Firsts

I was walking toward the restaurant Sarabeth's in New York City with excitement and a huge smile on my face. It was going to be a first for me: I was about to meet my daughter and granddaughter to celebrate my birthday. As I approached the restaurant, I looked in the window and saw my girls waving and smiling while saying, “There's Bea Bea.” I could not wait to get inside and give my girls hugs and kisses.

We shared the morning with breakfast and a stroll down Madison Avenue. We attempted a visit to the Guggenheim Museum. But when we arrived, Molly was due for a nap so we opted for a rain check to the museum. We had a tourist take a picture of Molly, my daughter and me outside the museum. That would be a souvenir of my very special day. I walked my daughter and granddaughter to the car to say our good-byes. I have learned to accept our short visits. I recognize the importance of a schedule as Molly develops and requires consistency and structure.

Before I would take a Jitney back to Southampton, I had some time left in the city. As I was walking, I began to think about firsts. This was my first birthday with my first grandchild. It dawned on me how hard it must be for my daughter each day that she leaves her precious little girl to go to work and might not always see Molly's firsts.

Amy and I talked later that week about firsts. We came up with a plan for the family. The nanny would keep a camera, journal and phone handy to let mommy and daddy share the joy I felt as I celebrated my birthday. I wonder how other working moms feel about firsts. My daughter was very emotional about missing out on seeing some of Molly's firsts. I think us talking about it and making a plan helped her to feel a little better.

I intend to keep a journal of grandma's firsts!