You Light Up My Life

In the first few weeks of Lane's life, I discovered I would need a lamp in his room. Guidance was needed during middle of the night diaper changes and feedings. Something to shine a little light. To provide assistance while searching for dropped pacifiers, shhhing Lane to sleep and recording nursing sessions.

The overhead light let off too much light. A simple nightlight plugged in to the wall - not enough.

A little lamp made just for nurseries seemed ideal. And that we were lacking.

Ironically, I thought a lot about baby nurseries during the two years we were trying to conceive. I chose colors for a boy room and colors for a girl. I browsed catalogs and web sites.

Then, when it was my turn, I found it all a little silly. So I opted for two shades of brown on the walls, some beautiful furniture and pages from old Golden Books blown up and hung up as art. The rest, I figured, would come together over time.

Then, in those first few weeks of Lane's life, we were just too busy to look for a lamp. Or too tired. The closet light, left on with the door cracked, became the solution.

A solution that worked long beyond three night-time feedings and snuggles in the rocking chair.

The closet light shone just enough light to guide Lane through the night.

Occasionally, I would think about adding a new light to Lane's evolving room. I checked out a few at some baby stores. When those came up lacking, I searched online for some vintage finds.

I found a few I thought would do. But, being busy doesn't subside after those first few months. I just never got around to ordering one.

I knew the right one would appear in time. And it did.

Recently, my brother and I spent some time unearthing items from our youth. Boxes filled with books, dolls, football trophies and other finds. Mementos my mom couldn't find it in her heart to let loose.

Deep inside a box rest a little lamp. A lamp used to guide a mother in and out of her son's room during middle of the night nursing sessions. To help her see as she rocked her babe and hummed him lullabies. The lamp she and my father purchased while decorating their son's nursery.

I cleaned up the lamp, which was just what I was looking for, and brought it home. The old lampshade a little tattered, I found a simple white shade to cover the top.

The lamp works like a charm. The little nightlight gives off just enough light to brighten Lane's room at night. As I click the switch through its on and off stages each morning, my face is brightened with a smile.


Some things, I guess, are just worth the wait. And some things, I have found, get better with time.

Happy nine month birthday Lane Thomas.