A couple of weeks ago we went back up to Newcastle to meet our new nephew, John, for the first time. I was completely besotted with him.
I’ve always been quite ambivalent about friends’ babies: I have enjoyed a cuddle and can ooh and aah with the best of them but never felt a real emotional bond. So imagine my surprise when, nearly 15 years after my own son was born, I should be handed a two-week old little bundle and fall head over heels for him.
I was transported back to when Rory was the same age. He was so similar to this little tuppence, it was uncanny. The maternal tug was extraordinary and it was very difficult for anyone else to get a look in as I selfishly monopolised him most of the afternoon.
We had to come home the day after and I really miss this little baby so much – I wouldn’t have believed the difference a family link would make to how close I feel to him.
I’m getting all soppy now so to lighten the mood, here’s a video of the baby, entranced by a singing teddy. Just watch his little hands try to copy the clapping hands of the toy.
He's a cutie, I think you're always going to feel more for a family baby, you have a vested interest in his future.
Gorgeous! Firstly – I have an 18 year gap between my two and it's worked out great so if you want to and can (and I wouldn't dream of presuming as I've been there and done all of that stuff myself) then do it! If not, how lovely that you now have a wonderful little baby to love and then leave!! Secondly, vis a vis the cute video, don't you think he may be trying to give the slightly in-his-face singing sheep a right hook to shut him up?!! I would!!
Very Bored – I think you're right: he's family!!
Diney – I think I'll stick to the one and just enjoy watching this little babe grow up!
You may be right about the video: at the beginning it looked as if it was making him cry but this was my second attempt to video it and he was crying as we had turned the teddy/dog/sheep thing off! A tad 'in his face', I admit 😉
Another family genius! It's quite remarkable how alert and attentive he is at that age. You'll have to move back up north now!
Gorgeous…so lovely. I want to be a Grandma!!
Expat Mum – My next visit is next month – can't wait. Mum keeps getting lots of cuddles; am very jealous!
Libby – Ha! Give your children a chance, Libby. I'm settling for the doting Auntie role.
I was never broody. Never. I'm a bloke. But then when my little 'un was born that changed everything. Now I get broody with the best of them.
At the twelve second point on the video the baby clearly gives a V sign to the teddy bear but the bear carries on regardless.
Steve – ah you're soppy old thing!
Troy – I had to watch it again and, so funny, you're right! Hilarious.
Poor little mite having that bear to contend with, just so Auntie Trish could do another take. Honestly, he loved it first time round!
ahhhhhhh what a cutie! Feel very attached to my sister's children and am very very excited that my brother is also going to become a dad this year!!
Awwww,neither wonder you were broody….what a cutie! The video is so sweet too!
Lorraine and Nana Go-Go – He is cute, isn't he! Am too old to have any more myself so will just be an adoring Auntie who spoils him rotten. My only other niece is 21 so haven't had a baby in the family for ages!
Too, too cute, Trish
He is just gorgeous, I have photos of my little ones on my shoulder like that, they always look so fab and tiny and lovely up on someones shoulder 🙂 jen (nnoooooo, I am not getting broody!)
Awww, bless. What a sweetie, and so new! And how nice to be able to hand him back for the tough stuff. 🙂
Oh how gorgeous. I bet your mum is over the moon. Please send her my love. If you come up to Newcastle you are always welcome to pop up to the far north for a cuppa.
CJ xx
Wylye Girl – isn't he a poppet?
Jen – you're right, it's a scrummy position for a photo!
Sarah – I think you're right, I just got the good bits to do!
CJ – Mum is delighted, especially with Dad being so poorly now, it's helping her to focus on this gorgeous new member of the family. He has my dad's name, too.
Thank you for the offer of a cuppa: I might just take you up on that and be knocking on your door!
Hem… Are you SURE you are not broody?? ;o) He is adorable…
Funky – I'm sure…really sure…well, maybe a little bit!
That is one very kissable little baby! The auntie role is very special and terrific fun. He's lucky to have that extended family love, nothing better than family I say! Have fun watching him grow.
Very cute. Gorgeous. But – I'm very pleased to say tho' – that I'm not broody at all. Nope. Not a bit. Think my last one has finally done the trick. The unremitting violence has finally sunk into my brain and banned me from ever feeling broody ever ever ever again. In fact I sometimes look at pregnant women and tut. Ha ha haaaaaa. My god – all that energy required!!
But he is very very very lovely.
Did you sniff his head? That's always the best bit. Thuglet's head is still just about coconutty enough to snuffle under my nose when he's asleep – but when he's awake – I duck.
MOB – I was always one of a big family, lots of cousins but my son only had one up until now: it's good for him too to have another!
Madame SG – I did sniff his head: had forgotten how delicious it would be. Only a few weeks and I can have another fix of baby!