A Brand New Baby

I got to hold a newborn baby (my niece) the other day, and I was reminded that there really is nothing else in the world that quite compares. I mean, it’s a whole new person right there in your hands! I know that babies are born everywhere every day, but how can we not still be amazed at the phenomenon of each and every one?

When you consider the microscopic beginnings of a baby, how he or she grows and develops inside the mother (INSIDE the mother!!!), how the baby then enters the world, and then what he or she comes “equipped” with…It is simply astounding! Think of it–arms, legs, fingers, and toes that, though tiny, can move around at will; eyes that can see; ears that can hear; a nose that can smell; a mouth that can open/close/coo/cry/eat; and a brain that can process and control everything! What a miracle!

And that fresh baby skin. I really don’t think there’s anything softer. I just wanted to stroke my niece’s cheeks the entire time I held her, though part of me was afraid I would taint them. And I love to think about babies’ little feet–feet that have never even touched the ground, haven’t been broken in or toughened up. Just think of all the places those feet will take that child in a lifetime! All the things those eyes will see! All the thoughts that brain will process!

But for now, they are brand new.

It can be a little overwhelming if you let it. I remember gazing at my firstborn and considering the enormous task set before me: basically to teach her everything there is to know about everything. Yikes! She would have to learn how to eat; walk; talk; use the potty (I could’ve done without having to teach that one.); distinguish colors, shapes, and other such things; read; write; reason…The list is forever. Oh yes–and she’d have to be taught how to share, obey, be kind to others, be generous, love, forgive, trust…things I’m still learning at the age of 38.

A mother’s mind and heart are created to hold and share all of these things with her child. And it truly takes some discipline to keep from getting too far ahead of one’s self in thinking instead of focusing on the here and now, which is a brand new life–untainted, innocent, and fresh. A new beginning.

New moms, don’t miss this. Third- or fourth-time moms, don’t miss this! Take in the beauty and amazement of your newborn baby. And even if your baby’s body or mind developed differently than other newborns, that child is still a miracle. Bask in the wonder of this! Don’t look so far down the road that you miss how soft their cheeks are and how tiny their fingernails are. Be fascinated by every breath they take. And kiss those feet as much as you can before they ever touch the ground.

Because never again will they be brand new.