She's Here

She's my little girl. It feels so peculiar to have her here; peculiar, exhiliarating, liberating, and downright fun!

For those interested in vital statistics, she entered the world Wednesday the 22th, weighing 8lbs. 9.3oz. and measuring 20 inches long. Her eyes tilt up at the ends like Delores. I'm proud to say my looks were mercifully recessive. She makes faces, yawns large enough to swallow a rhinocerous, and loves to cuddle.

And tomorrow is her first week anniversary of living in the sunlight.

We should celebrate

Kevin's Eagle Project

My brother, Kevin just finished his eagle project; a neat one at that! Not far from my parents' home is a neighborhood park. Years ago, perhaps as the result of another eagle project, a classy wooden sign was posted to identify the park and its rules. That sign since became worn, faded, and dilapdated. The sign was weather-beaten and the posts were torn and scuffed by lawnmowers and weed-whackers. The rules had faded beyond recognition.

That is where Kevin's project comes in. He orchestrated the replacement of the sign, which looks wonderful again! He designed the new sign and coordinated its construction and installation.

Last Minutes Before Labor

She's almost here! She's almost here!

Having recovered somewhat from the fantastic Harry Potter haze, I realize how much is left undone to prepare for our baby. What is left to pack, to practice, to buy, to fix, and to clean? Oy!

It's kindof fun to look at the half-assembled nursery. Along one wall is the dresser, our baby's clothes sorted in each drawer by age. Against the window is the crib my father built. All seven of us slept in that crib and, as a matter of fact, so have Abigail's eight cousins. It is a family treasure to enjoy again for a short time. Against the wall by the door is our crib. It was a gift from our neighbor, but came missing parts. Saturday evening, I finished making the last of the missing brackets, and it now stands their in our baby's new room, polished and waiting.

I feel poised, and ready, and yet entirely unprepared. I never thought how much my parents loved me before I knew what love and hugs and sunshine really meant, yet I suspect now perhaps some of the deep feelings I know my mother and father had felt years ago. It brings a little perspective, I guess.

She's almost here...

3000 Pages Later

While pregnancy gradually ruled out strenuous physical activity for Delores, we found ourselves immersed in 3000 pages of J. K. Rowling's fantastic Harry Potter series. I hadn't intended to read any of them at all; but after perusing a handful of rich pages, I couldn't help myself anymore.

I followed Harry during his many late-night excursions; sometimes long after the sun went down on the muggle world I hold so dear. I couldn't put the books down.

At long last, the final, thrilling, scene drew to a close and I struggled to catch my breath as though I had finished a race. Neville won my respect, Malfoy my pity, and I was duly surprised by wonderful twists and turns. Monday night was the first full night's-worth of rest I have had since I first entered Hogwarts with Harry.

I chuckled to myself. I recognized a feeling of denial. Is it really over? It felt like the same denial I felt when I finished my degree. A month of immersive pleasure-reading felt like a lifetime, and it feels somewhat peculiar to peer out at my unmagical world and resume muggle life again.

sigh

At least, I say to myself, my baby girl may want to hear daddy read to her. I can't wait to see those eyes of wonder.