It’s amazing what a baby can do in such a short time.

In a matter of months, it grows from microscopic bits to a tiny human.

In a matter of moments, we fall in love.

And it doesn’t stop there. In the first few weeks and months of life, babies are constantly changing and growing.

By his first birthday, baby is likely to be walking, saying a few words and charming everyone in his life.

As wonderful as this experience is for parents, it’s extra special for grandparents.

I never understood that with my own children. Of course I loved them unconditionally and would have done anything for them. But there were times I was tired and frustrated. Baby might be cranky or have wet the diaper I just put on. It may be 2 am, and the alarm is going off at 6, and baby is wailing, and I’m in tears.

Parents of infants are not always at their best.

But grandparents have the advantage of years, experience and uninterrupted sleep. Mum or Dad may have had the night shift with Junior, but we (grandparents) are refreshed. We look at grumpy faces or fidgety infants as cute. We are more relaxed and laid-back.

It’s all good.

I’ve found my grandson to be such a joy. It’s a privilege to see him so often and watch him grow and learn about the world. Every day is a new experience, and I’m grateful to have this time with him.

This first year has flown by. We often wonder where the time has gone. In another blink, he’ll be going to kindergarten, driving and graduating.

Yes, there’s a lot of life in there, too, but it’s gone in such a short time.

I guess I experienced that with my children, too. So many years passed so quickly. So many details forgotten in the passage of time.

It’s taught me to enjoy the moment. And that’s very easy to do as a grandparent. Very easy with such a wonderful grandson.

Happy birthday, Link!

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How to Be a Better Writer Tip

Write about What’s Happening in Your Life

If you’re not sure what to write, look at what’s happening in your life. While you may not have a website like this, a platform to publish or even a desire to publish, writing about what’s happening in your life can be a nice way to connect with your emotions.

Recently, I wrote about my former husband in a memorial piece. It was a way to recall him at his best, which he deserved. In this column, I write about that baby who has stolen my heart.

Whether you write for an audience or just for yourself, you’ll find plenty of topics in your own life.

I’m also reminded of my days as a journalist. We often would write about topics that were relevant in our own lives. Someone would have an experience, and it would raise a question. Sometimes, it would lead to a story.

As humans, we often share similar experiences and go through universal life events, such as births, deaths, marriages, child-rearing, education and a whole host of firsts (first steps, first words, first day of school, first job, first car, etc.). When we write about those experiences, we connect with people who can relate because they’ve had similar experiences.

The next time you don’t know what to write about, take a look at what’s happening in your life.