Keep on swimming. Keep on swimming…
Kid exploring Birch Aquarium.
I tried to recall lines from his “Ocean Colors” book.
Green turtle watches fish in the sea. How many fish do you see?
Alexander seemed more interested in kid/people watching.
Either way, what a lovely spot for kids and the next generation of ocean explorers!
Kid woke up at 4 a.m.
He likes to fall asleep in my arms, on the bed in his nursery area. I stay by his side, hoping he falls deep asleep. If I’m lucky, I can get another hour or two of sleep.
My attempt at transitioning him back to his crib failed. I snuggled up with him.
Then I opened up my social media feeds.
I read about a country where crying babies are ripped away from their mothers and fathers. I read about a government willing to spend more money on separating families instead of keeping loved ones together as they request asylum. I read about American citizens, who were held in internment camps, and are now sounding the alarm about history repeating itself. They say they can’t imagine going through those camps without their parents.
The day before, I watched children sleeping under foil sheets, behind caged walls. I listened to children calling for their mamas and papas, because those are the only words they know and their parents, the only safe haven they ever knew, were taken away by American authorities.
My mind kept racing. My heart ached. Tears spiked my eyes.
Then… my sleeping baby turned over. We faced each other. His little hand covered my bicep. His binky slipped out of his mouth. His lips touched my shoulder. My 20-month old son comforted me in the middle of his dreams.
I am lucky.
One of the most exquisite sounds in the world: my baby breathing on my chest, snuggled up inside a wrap.
Every day I have with my little man is precious. I didn’t realize how much until I saw the end of my maternity leave, just around the corner.
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“Rest your head close to my heart….
Never to part.
Baby of mine.”
Our pack has grown. I love this baby boy with all my heart. I had no idea how much he would change my life. I felt my heart burst when I first felt him on my chest, crying for comfort.
I spent nine months avoiding booze, sushi and eggs benedict. Betabrand yoga pants replaced my office slacks. Morning walks replaced my morning runs. I shared ultrasound details with expecting moms at prenatal yoga at Pilgrimage of the Heart.
My life outside of the newsroom has become a merry-go-round of nursing, dirty diapers and precious naps. I love watching our baby sleep with a dreamy smile. I adore wearing him close to my heart in a wrap. It’s one of his favorite spots for a nap.
I can’t imagine my life without him.