Saturday, November 24, 2012

His First Three Weeks

I wrote my 400th post two posts ago, and I hit my two-year, blogging anniversary two weeks ago; I just haven't made time to say these (and many other) things, until now. And it really hasn't been a matter of finding time, just of making time.


He brought with him a deep hush: a peace unlike any I've ever experienced, before. He's my easiest baby, so far (by far), but the peace is bigger than he. I've been just sort of soaking it all in: getting reacquainted with a body that can drink a glass of milk, eat a piece of pie, and load the dishwasher without feeling like its legs might go out from under it, like it might hit its head on the way down.

Too, I've been getting reacquainted with my better, more patient self. Maybe it sounds strange, but everything's so much easier, now. It's as though I were trudging through knee-high mud with inappropriate shoes and a backpack full of rocks, and I've arrived on the other side.

At the ripe, old age of two weeks and two days, he caught his sisters' cold. I was so afraid he'd choke that I sat up straight as a poker all night, holding him. My incision still hasn't healed completely, and I have a clogged duct in my left breast. But any and all discomfort has seemed minimal since I've handed off my burden, rediscovered the bones of my feet.

I'd expected a period of high adjustment, but I see more clearly than ever: we were all waiting for him. At last, we're all here, and the blessing--the miracle!--of that isn't lost on me.


Jim (down over a hundred pounds, now, since surgery) has given me lots of space and time to do my thing, which is to say: I've spent long hours nursing, snuggling, and sleeping with our baby. I whisper secrets to that boy in the shadows, and he looks deep into my eyes and smiles. Say what you will: at three weeks, he already knows.

**To see Becky's gorgeous, hospital photos of Baby Chip, please click here.

17 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post. So very happy for you.

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  2. I am so glad to hear you have this time and ability to stay in the present with this little one. You are blessed to be present in this time. They are little for such a short time. I think Becky's pics are precious. God bless you and your family Brandee. You inspire me to be aware of my present. :)

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  3. Just beautiful, Brandee! And I so understand exactly what you describe here. We had our two girls in 22 months. And then I unexpectedly got pregnant a third time. This was in the time before ultrasound and we hadn't a clue as to gender. I assumed it would be three of a kind. Nope. Out came this backwards boy, facing away from rather than towards me and I could tell from the back that he wasn't a girl - his hips were too narrow and his shoulder were huge. And all of us just sort of sighed - well, of course! Here he is. He was the easiest baby of my three, though he was sick a lot (croup that made wallpaper peel of the wall from the vaporizer!) and we all just knew - now we're all here, this family is complete. Such a gift. Enjoy these early weeks (and I am positive babies smile much earlier than all the books tell us they do). :>) Three babies in 4 years is rough - but it's worth it. Hang in when it gets rough - and yours are even closer, so you'll need those fingernails at some points along this journey.

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  4. smiles....what a beautiful little one...and i am glad everything is coming together...much easier and i hope you continue healing and that the cold is not too bad on him...enjoy this time....smiles.

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  5. I read this yesterday and didn't get a chance to comment and I'm glad about that because I get to see his adorableness again! Oh my goodness he is so cute.
    You are describing the feelings of motherhood that are universal and I seriously am so impressed. You put words to my feelings and I'm loving it.
    Hope you're resting. :)

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  6. so much fullness here. i love you all, and continue to lift your family up, brother and all.

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  7. hey you...just bopping in to say hi....hope your week is going well...smiles.

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  8. That babe, what a miracle. And you are positively beautiful in Becky's pics. I think that more patient self makes you lovelier than ever. {sigh} I shall try to copy you. :) Love the post.

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  9. I have always felt that family is a sacred thing....what a beautiful blessing you have recieved dear Brandee! Love the photos!!

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  10. how the heck did I miss this post? He is so cute and it sounds like everyone is getting their fair share of the 'mothering' experience. That is why we nurse so we KNOW we can have them to ourselves no matter what!ha!

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  11. hey Brandee, I wanted to send to you a card in the mail. Could you e-mail me your address? tym4lashers@comcast.net or fb message me too, whatever. Love to you!

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  12. Brandee, it is lovely to snuggle with a newborn. I can so relate to the feeling that life is so much easier after the birth of a child and you can reaquaint yourself with your self. Does not sound strange at all. Becky's photos are gorgeous, and so is Chip.

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  13. Can't believe I haven't wandered over here to look at your gorgeous young man. So, so, so very happy the Lord has given you a boy. Enjoy all your snuggle time.

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  14. Brandee, what a beautiful baby boy. What a glorious celebration here of those early days. Praying peace and healing for you. That you can write anything at all right now is a mini miracle. Thank you again for your beautiful words in my space...so appreciative.

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