Marvelous Monday

I seriously cannot believe it’s Monday. I feel like we didn’t get a weekend- it was so jam-packed! …and while I am certainly stressed out and frazzled from the festivities, it’s the best feeling in the world.

I usually have a format… thankful dwarfism random that I follow, but this week, I have two thankful-s and no random. I know. I live on the wild side- even breaking my own rules!

SO this week, I am thankful for all the medical wonders we have at hand. While it is not my story, I will say that my newest nephew, Beckett James, has arrived. As I would expect any child of my bestie would be, he has a bit of a flare for the dramatic and didn’t make his entry into this world easy. But he is here. My beautiful (by everything but blood) sister is not only doing well, but looking like a super model, and they are heading home today. I spent much of my weekend running between birthday celebrations and the hospital, and I feel so tired but so energized at the same time. That feeling of holding new life. The one-on-one time of a new baby, in the quiet of the night (sure, I stayed a bit beyond visiting hours), talking to my friend. About our parents, about the future, about our families, and plans and and and. It was like a sleep over, with cooing and sweet baby breath. I took photos as my nephew took his first bath, and we laughed at re-learning to change a diaper (we both have girls for our first babes). This experience made me wish I lived closer to my big sister in Florida, wishing I could have been by her side, and also brought about such a deep love for this woman who mustered all of her love and strength to bring sweet Beckett into the world. I’m so excited for the next chapter!

And what else could I be thankful  for this week, if not the amazing women who rallied behind me almost 2 years ago through Rhode Island New Moms Connection? These women have given me so much love and support, and having them surround us to celebrate Addie’s second birthday (a little early) meant so much to us. We played, ate delicious pizza and mini cupcakes, and then played a bit more… and I watched as each child made connections to the others- all of whom they have known for their entire lives. Many of the kids ran up to other parents, giving hugs and kisses, because we all know each other. We all have a bond with each other- those first few weeks of motherhood that we spent together sitting on a floor with our new babies, trying to make sense of what we were doing right, and what we needed to change. Having those same women beside me… that’s what keeps me going. But there’s more. There are the moms I know from other personal experiences… like a friendship kindled over a wedding gown, flourishing through a love of hockey and sharing a first pregnancy! And friends from our cherished LPA community who made the hike to play, and pick up good conversation like we’d just spoken last week. A comfort and bond brought to us by a shared difference, making us  common- but a friendship we grow together watching our kids enjoy Life.

I have been blessed by my experiences, no matter how frazzling they may be, because they have brought me right here. To you. What will happen this week that will test you, but also teach you, nourish you and grow you? I hope  you find those moments and smile.

*  *  *

And what’s new in the dwarfism community this week? The LPA National Conference registration opened on the first!!! I would love to know what families will be there this year! We are so excited to meet new people, explore California and learn as much as we can at the workshops! Stay tuned to the blog for my conference tips later this month!

Lots of love to you this beautiful Spring week!
xo,