Grandma-wannabee

I will never be a . I used to tease my Mom because every time she saw a baby or a toddler she would turn into this goo-goo-ga-ga- pinch-the-babies-cheek without permission type of crazy woman.

I have turned into my .

Last week my husband and I were having breakfast at a popular restaurant when a young mother, her sister and three adorable little girls came in the restaurant. Luckily for me, they sat right next to us!

At one point after smiling at, making faces at and uttering out loud lots of "for cutes!" I apologized to the adults. "Seriously, I am not a weird-o stalker but I don't have grandchildren of my own." She nodded and said " no problem" but gave her sister the look that clearly said "that woman is a lunatic" Then she gave me the uh-huh, you are a goofy old woman get away from me grin that I have come to recognize.

Over the edge? Not long ago while shopping I saw this precious Halloween costume for a little girl. I picked it up, gushed over it and carried it around for awhile trying in vain to think of someone I knew to give it too.

This is why despite the fact many children are little germ carrying runny nose I can't wait for December when I can play Mrs. Claus and have a purpose when I pick up and hug the little darlings, read them stories and pretend -- just for a moment -- that they are my very own little precious grand babies and that I am real Grandma and not a Grandma-wannabee.