Thanksgiving is done, and December is around the corner. In “normal” years, I’d be thinking Christmas. Gifts, cards, food, decorating, tree, travel…all the trimmings. This year I’m thinking baby. Little Jack is just a few weeks out, and I’m ramping up to get work projects done and make sure the home fires stay burning while I’m on baby duty. Not that I mind. It’s a treat to look forward to, and whether I’m caring for little Riley, precocious two-year-old, or snuggling newborn Jack, I’m excited to experience the miracle of life again, courtesy of Stephanie.
Riley was five weeks early. Jack may stay tucked until his due date, mid-January. But if he’s an early bird too, Christmas could bring a little extra excitement this year. Of course healthy is the goal, and no one is rushing him. But the clock is definitely ticking. Good thing Seattle is only a short flight away!
Being with Riley this last week reminded me again that children are vessels of wonder. They’re work, and expense, and a never-ending draw on energy. But beyond the effort, there’s effortless charm. She turns it on, and I’m hooked…this little girl melts my heart, and she isn’t even trying.
I thought I was having a great time with one little one. Now, for a few brief months, I’ll have the best of both worlds when we visit: a cuddly baby, and a busy little girl who is a sponge, picking up language and making it her own. She’s a funny little commenter on her world, and you never quite know how she’s going to interpret the moment.
This year, I’m streamlining tradition. There’ll be other years for decking the halls, and rolling out the red carpet. This year, I’m just packing a bag and getting prepared. When babies come, you go. Thankfully there are many helping hands, so I’ll wait here until I get the call. Then, whatever the date, my Christmas present will be here, right on time…Jack time.
Riley and Jack
Grace and Life 
What an exciting time for you, for you all.
You sound like a girl that has her priorities in order! 😉
Enjoy.
~d.
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Sometimes I do! Yes, we’re excited. Well, I’m excited! I think our daughter is beginning to feel overwhelmed at the thought of a newborn and a 2+year old. But she’ll figure it out, like so many before her! ~ Sheila
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Ahh, such lovely moments captured here. Sigh*
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Yes, I love this series of photos! Children are magic! ~ Sheila
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Those are adorable photos!
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Thank you, I couldn’t resist sharing! ~ Sheila
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beautiful post! Best wishes to you and your family!
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Thank you Anna! Great to hear from you! Been missing you on FB…or maybe I’ve just missed seeing when you post! ~ Sheila
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you have a wonderful atttitude– and we learn as much from little ones as they do from us
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Thank you! Yes, I agree, children have a lot to teach. Some of it I am re-learning…a lot of life lessons are that way, I find…I have to learn them more than once! ~ Sheila
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What a delightful array of words to describe this time in your life. You completely drew me in from your first sentence. So happy for you, the whole family and the preciousness that is Jack.
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Thank you! I’m enthusiastic, that’s for sure…we’re all excited for this little guy to join us! ~ Sheila
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Thank you! That’s just how I feel…drawn in by the experience of childhood, unfolding again in front of my eyes. I have to admit…I love the baby/young children phase…teenagers are more challenging! But who can resist the little ones?! Not me! ~ Sheila
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Oh, what a wonderful way to start a new year…and Riley is cute as a button!…I love that the baby is already “Jack”…best wishes to you and family…mkg
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Thank you! We’re so excited to welcome this new little one! My only concern…Riley doesn’t really understand what’s headed her way! But I’m sure she’ll be excited to be the big sister, and she’ll adjust like all first-borns do! ~ Sheila
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yes…it can be different…but, I see her loving “Jack” already …aand she certainly looks like “Big Sister” material…
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Thanks, she is a cutie! Yes, the perks of modern life…getting to know the sex and then naming him already makes him seem a part of the family before he makes his entrance! ~ Sheila
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you are blessed!
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Sweet pictures. My Marshall was 5 weeks early too. Best wishes to your family as you anxiously await Jack’s arrival. Can’t wait for pictures!
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Thank you! I’m sure I’ll have a just a few photos to post in a few weeks! Nothing like a little one, is there? ~ Sheila
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“When babies come .. you go.”
Perfectly expressed! And that little darling is precious beyond words 🙂 Oh the fun you’re gonna have!
MJ
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Thank you! And from one gram to another…the littles are wonderful, aren’t they?! ~ Sheila
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Jack don’t know it yet
but I suspect he’ll find,
with the passing of time,
that from his grandma “S”
he’s been very special blessed!
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Thank you! I hope so! And thank you for the charming poem! ~ Sheila
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