Santa's Little Helper

A small boy visited me today, riding on his mother's hip and leaning out over all he surveyed with twinkling interest in his blue-gray eyes.

Our little grand-nephew Gabriel the New is almost five months old.  His hat proclaims him Santa's Little Helper, but all he can do is wriggle.  In his jaunty red snap-closed jumper, he rolled and squeaked on the floor while the giant adults all around him watched, delighted.

Nothing quite compares to a cute baby in a good mood.  This one, of course, is our current favorite and barely has to move to set everybody within shouting distance rushing to his aid, which he loves.  In truth, his expression says he is somewhat amused by what goes on around him, but show him a cell phone or other small gadget and his attention is riveted.  His feet kick, his body bucks and bounces and his hands reach slowly toward the dazzling gizmo.  His eyes lock onto it and his mouth forms an O.  I hope teachers in his future can get that kind of response to what they need to teach him.

All 15 pounds of Gabriel are healthy and will increase to 16 pounds soon and beyond.  He is well loved and has oodles of confidence and basks in the secure comfort of total affection, a lucky boy, captain of his ship and master of a tiny universe.  There is no cringe or ducking shyness in this little one.  No, he will be a handful when he gets his feet under himself.  Until then, every last member of the family and friends everywhere adore him and love is innocent immobility for now.  I kissed him for luck and hope I see him again soon.