Nine days

til the due date. Pinch me somdbody, or don't This is happening. Ruth and Chris look great. Major life shift occuring for our family just about NOW! WOW!

One centimeter

Ruth's labor - early stages - could be weeks yet (or hours!) - has begun. One centimeter of the ten necessary centimeters opening is done. The obstetrician touched Liam's head! I can't wait to kiss said head, and see the color of its hair, feel the softness of it's skin, admire ears, eyes, sounds. He will be with us soon!

Washing baby clothes

I must really believe these babies are coming. I'm washing baby clothes in Dreft now at my house, setting up a baby dresser in my closet, thinking child proofing (not doing it yet, but thinking about what I will have to move once Liam is crawling). Last night there was a oment, standing in the garage with "Tweetie" a baby quilt my mother made for Ruth held to my face, that I alost felt as if I were the one about to give birth. I'm excited.

Almost home

The nursery is ready, all the tiny clothes washed, my blessing for the naming ceremony written, the invitations for said ceremony sent and received the love and hope flowing full force. I haven't even been thinking much about Mira and how she isn't here, just about Liam and how he will be.

Shower in the morning

Shower in the morning - delectable items purchased and cherished - so much beginning. Ruth was already a week old at the point in my pregnancy that she has reached with Liam. The nursery is beautiful in the way that she and Chris are so good at making space beautiful. There love is beautiful. Hope shines.

Baby Clothes - a poem

TIny, bright and soft,
duckies, dinosaurs,
twelve pairs minute
socks, chosen in hope
in courage, purchased
in knowledge of fragility
of life, gauntlet thrown
down. Love trumps loss.

Victoria Hendricks, 1-8-2008

Sorted baby clothes

That's what Ruth and I did last night - bright little outfits chosen with care - all sorted into stacks by size to be carefully washed in Dreft and set aside for Liam as he needs them. Some of them were bought for Mira. Tbright paint colors on Liam's walls come from cans bought for Mira right before her death. Ruth and I spoke of Mira calmly, mmatter-of-factly as we preared for Liam. It felt right.

so close

At 35 weeks Liam is the size of a honey dew melon and Ruth and Chris are about to put in the car seat. This seems to be happening.