Friday, August 03, 2007

So blessed

We've been so blessed to have family here to be with us and MaryP.

My mom was here for the first week and that was wonderful. Not only to have someone cook, clean, burp the baby, change the baby, and rock the baby when I was too tired .... those things merit wonderful in and of themselves. But to have her there to just talk with - about baby stuff and about life. It was so nice to plop down on the couch and be able to talk about whatever. It always makes me sad when I hear people my age really griping about their parents - I really can't relate. She and I are such good friends - I can't imagine it any other way. I wondered what I would need a mom for when the baby came - just one little person, right? Even though the little person is a very good baby that sleeps well, I discovered that yes, it was really nice (and helpful) to have her there. We had such a good time together, it made it hard for me to say goodbye. Fortunately SPH-1 stepped in. I know she feels like she doesn't have as much to do - no running interference with other children, etc. But I sure appreciate the help with cleaning, cooking, and the chance to put my feet up for one more week! Not to mention being able to pick her brain about baby questions, or to just chat (or the sewing aid she is rendering at this moment - phew!). We have a few more days with her here and then we will be flying solo. Yikes!

I can't complain though. MaryP really is a very good baby who sleeps well for a new born at night and has an even temper. Except when she's being bathed - then watch out! So, we've decided to never bathe her again.Ok, maybe not. But it's a tempting alternative when I see her scream and thrash about. Ah well, hopefully she will learn to like it sooner rather then later.

Last weekend my dad and younger brother and Daddy-O, Nathan and SPH-1 joined us for MaryP's baby blessing. It was really nice to have family here (though Lady you were right about tight quarters - 8 people was just right for our apartment....hopefully we can pop by and visit your family soon!) I especially enjoyed seeing my brother who returned from his mission in Argentina the day after MaryP came. Unfortunately we don't seem to have any pictures of him on our camera (rats!). He heads to the Y in the fall and I hope to see him again as we visit family in UT on our way to WA. Anyway, it was really wonderful to have family here - we were sad to say goodbye but hope to see them again soon.
MaryP was so good for the blessing. I guess she was just calmly looking up as she was being blessed. We continue to be delighted to have her in our family!

7 comments:

Ree said...

Isn't family terrific? Woodine, how did you get so skinny so fast?! You all look great!

Taffy said...

I love having family! It's always hard when they go. Especially when you have to fly solo for the first time. (It has been frightening every time for me, not just with the first one.) But, youfigure it out fast. I hope you moving is going well! Also, please continue to bathe your baby!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to your brother on his returning home, Woodine.

Lady said...

MaryP looks adorable in her little strawberries! I am glad you had a nice visit with your family. I know our crew would have been a bit much - too much too soon! (Maybe if Mary P had been 6 weeks instead of 1 1/2) Let me echo - Moms are great!! Those first few weeks are rough with healing, lack of sleep, nursing pain, change of schedule - Moms really make that transistion bearable!

Cougarg said...

When do you guys pass through UT? If it is September, Great! If earlier, I'll miss you by >< this much! So Say it'll be September.

B said...

Moms are GREAT! They give us chocolate ca...oops! I'm glad everything is going o well for you guys! Plus sorry your kid hates bathing! That won't last...before you know it she'll be begging you to be able to take a bath;) Thanks for posting all the great pix of your sweet MaryP!

Princess Gerty said...

Yes, I remember those feelings of terror and sadness every time my mom left after helping with a baby. Moms are great! And really, don't worry if you don't bathe MaryP. Our little girl also screamed at every bath, as well as every diaper change. So, she did not get very many baths. No one in China complained of her stink and I think she survived. Now she LOVES baths.