Family interlude

Sometimes you need to get away just to realize how much your life has changed from what it used to be. I grew up in a large family, and I was accustomed to having lots of people around, barking dogs, people talking at the same time, and just general family chaos. I love it -- in small doses.

My life today is usually so quiet and serene, with the racket of the birds on the front porch the loudest sound I hear, mixed with the far-off sound of the train whistle and occasionally traffic sounds when the wind comes from the north. After an uneventful flight, I arrived late last night into a full house. This is my niece Allison with her new baby Lexie, who in this picture is quiet and nestled in her SwaddlePod. My sister Norma Jean and Allison gave Lexie a bath this morning, and I took some pictures.

Lexie was born six weeks early, but she is gaining weight quickly on Allison's milk. In this picture, you can see what seems to be a long-suffering baby submitting to these ministrations. She never cried at all during the bath, reminding me that my sons both hated to be submerged in water. Not so Lexie. After the bath, she was dressed up in this adorable outfit.

Lexie was born with a birthmark on her forehead which gets quite red and pronounced when she's been crying, but the doctors say it should fade before her second birthday. She is a beautiful child and it's sure been nice getting to know her. And being submerged in this family interlude. More to come.
:-)