My brother and his wife just had a beautiful (and I mean BEAUTIFUL) baby girl two weeks ago named Madeline Elizabeth. We haven’t gotten down there to see her yet but I can’t wait to get my hands on that sweet, squishy little bundle. It makes my heart go pitter-pat just thinking about that tiny, perfect person with all that potential in the world.
Isn’t she pretty? Apparently she’s also very sweet (at least according to Grandma).
In other news, we had a beautiful weekend here in Portland. Today especially was really lovely, sunny and warm. We celebrated in high family style – going to a Messy Toddler Art Class, hanging out at the farmers market, playing in the sun (Mom got a sunburn), gardening, and finishing with a delicious fresh market dinner. Mmmmmm… nothing better than summer in Oregon.
While Grandma and Grampa have been visiting Baby Maddy, JP and Deb this weekend, we’ve been keeping Buddy here with us. Clare just loves Buddy and he’s especially patient with her.
The other exciting thing about this weekend was it’s the first weekend in a while that I’ve felt good. Hooray for coming to the end of the first trimester! While it’s been easier than with Clare those early pregnancy symptoms haven’t made life all that fun around here. Fortunately J and Clare have been very patient with me and now I’m hopeful that it’s smooth sailing ahead.
It’s interesting the differences between this pregnancy and my last one with Clare. I’m much more relaxed about this one, which is nice. I don’t really spend a lot of time imagining this baby or trying to think of what life will be like with them – that is besides having moments of panic wondering how I will possibly do this with two! I did a lot of time trying to picture the future when I was pregnant with Clare. I pictures pushing a stroller, rocking her in my arms, waking up in the middle of the night, etc. I’m certainly excited about the pregnancy (very excited!!) but I’m just letting it be for now. Part of it is time – I’m certainly busy enough without trying to pull in business in the future. Besides that, I know that whatever I imagine will be a 2-dimensional drawing of the rich and wonderful reality that is to come. The moments I tried to imagine with Clare are like a black and white movie compared to the real life texture of life with her. The beauty, magic, intensity, stress, and bliss of this baby will be much deeper and more special than whatever I can conjure up. I’m just savoring the anticipation, but without turning my imagination on to much. We’re embarking on a new adventure around here, and I’m looking forward to what it may bring.