Completely Enamored

I'm going to "out" myself here and confess that I am completely enamored with newborns.  

Smitten.  Hooked.  Enraptured.  Captivated.  

Especially with my own new babies, or new babies of friends or family members.  Or neighbors. Or friends of friends.  Ok, even random women in the grocery store.  

I am that girl.  

You know, the one that randomly approaches you at Kroger to ask about your brand new baby (it isn't that weird is it?  Fine, its somewhat strange....to some.)

I have been ambushing new mommies for as long as I can remember.  I can vividly remember begging and pleading asking every new mom in church if I could hold their just-born infants when I was only about 6 years old.  Every. One.

I recently phoned a friend for the 7th time to ask about her friend's labor progression only to be reminded that I didn't even know this woman.  And she lived clear across the country. Whoops.  That was awkward.

I might have been seen lingering in the Waiting Room while my sister delivered my nephew. 

(and during my other SIL's delivery and also my friend from high school and possibly, a random stranger.  Do we really need to draw a distinction?) 

A friend invited me to be in (IN!) the delivery room while she gave birth to her son and I can't even blog about that for fear I will damage my stellar reputation.

I might have been sitting in my car (engine running?) and ready to head to my SIL's house just as she was pulling into town with her newborn son that she had adopted.  Whatev.

All this to say, you can imagine my self-induced, panicked frenzy sheer delight when I found out I was going to get to take a peak at my new niece, Claire Emmanuel last night.

Here we are together.  Btw, that's an American Girl doll hat she is wearing.

She is so tiny that she doesn't latch well (yet) so I got to feed her a bottle after she breastfed.  I wish it was an understatement to say that I thought I had died and entered heaven.

When I arrived back home, I skipped into the house with so much energy that my hubby texted my brother to thank him for the "legal high for my wife."  

So over the top, he is, don't you think?

Happy 2nd Birthday Gabriel

Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

Son, you light up each day.  I love the way you wait so patiently for me to come and get you in your crib each morning.  Your smile, as I walk in, melts my heart every time!  

I love how you say, "Okay!" every time I tell you that I love you.  You make me laugh when you crawl around the house pretending you are a puppy....even going as far as to lick me!  

I can hardly believe that God is giving you a brother.  It would be impossible to feel more blessed.  You have a destiny and I can't wait to see it unfold.  I adore being your Mommy.  I love you!

Newbie

Introducing....my newest niece:

Claire Emmanuel

4 lbs 6 oz

17 inches

Born in perfect health!  Praise God!

(check out how many times the tshirt is rolled up.  too cute! :))

Happy Birthday Re-do

 Thank goodness for second chances.

My heart is smiling.

(oh, and if you want a good laugh, check out the end.  Abby is stage left trying to blow out the candle.  Maddie gives her a stern "No, Thank You!"....to which Abby replies, "Yes, Please!")

Happy Birthday To You!

Madeline and I took the afternoon on Sunday to get ready for her (and Gabe's) party.  I gave her complete autonomy, letting her set up everything exactly the way she wanted to.  As we were working together, I asked her what she was most excited about. 

Her exact words:

"Even more than the presents, I am most looking forward to everyone singing Happy Birthday to me.  I love that part.  Everyone singing.  Its such a happy time!"

I was so touched by what she said and it was so completely Madeline to say it.

I will be honest and say I didn't think too much of it later (lots of activity with a huge family and 2 birthday celebrations!) until I downloaded the pictures and video later that night.  When I watched the video of the Happy Birthday song, I burst into tears.  She was so concerned about Gabe (he is seemingly reluctant about the whole thing) that she didn't even get to enjoy her part.

(scroll down & pause music before viewing)

I might have woken up at 2 am and started bawling again.  Ok, I did.  Poor Ron, he never knew what hit him!  Emotional much?  (Actually, yes)

Thankfully, I have an opportunity to "re-do" it again at her party tonight.  She is having a couple girlfriends over for little celebration.  Thank you God for second chances.  

Throwback Friday

Ok, I'm cheating again.  This isn't a Throwback.  I snapped it about 2 seconds ago.

Couldn't resist.  Gabe carries this baby around everywhere.  

He affectionately refers to it as, "My Baby."

Honduras - Part 4

Here are a couple of my little girlfriends from one of the schools we worked at near Pena Blanca.  They would run home at noon (when school let out) and change into clothes to come back and help paint.  One day during recess, they gathered all their friends and danced around me singing a song.  The interpreter came over and told me they were singing a song to my baby!

On the last day they presented me with a card that read, "Felicidades Por El Nuevo Bebe"

(Congratulations on your New Baby)

I heart these precious girls.