thoughts

Try as hard as we might, Dave and I talk about our daughter in social settings even when there are no other children around. Whoops. We weren't going to be "those parents." I will be exercising that "Grace" thing to others as I hope they're doing the same for us. We ask that you sing that "Grace Song" if we seem to be wrapped up in our little bundle-in-a-blanket that doesn't talk yet and makes sure that we know she's pooping during our dinner. We really do keep up with news and current events, we have opinions on goings on in the world. We understand that others, including Sydney's grandparents, have lives that continue and critical events that they're experiencing right now. We'll make an effort to be more present.

On another note, I'm making the effort to remember all my thoughts and observations as I spend time with Sydney. (perhaps I should try and journal:))I figure she might care to know the highlights when she's older. Stuff like: How excited she gets when she sees her Dad.
How she makes sweet little sounds as she's nursing.
How peaceful she looks when I'm washing her hair.
That I constantly style her cute crazy hair with my fingers.
The amount of times she's kissed and told what beautiful baby love she is.

This offspring thing is so incredible. To everyone that told us how much our lives would change; you're right, we didn't doubt you, but it's really hard to fathom until you experience it. So, rather than trying to impart wisdom on other expecting parents I'll try something else, like, "you can turn a restaurant high chair upside down to hold a car seat." It's not really a necessary piece of information, but it could be helpful if you like to dine out. We've learned that trick from the waitstaff and thinking it was rather clever, we wondered who would have told us that. Similarly, from my friend Lisa, I learned you just have to try the car seat out in the grocery cart. Every cart is different, as is every car seat and sometimes the best place is in the basket itself.

I'm off to take a shower, another little gem for soon-to-be parents, 'don't let your baby smell better than you,' it's not good for your self-confidence.