When our first grandson was born, 6.5 years ago, I was given strict instructions: ZERO social media! I have thus followed orders, and never mention his name or post photos of him of his little brother, calling them just Little Man and Baby Man. I think the prohibition is lifted, as I see photos and names on D1's Instagram page of her boys, but until I am explicitly given the go ahead, I shall keep them unidentified.
But today -- well -- it's a big day! Baby Man turns 4! He is celebrating well -- up in Disney with his big brother and Dad, and a pretty nanny -- a person I never grew up with nor had for the Ds.
We're getting pix of them enjoying the HECK out of the place. Hmm...maybe the expression "like a kid at Disneyworld" has true meaning.
We get to celebrate with him next Sunday -- I reserved the Mitzvah Kitchen at Chabad -- there'll be activities for Baby Man and other kids, and they bake cookies, some to consume, and many to be brought to homeless shelters, in Baby Man's honor.
When Rabbi Yossi called me about the event, he asked if I realized what it would cost, and I answered "I don't know -- a few K?" "More than that -- $3300." I agreed and added $300 to bring the gift to a Chai multiple, and then was told by Jeff that when his other congregation's Brotherhood had an event, they got a "non profit" discount and it was $2500. I chuckled to myself -- my friend Rabbi Yossi always gets the financial edge!
But back to Baby Man. He is a delight -- sparkling personality, and adorable way of speaking. He has learned quite well to NOT be a shrinking violet, lest he be always in the shadow of his big brother, who happens to be, as his Mom calls him. "The most interesting 6 year old in the world."
Baby Man never becomes a background child, as Wifey says, and is joyful and fun. His friends at preschool and camp adore him -- we will fetch him there on Monday - and hear him adorably describe his day.
We'll then reunite with Little Man and watch the two brothers be brothers -- FAR more physical with each other than the Ds were. Jonathan and I predict Baby Man will turn out to be the tougher of the 2 -- the one big brother calls upon if he needs muscle in navigating life. We'll see.
I was gullible when Baby Man was born -- I was told that everyone with a 7/11 birthday got free lifetime Slurpees at the 7-11 store. Turns out everyone who visits on 7-11 gets them. We haven't taken advantage of this yet.
All I know is, a child is an indescribable blessing to a family. I have told Wifey that I love her most when I see her on the floor playing with Little Man and Baby Man -- she has more patience for that than I.
And when we get in the car to drive home -- Wifey is on a high -- asking me repeatedly how wonderful are our grandsons. The answer is infinitely wonderful.
So I wish for Baby Man another 116 years of great health, and laughter, and ask the Big Man to give me the years to be around to see how his life plays out.
For now -- well -- Disney and the following weekend of cookies are not too shabby. Boy do we love that little boy.
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