Thanks for Taking Care of my Babies

(Do you feel this way about inanimate objects? :) 

Dear Fisher- Price Newborn Sleeper Cradle,

Hi there, my dependable old friend. It’s an hour till midnight and you are cuddling my sweet, five month old little girl. Though she is not the first baby of mine you’ve held, she will be the last, and this thought makes my mom heart weep. It is difficult to comprehend that this is the last season you’ll be my ever present companion.

Having you in my life has added an extra measure of convenience and peace. You hold your head high when covered in mustard colored baby-blowout; making life easier with your removable, washable cover. You are off- white and have a gender-neutral pattern of shaded circles, which has welcomed both my sons and daughters. I see dirty little hand prints littering the edges of your frame, left from older siblings leaning in for support, while peeking in at our newest heavenly gift. Some may think you appear unclean, but you are really sprinkled with markings of love and curiosity.  As I stare at you now I never want to wash your cover again; too afraid to launder away those irreplaceable moments.

You are a portable cradle which means my babies have felt at home even when they are not. You fold together so compactly, and stow away nicely amidst the other hordes of cargo shoved into the back of our Ford Expedition. You have never abandoned us for a moment and I can’t applaud you enough for enduring the lengthy road trips and dusty, sweaty camp outs.

You’re not afraid of a little hard work and sometimes your shift lasts 24/7. In the dead of night I’ve reached out to you from my bedside, grabbing hold of your frigid metal leg. We’ve worked as a team as I’ve sleepily rocked you back and forth, back and forth, until no more cries from your infant passenger could be heard. You have comforted every tiny child I’ve entrusted to your care; snuggling them in tight as they sway tranquilly in your lap.

            My newborn isn’t such a newborn anymore and this is probably the final month I’ll have you by my side. I wanted to tell you thank you, thank you for taking extraordinary care of my delicate babies time and time again. Your presence will be sorely missed.

Much Love,

Cammy