More babies...

We just returned to Texas from a memorable trip to RI to visit family. Em and Mark look wonderful, eagerly anticipating the now imminent birth of their baby. We kept marveling at the fact that in less than two months, they'll be parents. The time has flown these past several weeks, and it's been so much fun to watch all of us grow--into new roles as parents, grandparents and support groups. Emily, of course, has "grown" the most, with her cute little belly taking over her slender figure.

Just a couple of days ago, my nephew and his wife gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Grace Elizabeth. We saw them on Christmas day (the baby was due the end of December) with their first child, Colin, and we got a call on January 4 that Grace had made her entrance into the world, happy and healthy. There's lots to be thankful for.

Daddy's little girl

Em, like me, appreciates her Dad's insights and wisdom. One recent night they had a discussion about a father's feelings when a new baby is brought home. I learned something I'd never really acknowledged...fathers feel a little left out--displaced, I guess--when a newborn enters the picture. I can't remember much about it, but I hope I was sensitive to this when we brought Em home many years ago. I can't be sure. Mostly I just remember feeling dependent on him--for food, shelter and comfort--and this took a little getting used to for me since I've never liked that feeling. But in hindsight (and many years of it), I realize that life only works when we depend on each other, not in a stranglehold, but in an egalitarian way. "I need you," doesn't make me needy. It just makes me human.

Embracing the crone

Em is staying with us for a short while before her husband Mark joins us for the Thanksgiving holidays. It's been such a happy time. As an overachieving nurturer, I am loving every bit of it, from feeling the baby kick to making sure there's enough milk in the house at all times. I sense a very definite passing of the torch as I watch her competently care for herself and her family, but I've not experienced any wistfulness--just lots of pride and joy in the opportunity to be a part of it all. And I feel grateful to be so looking forward to my crone-hood which, incidentally, originally had a positive connotation. A crone was the wise elder female of the tribe who was sought for her insights. Oh the pressure.

We're planning a party

We're getting into baby shower time. Em's close friend is planning one, to be held over the Thanksgiving holidays. Em's mother-in-law is planning one for December, and I'm planning one for January. The next few months will be busy, but what a great excuse to get together with old friends to celebrate something so wonderful. I've been busy making guest lists and deciding on some games, and it occurred to me that these ritual-type events are another way that women bond and create community.

Mr. Whoooo

So we went to the fabric store to pick out fabric for the baby's room. Without knowing the gender, this could have become complicated. But after much looking and discussing, Em found a beautiful designer fabric in shades of orange, brown and cream, with hints of fuschia. The central figure is an adorable owl sitting on a branch. She intends to mix this fabric with other complimentary ones to create the curtains, crib skirt and more. It was so much fun to be part of this excursion...though I think I offered to make the crib bumper, and I've been worried since that I might not get it right. Nana means well.

Babies, babies, everywhere

I've gone to three baby showers in the past few months. My precious daughter and adorable niece are pregnant, and so is the daughter of one of our neighbors. A niece on my husband's side of the family recently had a baby as well. These young women are all in their thirties, and they are established, confident and mature. I like the trend of older moms. They have lots to offer and have gained a measure of life wisdom that they bring to their families. They know what they want and stand up for it. Babies need that.