When I Meet This Baby...

... if she's a girl, my life will change forever, in that very instant.  I imagine what that first night will be like, as it sinks in that I'm the mother of a daughter.  A whole new world.  I think about how overwhelming that might feel, and yet how exciting.  For every thought and emotion I can predict now, there are probably a thousand more that I couldn't even comprehend.  There's so much good in store for us, if this baby's a girl.

... if he's a boy, I just might die of happiness the moment I lay eyes on him, knowing already the awesomeness that is my sons.  In him I'll see the simple beauty of boyhood, the special bonds of brotherhood that are already waiting for him, as he takes his place in our stair-steps of life.  The comfort and security of being what I already am, and having the chance to begin again.  There's so much good in store for us, if this baby's a boy.

He Just Might Be On To Something

Isaac (3 1/2 yrs.) has come a long way with his speech.   He's putting together 3-4 word sentences like a pro, and is finally using his brothers' names regularly,.  Of course, we weren't aware of it at the time, but it turns out it was kind of a cruel thing to do to give him a little brother named Sebastian.  He's never even attempted to say that one.  He's called him "Baby" all along, and I don't see him trying anything different any time soon.  Since much of my speech during the day is directed toward Isaac, I too have taken to calling Sebastian "Baby", as have most of the other people in the house.  We've commented lately on the dilemma we'll have when we have a real baby in the house again.
Oliver came up with a solution today.  Out of the blue, he said, "Why don't we just call the new baby "Sebastian", and keep calling him "Baby"?"
Makes sense to me.  It's a great name.  And if you aren't using something, it's the responsible thing to do to recycle it, right?

Checking In

Well, I can hardly call myself a blogger these days, really.  I'd like to spend more time in this space, but it always seems there are obstacles. 
A broken camera, for instance.  Blogging is just not as effective, nor as fulfilling, without being able to add pictures to my posts.  I inherited an old camera recently though, so maybe I'll try it out.
Of course the busy days that are Advent and Christmas don't leave much extra time for anything.  Throw in some long work hours for Mr. Smith, out of town visitors, and cold running through the house... it all kind of becomes a blur.
There was something else too... I can't remember... oh yes!  The fact that I've been indescribably tired and nauseous because of the baby I'm growing in my belly.  That's right, I knew there was something else.
Yup, we found out the evening of the first Sunday of Advent.  A beautiful early Christmas present, an incredible intention for our St. Andrew Novena this year, and a startling source of personal growth for this mama, all wrapped up by God Himself.
There's more, so much more.  But for tonight, my pillow is calling.  I hope to be back soon, as I have so much to share.
Blessings to all, in this glorious Christmas season, on the cusp of a bright and hopeful new year!