Papa

I can't even begin to tell you how important I think it is to have grandparents in a child's life. And, it is even more special when your child forms a strong bond with them. Ever since Booker was about 5 months old he has had a special bond to Papa Morgen. When he was crying or just too hyped up to let anyone hold him, Papa would put him in his arms and Booker was immediately pacified. Papa was also one of the last "easy" words Booker said. This wasn't because he couldn't say it, but for some reason he just taunted us all and stubbornly refused to say his name. It was like a secret game he played. However, once he started saying it, it has been Papa this and Papa that. Booker knows that when we eat dinner at Papa's he gets to sit on his lap and help himself to Papa's plate. And he also knows that no matter how good the dessert, he will get to eat as much as he wants, even if that means Papa doesn't get a single bite. The two of them could sit and eat an entire tub of cool whip together. Tonight they took turns taking bites of "their" piece of pizza. Wherever Papa goes, Booker follows, and if he can't he is truly upset. I love the feeling of being able to leave the kids at Papa and Nana's and they just look at Dusty and me like, "ok, you can leave now." No problems. Ever. The day Bodey was born we were all wondering how Booker would adjust. He seemed to be just fine, not jealous at all. That is until it was Papa's turn to hold Bodey. "No, my Papa!" And he started crying. It was like he was setting the precedence that he's willing to share lots of things in life, but this is crossing the line. I think back to my relationship with my grandparents and I loved and respected them so much that before I did something I honestly thought in the back of my head, "What would grandma and grandpa think? I don't want to let them down." I hope that is the kind of relationship that continues through my kids.