Wednesday, August 25, 2010

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.
:-)

18 comments:

  1. She is such a beautiful little person.... You must be loving your visit with her!

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  2. How beautiful! She's really gorgeous, both of them are. I'm fortunate in that both of my babies love baths. It's a surefire way to get Connor to go from screaming to silent.

    I know what you mean about the noise. Once you get used to peace and quiet it's difficult to switch. I'm used to the noise of a dog, a toddler, an infant, and three adults. You'd think I'd be able to handle most anything, right? Well, it's always like a big stretch of silence after we have my sister, her fiance, and his 3 girls over. Somehow doubling the number of people here quadruples the noise!

    I am glad you're enjoying yourself. Keep us updated if you can:)

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  3. AW this is a beautiful post, family time. I love those moments but I get how you feel when it's quiet too. Enjoy the moments. Lexie look very content.

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  4. Lexie is adorable! So nice that you are getting a chance to be with family. It is fun with all the commotion. When my crew gets together it's a lot like that too...and I love it...for a time.
    Have a wonderful visit.

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  5. your life seems to be a lot like mine right now :) Lexie is beautiful, and born about as early as my older daughter, I hope your niece is getting lots of sleep! Preemies sure like to wake you up to eat A LOT! A friend had the same birth mark, now she's 24 years old and it only gets red if she rubs it, or gets really mad, it's called a stork bite, cute huh?

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  6. What a cute baby and cute outfit!!! Love it! My 2 kids and 2 grandkids were all born early, but look at them now -- so big, beautiful, and healthy! Your week there will be over so soon, enjoy it while it lasts...

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  7. Lexie IS a beautiful baby. Enjoy your trip.

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  8. All babies are beautiful and Lexie is too. Wow. I think old people should have babies as they seem to have more time to enjoy them.

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  9. Lexie made my heart melt, she is adorable, DJan. I miss having little ones in the family. She has such a peaceful look while in the bath!

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  10. She looks adorable!!! Reminds me of my little niece in Mallorca who also loves the water and was also born with a similar red splotch/birthmard on her forehead. It is much paler now a year later... so the doctor's probably right, will fade with time!

    Enjoy your family time!!! It's a good thing she's not a crier... ;o) I'm sure she loves her great-aunt! :o)

    hugs!

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  11. What a great time to be together to welcome the little darling into the family.

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  12. awww...she is so precious...some days i miss my boys being so small...i guess one day they will provide those moments to me again...through theirs...glad you landed well...

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  13. Yes she is a very pretty baby. I loved the pictures and a glimpse into your auntie life. I've seen those birth marks before and yes, they do seem to fade away in time. I didn't actually notice it til you said ....
    Take care.
    Blessings, Star

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  14. Grandkids are so much fun... that is, until they reach the age when they can jump on the furniture.

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  15. Love that bath photo! You are the best Great Auntie ever I am sure..too bad you don't live closer so some real spoiling could happen! :)

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  16. She is absolutely precious! Enjoy this sweet time with family and baby.

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  17. There is nothing better that a little baby after their bath! Love the pictures! She sure is cute!!

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  18. Aw, she is a little cutie. It sounds like you had a great time with the family.

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