In the quiet of the night, at home or at work, I've taken to writing about the little moments in life. Moments that may seem insignificant but that encourage, restore and challenge me. Moments that could slip away and go unnoticed. Moments that, when put in writing or in a jpeg file, are little snapshots of life. Not the big trips, events or milestones but the smaller things that shape everyday life.
May 31st, 2011
On the first really nice day of summer, we go to a barbecue to welcome a new student to the Marquette community. We sit on the patio and eat meat hot off the grill as the guys talk about professors and theologians and dissertations and qualifying exams. The little baby sits in his car seat, neglected by the single theology students who, unlike most people at social events, are not all that interested in the three week old guy tucked into his carrier. His dad starts chasing his older brother around the yard and when he pauses by me I ask if I can take the baby off his hands for awhile. I am introduced to baby Jack as he is put in my arms. He is lighter than I thought he would be and I worry that I am going to drop him onto the cement. He squirms for awhile, arching his back, his little hands grasp one of my curls that brush over his face. We dance for awhile, I'm not at all sure what he wants so I sit and then stand, rock back and forth, pat his back. I talk to him and am surprised when his blue eyes search for my face. My husband smiles warmly at us from across the circle of chairs. Later he tells me that it looked like I am ready for a baby; I tell him that I had no idea what I was doing. Little Jack continues to arch his back, kick his legs, tug on my hair as he makes tiny baby crying noises. His mama walks by and hands me his pacifier. I slip the pacifier into his mouth and in the space of about thirty seconds, his body relaxes, his eyes close and his legs curl up into his body. Turns out mama does know best. I stand for a few minutes more before I slip him back into his car seat in order to enjoy the warm rhubarb cake that is waiting for me.
On the first really nice day of summer, we go to a barbecue to welcome a new student to the Marquette community. We sit on the patio and eat meat hot off the grill as the guys talk about professors and theologians and dissertations and qualifying exams. The little baby sits in his car seat, neglected by the single theology students who, unlike most people at social events, are not all that interested in the three week old guy tucked into his carrier. His dad starts chasing his older brother around the yard and when he pauses by me I ask if I can take the baby off his hands for awhile. I am introduced to baby Jack as he is put in my arms. He is lighter than I thought he would be and I worry that I am going to drop him onto the cement. He squirms for awhile, arching his back, his little hands grasp one of my curls that brush over his face. We dance for awhile, I'm not at all sure what he wants so I sit and then stand, rock back and forth, pat his back. I talk to him and am surprised when his blue eyes search for my face. My husband smiles warmly at us from across the circle of chairs. Later he tells me that it looked like I am ready for a baby; I tell him that I had no idea what I was doing. Little Jack continues to arch his back, kick his legs, tug on my hair as he makes tiny baby crying noises. His mama walks by and hands me his pacifier. I slip the pacifier into his mouth and in the space of about thirty seconds, his body relaxes, his eyes close and his legs curl up into his body. Turns out mama does know best. I stand for a few minutes more before I slip him back into his car seat in order to enjoy the warm rhubarb cake that is waiting for me.
3 comments:
I don't know if anyone is ready for a baby. It's kind of a learn as you go deal! :) But our lack is where there's room for God. I can't wait for you to have a baby! (but no pressure). :)
Are you trying to tell us something?:)
Thanks Gina! @Jackie - nope. Don't worry, the whole world will know when we are pregnant =)
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