The Sara Adventure

As I watched Grace's eyes flutter closed, I smiled and thought back to how itty bitty she was just a few months ago. I cradled her in my arms and watched her lips pucker and her hands twitch. She is the image of comfort and contentment. I kissed her forehead and thought about all the neurons zapping through her brain connecting ideas and words; it must be working overtime to catalog all that she is learning. As I stood over her crib and watched her sleep for just a few moments, I realized that life is short and children grow very quickly.

I have spent about the last 15 months nourishing Grace's developing body. I was the only food she needed. Now, as she quickly nears her 6 month birthday, she desires more. I am a bit sad as I mourn the loss of this exclusive relationship, but at the same time over joyed for her health and growth! Today I mixed up a couple tablespoons of baby cereal to see what Grace might think of the idea of eating. She scarfed it down in excitement. I couldn't believe it! After watching me use a spoon for months, and even trying to get food out of my bowl of off of my plate, she knew what it meant to eat. She chewed it up and swallowed it, and now I have to swallow the fact that she is ready for food.

So as I turned out the light and closed the door I said a prayer for us both. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to have a child, a healthy child, and be able to watch and help her grow. I asked Him to comfort her as she meets challenges- big and small- and to comfort me as she meets them as well.

These are the lyrics to a song called "when you dream" by the Barenaked Ladies. I love this song, and it's something I think parents of babies ponder. Just wanted to share : )

With life just begun, my sleeping new son
has eyes that roll back in his head
They flutter and dart, he slows down his heart
and pictures a world past his bed
It's hard to believe
As I watch you breathe
Your mind drifts and weaves

When you dream,
what do you dream about?
When you dream,
what do you dream about?
Do you dream about
music or mathematics
or planets too far for the eye?
Do you dream about
Jesus or quantum mechanics
or angels who sing lullabies?

His fontanelle pulses with lives that he's lived
With memories he'll learn to ignore
And when it is closed, he already knows
he's forgotten all he knew before
But when sleep sets in
history begins
But the future will win

When you dream,
what do you dream about?
When you dream,
what do you dream about?
Are they colour or black and white,
Yiddish or English
or languages not yet conceived?
Are they silent or boisterous?
Do you hear noises just
loud enough to be perceived?
Do you hear Del Shannon's "Runaway" playing
on transistor radio waves?
With so little experience,
your mind not yet cognizant
Are you wise beyond your few days?
When you dream,
what do you dream about?
When you dream,
what do you dream about?

I wrote this yesterday, but didn't get around to posting it until today... I'm sure it's because I was too busy playing with my sweet baby.


Dearest Gracie Leigh,

You turned 5 months old yesterday! You are 22 weeks today. Every day you amaze me. You learn constantly... it's amazing to watch you discover the world for the first time. You notice everything it seems. You stare at the shadows moving along the wall, jump when I blow my nose, and laugh when I make a funny face. You sure don't miss much. You know when momma and daddy aren't near, and this upsets you. You know that when you are hungry and I walk through the door that your problems are solved. You greet each day (too early- at about 7am) with a smile! You are happy most of the time, but know how to tell us what you want.

Your father has taught you how to suck on his nose. It really grosses me out, and now you think it's okay to do it to me as well! I try to bump noses with you or give you eskimo kisses and you chomp and drool all over my nose!

You are big enough for your jumperoo now and you're into all the little things you can touch and push. You just discovered how to turn around in it this week. You love to stand, but you're still not interested in rolling over. It's not that you aren't strong enough, because you are. I think you might just decide to crawl first! You like to tell me stories and wait for my response. You laugh a lot, but only when you want to. Sometimes I can't do anything to get you to smile, and sometimes all I have to do is look at you. You have a mind of your own for sure. We often understand each other, and I'm starting to wonder if you know what I'm saying some times.

Last week we got a huge snow storm- about 20 inches. I can't wait until you want to play in the snow with me. This year you had to just look from the window. You've made lots of new friends this month, which you find fun. Everyone loves you and you seem to love them, too. I started classes and once a week daddy puts you to bed. You are crazy about your daddy.

Well, I guess that's all for now. Time just moves by so fast, it's hard to believe. We have a great life together- the three of us. We are so blessed to have each other, and we're so glad you're our daughter.

Love,
Momma