Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Grandma Marion and Aunt Holly

Hanging out with Aunt Holly



Gramma Marion, Aunt Holly, and Aidric


Looks like a reach, but was probably a punch!


Mark's Mom, Marion, and his sister, Holly, came to visit from Nashville last week. They were a great help to us. And they were thrilled to meet Aidric, of course. They didn't seem to mind hanging out with us all day at all.

Man, oh, man do I miss having company now that everyone is gone and Mark is back to work. But Little Man keeps me quite busy, and I don't mind looking at him all day. Could do that forever and ever.
Except when finally I see an adult size head, it looks HUGE.

Monday, September 15, 2008

One Month

I would like to steal Dooce's idea and write letters to Aidric. It seems natural to write as if I am talking to him. I want both of us to have these musings later on. So that I can remember these times, which are blurring by at amazing speed. And so Aidric can have this if he is ever curious.




Aidric,

You are a month old. The only thing negative I have to say is that my time with you is going way too fast. You change every day. You continue to do things which astound me. And a month later, my eyes burn wet with tears when I think of your birth. I have a big lump in my throat right now trying to hold in the love. Your Daddy and I are still adjusting to our new improved life with you. I am trying to learn how to fit my own needs into the day. Days which you consume hungrily, like you consume my heart.



The week after you were born, I noticed your eyelashes and eyebrows growing so fast. Your eyelashes are so coppery, and your eyebrows look brownish. Your hair is like nothing I have ever seen - blond roots and brown ends. We love your little foot reflex of wrapping your toes around our finger. You already would "walk" and press your feet into the ground when we hold you up. Yesterday, you pushed yourself over from your tummy to your back. Freaked us out. And just like your parents, you absolutely love to pig out. I think you look just like your Daddy, but I can see a little of me too. You are tall. Everyone remarks so. You can thank your Grandpas for that.

In just one month you have started making these sweet little sounds. "Ah-yoo", "Nghee", and "Hoo". You can track my face or your rattle toy back and forth, up and down. You grab for things, especially my hair. You seem to be focusing on more things, and you can find me with your eyes from across the room. Just the other day, you were in your bassinet, making little sounds and hanging out. I came into the room to check on you, hoping you were drifting off, and when you saw me you did a double take and started to cry for attention. You've already figured out you can manipulate Mommy. Little Stinker.

Oh, and heartaches of all heartaches, you are starting to make tears. I cannot handle that.



This first month has been all about keeping you safe in our home, away from the real world. You are our little treasure that we are keeping all to ourselves. I know it hasn't been too exciting. Just eating, sleeping, diaper changes, and a little playtime on the couch. I melt when I see your Daddy holding you and smiling at you.



We love you so much that it has shocked us. We feel so honored to have you with us and so proud of you already as a person.

Every morning you wake up at dawn. Your eyes are bright and wide awake, calmly looking around in wonder. The traffic noise hasn't started yet. The sky is turning silvery, and we can feel the cool morning air drifting in. This is the sweetest time of the day with you, our special loving time when you smile and coo, and I kiss you a million times. We look at each other, studying the faces we see. I wonder what you are thinking and feeling. As for me, I am thinking that I hope I never take you for granted. I am thinking what a miracle you are. I am feeling completely captive to the love I have for you. My Little Man.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Heirloom



This beautiful quilt was made by my amazingly talented Step-Mom, Shirley. When I see how much care and work went into the crafting of this quilt, I am blown away. My Dad has sung her praises on his blog. We have been the lucky recipients of her handmade Christmas ornaments and jewelry. Now Aidric has this heirloom that we can hand down through the family.

Thank you so much, Shirley!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Photo Shoot



Two weeks before Aidric was born, Nikki, who shot our wedding photos, was here and took some preggie pictures. They came out amazing of course. Here are some of my favorites.


Outdoor shots are always so nice.



Big ole' belly.



We love to go for long walks down these streets. Can't wait to take Aidric along!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Elephants



When a new baby elephant is born, all the females in the herd gather around to shield the laboring mom elephant. When the little one is born they all take turns feeling the baby with their trunks. Aside from proving that elephants are amazing emotional creatures who make strong bonds, it makes me think of how all the wonderful Moms in our family are gathering around us to welcome our new Little Man.

Here is my Mom and Sis, who were out last week. They say they didn't mind traveling 3000 miles just to watch me nurse all day long. Aidric just loved his Grandma and Auntie. And I was so happy to have them here!

And now Mark's Mom and Sis are here! The herd is big and so loving! I am one lucky elephant.





Here is Auntie Teri