We get more excited every day.
You often ask me, "Mom, will you let baby brother come out?"
And I smile at your request, wishing it were that easy.
But as this looming era of excitement and change grows closer - daily, breathlessly closer - one thing keeps me feeling patient.
You.I know that the birth of your brother won't hinder or impede my love for you.
There's no limit to love.
It multiplies and is ever inclusive.
Your Grandma Packer, actually, had to remind me of that once. During the shocking days immediately following your birth, I remember crying, worried that my relationship with your father would "never be the same." Grandma assured me that there would be enough love to go around.
And of course there was.
And of course there will be.
But still, I can't help savoring you just a little.
I can't help delighting in the way you declare, "Just the girls!" after we send Dad off to school in the morning.
I can't help prioritizing the impractical just for the sake of togetherness.
Pedicures? Let's remind our readership that I have painted my toenails maybe once in my entire life. But you loved it. You didn't care that I could hardly bend over enough to paint straight. And now, every morning you come and pull off my covers, saying, "lets show Dad our beautiful toes."
Lucy, I love your beautiful toes. And your beautiful eyes, and your beautiful hair, and your beautiful cheek dimple. But mostly I love your beautiful heart.
I so love seeing your nurturing nature unfold as we anticipate a baby together. You spend hours everyday with your little "bundle" (as you call your wrapped up baby doll) - singing, humming, rocking, reading, and gently reciting your repertoire of mothering phrases, like, "I've got you, babe" and "Not time for playing, just time for sleeping."
And so, even though it takes a herculean effort to roll my body over in the middle of the night and I feel ultimately ready to discharge my little nine-months occupant, I will delight in the waiting, grateful for time to soak in every beautiful thing about you. Grateful for time to lay on your bed, feeling you twirl my hair in your fingers until you drift off to sleep.
Grateful for a few more days to be "Just the girls!"
20 comments:
So beautiful! You captured exactly how I felt about baby number two. I don't think I will ever forget the day that I took a meal to Melanie Keele after her little guy was born. I asked her if she was worried about the transition and she told me that her whole pregnancy she prayed and prayed that she would have room in her heart for another one because she felt like she just couldn't love anyone like she loved Quincy. And then she said, with tears in her eyes, that when they handed her her new baby that her prayer was answered a thousand fold and her heart grew twice as big! I still think about that a lot. Just how Heavenly Father can make what seems impossible, possible and give us so much more than we ever knew we could receive. Bless you and your sweet family. Can't wait to see pictures of your new blue bundle.
Oh, I totally felt like that with Haley! It's hard to know sometimes that things are going to change, even if it's going to be for the better.
That's good advice from Grandma Packer. Good, very true advice. I hope the transition from Just Lucy to Lucy and Baby Brother goes smoothly for everyone! But I do know for certain that Baby Brother is joining a fabulous family. :) He's a lucky boy.
That's so sweet! I know one thing...your children will NEVER doubt your testimony or the love that you have for them. I can tell by the way you lovingly talk of her on yours posts! I pray you enjoy your last few days of "just the girls"...Lucy'll be a great big sister.
Before Julianne was born, Maren and I read books about getting a little sibling. From one we learned to offer the baby a nickel to come out. It never worked, but we tried it on Henry too anyway.
The coolest thing is how quickly you see differences in the kids giving hints of personality and helping you understand the first kid's personality better. Each day you learn more and love more and cherish all those kids tons. And all that is on top of the immediate rush of love, holding the tiny one in your tired arms.
And the moment kid #1 sees kid # 2 for the first time...
Wow, you can't beat that joy!
Now this is longer than intended and I am feeling more emotional than I expected!
This post got me teary eyed. Lucy (and baby brother) are so lucky to have a mom like you. There certainly is enough love to go around.
(and I'm crossing my fingers that baby boy will show up on Friday!)
What a great post! I love the fun "just girls" pictures. I also love how you face change with trepidation and also faith.
Oh shoot, you guys are cute! I've thought one of the things I'd want to do with a daughter is paint nails together. That just seems like good girl time!
I'm anxious for that boy to come! Sounds like it's very soon. now I'm going to email you.
I think this is my favorite Lori post ever. I had these exact same feelings before Lily came along. Thank goodness our hearts are elastic and that love multiplies. You and Lily have such a sweet bond; it really comes through in your writing.
correction: You and LUCY have a sweet bond. I would be the one with a bond to Lily -- oops!
we love you lucy! have fun with your baby brother...be sure to give him a big hug from ryan and amy!
And today he is here!! We can't wait to see him and talk to Lucy about her brother!
REALLY?! He's here? Give him a big love from the Crane's! (And although he couldn't hold out til Friday... he picked my Grandpa's birthday instead :)
ps. William got his letter from Lucy today! He LOVED it!
Yeah for baby boy Truman, too bad he couldn't hold out until Friday! Hope all went well.
Lucy I am sure is thrilled and excited about baby brother. I will have to make a trip to see you all, Heather included on that.
I would add to what everyone else said but they all said it so well. Thanks for your words!
Oh and we can't wait to hear baby's name and see lots of pictures of the bundle of joy!
cant wait to see pics of baby truman!!! ahh!
Geez, Lori, what a cryer! So beautiful. You have such a gift with words, my dear. Lucy is so darling with that little bundle; she is going to be so sweet with the babe.
It will probably say "David said" but it is really Emily and Caitlin. We have been diligently checking to see if he has arrived. As things settle I am sure we will see more about your adorable family (via blog world)- thanks for being so great. Congratulations to you, Wes, and big sister Lucy.
Really? The baby is here? Congratulations! That is wonderful! I can't wait to see pictures either...and hopefully visit soon as well...
Ohhhh....Lori...to be such a writer!! What a gift! Baby Spencer is beautiful and so are you!! Congratulations to you, Wes and darling Lucy!! Love you all!
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