This is a wonderful time

If only husbands never had to go to work.  The mornings are slow, we drink coffee together, the kids play with their new lego sets.  Ya, for girls.  They LOVE it.  It's simultaneous engineering and pretending.

Let's back up a bit, though.  Before Christmas, we went to see my little sister and her husband and new baby boy.  Do you know how emotional I am about babies?  I am especially vulnerable to sudden tears with my sisters' babies.  I regret that I didn't fully understand the magnitude of their blessed preciousness when I had my first.  And with each one I realized how magnificent was birth and toes and a little body being formed inside me.  And then coming out.  Wow!
I sob now, when I watch a stranger on A Baby Story give birth.  I especially am moved when my very own sister becomes a mother.

I was so touched when I saw Shannon hurting and struggling, but ever loving.  I sat on her bed and wished I could help when all I could do was watch and cry when he finally latched on, and she winced with pain.  Because I hurt for her and rejoiced with her all at once.  That's a turmoil of emotion, and the ugly cry just comes.
She has joined the ranks of women who are happy slaves to give their bodies and lives for their babies.  I say slaves because you almost don't have a choice.  Our hearts are captured.  But we are deeply grateful for this obligation.  She has said, My body, my skin, is not my own.  I'm dramatic, but it is dramatic.  The tears, the blood, the weariness and tenderness is all very dramatic.  Sitting there, watching her, I felt the magnificence and the importance of each little moment.  Is there nothing more precious?

I'm sorry I'm mushy.  All he has to do is squirm or whimper, or look dehydrated :) and she's bracing herself to give more.  It's precious and amazing and wonderful, and I love that I get to relive this beautiful experience through my sisters.

I also got to go grocery shopping and cook with Al and Mom, and have a nice drive with Zach.  It was just a real quality weekend.
And then all of the sudden Nathan was off work and the girls were off school and I have just been experiencing the bliss that is holiday and rest and family.  Also, gorgeous freezing rain that makes the world sparkle and crack.  I want to paint that somehow.

For my birthday, Nathan hung the last 4 kitchen cabinet doors. :)  I feel complete.

Also, I saw a dress at Anthro that I wanted to buy.  But it was darn expensive, and the design was so simple, Nathan told me to sew it.  So that's my New Year's resolution.  Sew something that I'd actually wear.

Hmmm, what else.  I think I want some fondu pots so we can ring in the new year with plenty of cheese.  :)

Hope you all are having a sweet holiday.