While my best friend for life and my son sleep peacefully in the next room, I have a chance to step back and consider what has happened.
Everything has slowed down to the pace of just one tiny heartbeat, one little bundle of nerves learning how to fire in sequence, one eternal bond igniting ever so gradually. I started out the day with a list of tasks to accomplish, and managed to get about two things done. The balance of my time was spent in changing diapers, swaddling, rocking and shushing, cuddling and napping. But I'm not regretting things left undone. There will be time for everything, in due course.
For fun late this afternoon, we bundled up Alex and took him for his first walk around the neighborhood. It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon, sunny, calm, up into the high 50s at least. All of the snow from the last three months has melted away and many of the smaller trees are beginning to bud. Birds were chirping and squirrels were scampering around looking for snacks.
We saw our next-door neighbors Bob and Marian on their front porch, and stopped over for a visit. They had seen us leave for the hospital on Friday and were delighted to meet the little reason why. Their kids are all grown up, and they even have a new great-grandson, and they are the kind of people who love to see little babies.
Continuing South, we walked along enjoying the fresh air and change of scenery. Between law school and our ridiculously harsh winter this year, Dana has not had much opportunity to just walk around outside. Kids were out riding their bicycles and playing, parents and seniors were out tending their yards or enjoying the sunshine.
We walked to the Jumping Bean Cafe on Mountain and decided to stop in for a snack. Alex lay peacefully on the couch next to us while we ate our cookies and drank our steamed soy milk (yes, we're yuppies...). Our original goal in taking the walk was to wake up Alex so that he'd sleep better tonight. Silly first-time parents... you should know better than to expect the baby to wake up when you take him for a quiet, soothing, bouncy walk in the afternoon sun! He slept like a baby the whole time. Oh well. We'll figure this guy out sooner or later.
On our way back home we ran into Courtney, the girlfriend of one of Dana's coworkers, who had heard about the new arrival through the grapevine. We chatted with her for a few minutes while she cooed over the little baby.
Our walk today reminded me of what a wonderful little town we live in here, with our tree-lined streets, happy little downtown, and friendly neighbors. This might be just the place to raise a little boy.
February Happy Birthdays
4 years ago
3 comments:
Sounds idyllic.
You kids are my favorite people, I bet little Alex will top my list too. I love you guys.
Hi Dan - So glad to hear you are still basking in the glow of your amazing little miracle. Soak up as much of that amazement and wonder as you can. You made need it to get through the sleepness nights ahead ;-)
Love to All,
Mary
I really had fun on March 15 hanging with you guys (guys now= Ma+Pa+baby) I know he is going to grow up to be a famous Celi and/or Morris dancer. You guys are truly blessed. May your adventures together be full of happiness.
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