Babies

"And hold your arms like this," Mom curved her arms in front of her, "so that the baby's head is supported. Yep, that's about right." I stared down at my arms, rigid and uncertain. I loved babysitting dollies, or playing the mother role in games of "house". Yet somehow, when the infant was actually living and breathing, I was very intimidated. If I dropped the toy doll, no harm was done. If I shifted my weight wrong with this brand new baby in my arms, I was sure to be banished forever. I winced at Mom, not sure that holding this baby was a good idea. But Mom carefully snuggled the baby, and whispered in a light tone "Would you like to hold the baby?" I hesitantly nodded my head yes, and Mom again whispered, this time to the baby, "Are you ready? Your nice cousin Mandy is going to hold you now. She's very nice. You'll learn to like her a lot." I stared at the blue-eyed bundle, smothered in embroidered blankets, and smiled. I was absolutely terrified. Yet I couldn't help but beam at this little child placed in my arms.