Young Jackson James turned three today. Four years ago, Ruth and I didn’t think we’d have a third grandchild. I’m pretty sure his conception was planned even though he was conceived, and born, during the covid crisis.
We knew his birth was on the horizon when I called to check in with Kate one late March evening in 2021. What I didn’t know was they were already in the hospital because she was in labor. I can’t tell you if Michael was in the room, or not, but I called from our Florida lanai and motioned for Ruth to join me because there was big news to share. Mangus Strongbeard was about to make his appearance.
Mangus Strongbeard was the code name for our second grandson. His dad and Uncle Sutton came up with the name over a few beers one evening. Alcohol induced creativity can be a beautiful thing, especially when it’s in your rear-view mirror. Neither Ruth nor I wanted this to be his final moniker, but we were confident that Kate would have a say in the end. We were right.
I wrote the following right after we learned that Mangus was a boy. You may have already read it.
All the testing indicates that Mangus Strongbeard is developing as planned. All systems are “go”, so we don’t have to keep the secret any longer. I’ve been privately referring to Mangus as Maggie if she turned out to be a girl, or Gus if he proved to be a boy. I’m happy either way.
The lockdown has prevented Michael from attending Kate’s doctor visits. He’s been outside the office sitting in his car reading “baby books”. He’s been keeping track of Mangus’s development and been supportive of Kate. They talk about each of her visits and are learning things about child development together. He couldn’t be present when the testing revealed Mangus’s sex, so they bought exploding golf balls for dramatic effect through a “big reveal”. Kate teed it up for Michael, and he learned a bit more about his child.
Mike and Kate purchased similar golf balls for David and his family, and Ruth and me. We had our own gender reveal. Each of us held a secret wish, but we knew in our hearts we were gonna get what we were gonna get.
When Kate went into labor, Michael had a decision to make. If he joined her in the hospital for Jackson’s birth, he was there for the duration. The hospital would allow him in, but once in, he had to stay. The threat of covid dictated the ultimatum. He opted in, and the three became one. They remain that way today.
They do everything together. Jackson has had his share of health issues, but so did his dad after he was born. He’s a strong kid, living life, and having a great time in the process.
Ruth and I met Jackson when he was ten days old. The child development books were close at hand and Michael read passages to us. He was keeping track of his son’s development and relied, in part, upon experts to guide his actions. When we visited a second time, the reference books were still in play. Sometime during his first year, the books were set aside. Jackson’s pediatrician offered guidance, and they followed it. They may have even winged it a time or two.
They didn’t move forward blindly, because Kate researches most things. She’s an avid reader and knows what to look for and where to look. It’s a gift.
Jackson is a favorite in his day care. Why wouldn’t he be. He’s got great genes and support from home. The thing I’ve most impressed about is his vocabulary. He’s not ready to make speeches to his fellow preschoolers, but he has an extensive vocabulary. Not only does he know the words, but he also knows when to use them. I credit Mike and Kate for that. There’s never been any “baby talk” in their house. They just have conversations and invite him to join in.
That’s what families are all about. We share time, both good and bad, and celebrate that we have one another to lean on should things get tough.
