baby and new family member.

Mike, taking in his new nephew. Ethan, waxing philosophically on his new uncle.

Grandma kvells as her son holds her grandson.