El Nino's Big Adventure

Something wonderful has been happening to my body. Of course it started while I was pregnant, but the wonderful part is that it continues, to some extent, after the birth of my child. I feel a physical connection with el nino. I have no idea if his father feels something akin to it. It's not necessarily a blissful thing. For example, I seem to burp (and fart) while I am burping (and farting?) El during a feeding. Coincidence? Perhaps. The lovely part is when he is resting on my chest. It really is one of the strongest feelings of contentment I have experienced.
And I have always felt a strong bond with my own mother. As el nino rested against her chest the other day, I commented that I remember it being one of the nicest, safest places for me to rest in the world. Mom said, you can't remember that! Well, no, I don't remember it when I was El's age, but I do remember resting against mom's bosom throughout my childhood. And I most certainly do know that it is a safe and warm place no matter what age. I'm sure I have rested my head in that very spot more than once this year.

So my comment today to my mother when I explained to her the physical connection I feel to el nino (and to her) was, "I wonder what it must be like for you with your grandchildren." "Well, it's something. I don't think I can describe it... Each one was different when they were babies because their personalities are so different," she replied. I asked if she would type something for the blog about it, but she felt shy. So I write it here for her.

My mother has come to our rescue these last few weeks. She has stayed with us while we adjust to the new and intense role of parenthood. "I get along very well with El," she said. I said, "What is almost more important is that El gets along very well with you." There really is something quite remarkable going on between the two of them, and I can only imagine what it must feel like for her (and for him).

In the meantime, I will bask in the wonder of having my child rest against my chest, and I will rest in the peace that comes along with it. Happy Thanksgiving.