A new soul appeared among us on Wednesday, January 29, 2014.
His name is Jax W. Safford, and he is my first grandson. He weighed in at 8
pounds 1 ounce and stretched to 21.5 inches. Mom Eduenis Bourge Safford is
doing very well. Dad John W. Safford couldn't be more pleased.
Let’s get something said about the name. First, Jax is
unusual but original and interesting. Time will tell if it shapes the boy or
the boy shapes the name. The middle initial – W – stands for nothing.
Phonetically Jax W. Safford sounds more comfortable than Jax Safford – the ‘x’
and ‘S’ combining to blur pronunciation. Besides, Jax’ dad has initials JW
Safford and so does he. Enough said!
I’m a grandfather twice before, both girls, Lindsay and Kira
by daughter Liz and her hubby Dan. Both girls are gorgeous and sweet. Both are
wanted and loved. But this thing about a grandson was delayed many years. Kira
is the youngest at 10 years of age. And now comes Jax. Rocky has three
granddaughters and three grandsons, so we have plenty of each kind!
But there is something about having a grandson of your
own. I don’t pretend to understand it
but it just is.
Now to the specifics. Jax is quiet, calm and beautiful.
Everything his grandfather Safford is not! He truly is gorgeous as a baby.
Alert and calming to those around him. With long legs and arms one suspects he
will follow in his dad’s body type. Then you see the fingers and toes – very
long and distinct. This kid is going to be a big one to watch grow, just like
his dad.
Jax’ face is very much his mom’s but the head shape is
dad’s. A great blend of Bourge and Safford! This will be fun to witness over
the next several years.
While visiting we witnessed the baby’s first diaper change.
Dad did the honors with his mother carefully watching. And me, too! Wouldn't
you know it was a poopy diaper but that made the nurse quite happy as she
chalked the event off her watch list.
Eye color at this point is indistinct. Probably they are
mostly gray; maybe a hint of blue, but it is way too early to determine that
identifying feature. Most pediatricians will tell you it takes a year for eye
color to settle in. Besides, at this
early moment we don’t dare shine a bright light into his eyes to make this
determination!
Proportion is a strong point for Jax. He is nicely shaped
and properly proportioned. His head is beautifully shaped, long-ish neck, long
torso – but it’s those legs, arms and toes that mark his future. I bet he will
be tall!
Jax also has lots of head hair. Dark brown for now but it is
wispy light textured and sure to be replaced with something more permanent in a
few weeks and months. Too early to tell but probably a rich brown.
A newborn’s birth is an event of promise – of things to
come. That’s why we so look forward to the event. Of course the mother is
anxious for the 9-months to be successfully concluded. For her the pain and
discomfort is over; now for the hard work and anxiety!
The rest of the family dotes and gazes upon the baby with
wonder of the magic of new life. And that is as it should be. Time will enrich
both his life and ours. Such a journey it will be, filled with awe and surprise
and a whole lot of joy.
Here’s hoping what I've written in this posting doesn't
upset anyone. These are my personal impressions of yesterday’s visit of the
newborn. Anyway I thought I’d caution the readers with this quote:
“As I have grown older, I've learned
that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everyone off is a piece of
cake.” ~ Anonymous
Amen to that!
For the present I have inner feelings that are hard to
express. I know I am not alone. Younger persons, too, will struggle with this.
In time the journey will be made clear. And so be it!
Welcome to planet Earth, Jax. You are well expected and already
very much loved.
January 31, 2014
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