lessons in parenting
I hear the steady squeak of the rocking chair in the next room. The whirring of the fan creates a steady hum. There’s the occasional giggle coming from little Silas. But the most peaceful sound I hear is my friend’s voice as she sings to her two-year-old son. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me…”
I picture Silas cuddled in her lap as she rocks. I imagine him looking straight up at her face, his eyes locked with hers, as she soothes him with her beautiful, melodic voice. The singing soothes even me, a room away, as I lay on the couch just listening. I can only imagine the tidal wave of peace it causes to gush over Silas’ toddler heart.
I’ve learned much about the childbirth process in the past few days that I’ve spent with my nine-months-along friend. Some incredible further-proof-there-is-a-God miraculous aspects of it, as well as horrific I-can’t-believe-no-one-tells-you-this-stuff utterly crazy aspects of it. But I’ve also discovered so much about parenting. I’ve seen modeled before my eyes the wonder of a patient, graceful, communicative mom. I’ve been taking mental notes; I can only hope to someday be half the mom that Kitty is.
I can’t wait for Junior to arrive, for so many different reasons. I am humbled and overwhelmed to finally meet my precious namesake. I can’t wait to hold and carry her in the oh-so-chic baby sling that was handmade just for me. And I’m eager to watch and learn as Kitty becomes an incredible mother of two.
I’ve got 26 more days here, and I know the lessons have only begun. I’m paying close attention.
the technical term for this, my dear, is “baby-itis”…the cure? No clue, when you find it, let me know!!!
I just love your writing, friend. Postings like these (and the previous) make me feel all warm and fuzzy. I am so glad that you are getting to share in this special time with Amy, Dave, and Silas. Enjoy every moment of it, “Aunt Lizzy”!
That was a good post, Alece. I could almost hear her singing…
…almost.
It is a gift, I believe, to be able to spend so much time with a dear friend with kids, that you are able to observe the mundane and everyday interactions they have with each other. You are able to learn lessons that many people don’t learn until they are living it.
Beautiful! I am so glad you get to spend this time with Amy. You will learn a lot about those “not so fun” parts of the end of pregnancy. I sorta wish I had someone to “shadow”……they don’t tell you everything! :) ha!
Wow! What a special time. I’m actually kind of jealous. You make this time with your dear friend sound so…WONDERFUL!
I’m glad you get so much time there. And I can’t wait to read about the first time you meet your “namesake”.
Sigh. So precious.
Beautiful post once again!
Are you going to be staying with them when the baby comes? My sister stayed with me for two weeks after Conrad was born and it was the best help ever!! And her and Conrad have a special connection now even though she doesn’t come very often, she is the only other person he will go too other then me and Dan. I don’t know if he remembers her or if he can just feel something special about her. The only way I will have another one is if she promises to stay again!! I hope you can really enjoy your time there. Newborns are more fun if your not recovering from birth!!!
I’m all weepy after reading this. I miss the newborn time. It’s so precious. There is NOTHING like it. *aahhhhh* I love it. And it really is amazing. And you will LOVE that sling. Slings are also amazing. ;-)
And yes, there are things people don’t tell you b/c they want you to still want to have babies. ;-) HAHAHAHA!!!! Oh my goodness I am dying laughing. heehee
You seem to have such a keen, observant eye, Alex. Your days seem to be filled with many gifts that you take the time to see are there. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Oops, I DO know your name is Alece!!! Eeeeps, sorry…….. :)
stegall – the “cure” is dog paddling.
k, in all my 37 years i have never wanted to be an infant in a mothers lap until now. will your friend adopt me? please!
tam – dog paddling??? I don’t get it.
Alece – It would seem that Amy has the effect of a muse on you. You write inspired under her influence.
oops – forgot to close my html… again. :-/
you are a wonderful writer.
take notes for me
I can already hear the pitter-pattering of little feet at your house. No, not Starbucks or the new dog…
:)
this was so wonderful to read.
amy is a great mom, isn’t she?
although, your impression of the last bit of pregnancy did make me laugh out loud. pregnancy / giving birth is the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. I’m kinda sad I won’t be doing it again…even with the parts “no one tells you about”.
on another note, when do you get in on that saturday? i’d love to pick you up if you don’t have other plans. just let me know, we were going to have a garage sale that weekend (thru-sat) but will plan around you.
Beautiful. One of my best friends Stephanie (from the internship) has given me the opportunity of this and more. I lived with her and her family for a year and a half, and got to see up close and personal, the lives of a family other than my own. God used it to teach me so many things – and Steph luckily is one who tells you everything you didn’t previously know. ;) So there’s not much I think beyond just experiencing it that will be a surprise for me. It doesn’t scare me away though. Pregnancy, birthing, motherhood (fatherhood) is all one of the most beautiful things God created. Even when it’s messy. Sometimes beautiful has to be messy before the beauty can be seen. I’m looking forward to the adventure.
Plus my other best friend is pregnant with her first … I’m so thrilled about that, I can hardly describe it.
my heart feels like it’s been hugged after reading all these encouraging comments. wow. thank you all so much!
cathi — i’m not sure i have baby-itis necessarily. i’m not all broody (YET!), but … i am in awe. it’s incredible to see someone doing it so right.
shea — i am so glad as well. it really is a gift.
NorEaster — i smiled that you wrote you could almost hear her singing. i wish you could. she has an incredible voice.
natalie — you’re right. i’m learning a lot that i know i’d have only learned the hard way (or maybe not ever at all…)
sarah — they certainly don’t tell you everything!
joy renee — i can’t wait to write about when i first get to meet my namesake! and i wondered if this post sparked yours???
faith — i’m with amy for 3 weeks in total, so depending when junior comes, i should have a good amount of time here after she’s born as well. i’m hoping (praying!) for the same bond your sister has with your son.
brandy — my sling looks awesome; i seriously can’t wait to try it out. and yes, i guess if we all heard the gruesome details, none of us would have kids!
lisa — i laughed that you called me alex by mistake! ha! and i’m trying to soak in all i can… by writing it on here, i know it will help me remember.
tam — dog paddling?!?!?! please ‘xplain me.
angie — my friends are wonderful muses for me.
becca — i don’t take that compliment lightly. thank you.
mandy — you’re going to be an awesome mom…
mo — that’s totally starbucks that you’re hearing…
danielle — yes! amy is a wonderful mom! and what do you mean?! you could always do it again!
annie — you’re about the beautiful mess. kind of like the grit and glory, eh? i figure childbirth and parenting will fit well into the rest of my life in that regard.
It’s funny b/c before having kids, ANY talk about babies and bodies being pregnant GROSSED me out big time. I hated it. But now, after doing it three times….I absolutely love it. It’s all amazing and awesome and the coolest thing ever to talk about. Unless of course you don’t have kids then someone like me is probably annoying. HAHAHA!!!!
hmmmm…i wish i could splain. but i have no idea what it means. stegall brings out the crazy in me and i told her that doggy paddling for 15 1/2 minutes helps fertility.
she’s be here to clarify this but she must be out dog paddling somewhere.
:?
When you hold your namesake talk over her, tell her how beautiful and strong she is.
Tell her..
Once again another awesome post. No I am not running out to have more. My sweet Colleen is 17 and went to her first prom, you can see it on my blog a few days ago.
This is a special time for you!!! Enjoy it!!
i’m back. my arms are killing me. but i’m back a kickin!!!
You paint such wonderful stories with your words. A mother singer to her young child, what a beautiful scene to behold.
A young couple living next to my condo have a newborn. The baby girl seems to know just when I am getting to sleep. Being serenaded by her screams as I am trying to get some rest is not such a beautiful thing to behold. :)
cathi did you ever hear that i got to go to hoe’s for some ice cream? it was a great break from studying for my final.
‘lece i smiled, laughed, and nearly cried at this post. any child would be glad to call you “mom” but i’m just glad i can call you friend. wow, that was cheesy. that’s what i get for staying up too late and studying greek for too long. ;)
dog paddling helps???!!!
I’m sorry Tam… I still don’t get it. :-D
i know you’re spending quality time w/ friends…but i’m comfortable saying…I’m jealous.
oh, and roo…I’m thinking you have something with this ice cream thing! I say, you sell it on ebay and make millions!!! “Perfect studying secret – not a secret anymore – EAT ICE CREAM FOR SUCCESS”
brandy — you certainly don’t annoy me. you give me hope for the whole process!
tam — ha ha! i’ll have to remember that trick for when we’re ready to make babies. the good thing is that the only kind of swimming i know how to do is the doggie-paddle. so i’m golden!
heidi — yes! i loved your post on your daughter’s prom night. did the years go by quickly for you? i’m sure they did… and i will definitely be whispering sweet everythings to baby alece each time i hold her…
ed — oh, i’m about to experience all those not-so-fun parts too, but i’m fairly confident the oh-so-wonderful parts will outweigh them by far!
roo — thanks for the hallmark card comment!
cathi — jealous? of what?
I want alece time! I want! I want it too!!!
wow… that makes me feel so great. we should chat online or something sometime. or swap some emails.
this stegall can be reached at thestegalls@hotmail.com!!!!! i still haven’t figured out my ichat though…I should take some time off blogging to figure it out
i’ve got mail. yessssss…
haha! yesssssss, i have perfected the ice cream studying. i pulled a b+ on that test, so i’m feeling like i should go get ice cream tonight before my quiz tomorrow! ;)
alece… you can count on me any time to say something cute and cheesy (and then kick myself for it).
Grit and glory -> Beautiful and messy … yeah, I see it. :) And you’re right.
glad you see it. and glad i’m right. ::wink wink::
Very lyrical. You are quire the wordsmith. Your site is very imPRESSive.
WCSN — well, waddayaknow?! fancy meeting you here. i like that the avatar (“comment picture” as you call it) that was automatically given to you has one eyebrow up. i’ve seen you make that face on many an occasion. quite fitting for you.
have i convinced you yet?
I’m late in getting to read this post… and now I sit here with my eyes blurred by leaky tears… humbled and honored all at the same time. I love you Kitten- and am so glad you are here right now… in the midst of the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful!!
i love you, kitty!
i knew it – you’re so wanting one! ;-)
(and sorry for being absent a lot lately – some people i know just want to chat and chat and chat!….)
You’re welcome to join in one fine evening or six? :-)
Bring baby Al! ;-)
<B
bub – so your blog’s been the chatty-place to be these days?! i’ll have to shimmy over there when i have some time.