Third Time Around

Today Charlie and Chanelle had their first track practice.  We travel about 40 minutes to the track so there can be no last minute rushing to get to practice on time.  I was feeling quite pleased with myself as I finished feeding them a quick dinner, got them changed into track gear, packed the diaper bag and camera bag and was carrying Meadow to her car seat in perfect time to meet Chad at the track at 6 o’clock.  As I headed toward Meadow’s car seat, I noticed, well, how can I put this delicately?  I noticed that something reeked.  Next, I noticed that my hand was a bit wet and when I flipped Meadow around I realized that there was a reason that she suddenly seemed content after hours of fussing.  I can’t describe it as a dirty diaper, because her diaper was quite clean.  It was her clothing from her shoulders to her calves that were a mess.  (Explain to me how this happens?)  Needless to say, we were delayed for a bit while I quickly bathed her and cleaned up the mess that had eventually spread to me. 

My first instinct was to be frustrated and annoyed at our delay.  As soon as I laid her in the tub, though, she flashed her bright toothless grin and her sparkly blue eyes blinked happily at me and all I could do was sigh and smile.  That Meadow. . . we adore her.  It’s been awhile since I’ve really talked about her so I thought I’d quickly update. 

Next week our baby will be six months old.  Say what?!

At six months we are already beginning to see some personality develop in our girl.  She knows what she wants and she is persistent until she gets it.  It seems that the object she most often wants is her Mama.  Meadow is, without a doubt, a Mama’s girl. Charlie and Chanelle were pretty equal opportunity when it came to Chad and I.  Meadow, though, she just wants Mama.  I will admit it. . . I love this.

  

Girlfriend sees me walking through the room and in her own special way (blood-curdling scream) she calls out Mama!  If she’s in the arms of another wailing, more often than not, my arms comfort her.  I will admit that sometimes this is exhausting, but overall, I am cherishing these fleeting days.

Another sure fire way to make a smile spread across her lovely face is this. . .

Charlie.

She is quite taken with her big brother.  If he walks through the room–Meadow knows it.  If he is talking, she is listening.  If he plants himself in her view, she is smiling.  The coolest thing about this is that the adoration is shared both ways.  Just today the kids and I were talking about Meadow’s birth and Charlie shared his perspective. . . I remember when Meadow was born.  When I first saw her I almost cried because she was just so cute.

Um, are you really a six year old boy?  I love the way he loves her. 

Meadow reaches for us now.  She laughs and wants us to play with her.  She babbles and gets excited with a high pitch squeal that produces laughter in all within earshot.  We do everything we can to include her in our normal daily activities.  Last week she experienced her first dance in the rain with the big kids. . .

She liked it.  A lot.  Well, for a little bit, anyway. . .

And then she didn’t like it and, as you can see, Chad had a great amount of sympathy for her. 

Our third run though this baby-thing has, without a doubt, been a bit different from our first two experiences.  Maybe we  I am a bit more chill than I used to be (Chad has always been chill.), maybe a few years of experience has made me more confident, or maybe I’m just flat out tired.  Whatever the case, I will admit that the guidelines have changed a bit.

What is wrong with an almost 6-month old enjoying a Twizzlers?  It truly is the twist you can’t resist.  Watching her gnaw on this treat provides more entertainment than watching a four-ring circus any day.  Seriously, I could watch her for hours.  Funny thing is, I would have never done this with Charlie or Chanelle.  Right or wrong, it is what it is.  We just enjoy having fun with Meadow.

Sometimes Chad and I talk about how “easy” life would feel if we just had Charlie and Chanelle.  How much less hectic.  How much more sleep we would be getting.  How much work would be getting done.  How much better our garage would smell.  How much clearer our brains might be.  How time might be multiplied if we were still the four of us. 

When it comes down to it, though, such thoughts are fleeting. 

In all reality, no amount of extra time or energy, or productivity could compare to the feelings of love, joy, and completeness that Meadow has brought to our family. 

Have a wonderful weekend, Friends!  And to all those who are Mama’s, have Mama’s, and have a Mama’s heart. . . Happy Mother’s Day!

  • Sassytimes - May 11, 2012 - 11:43 am

    Love this! Seems like yesterday we were both announcing our pregnancies.

    She sounds so much like V. He only has eyes for Mama too…and adores Sophia. I love how you can start to see her personality blossom.ReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - May 11, 2012 - 1:07 pm

    Oh my goodness, your daughter is SO adorable! That face and those cheeks…..SO CUTE!

    And how sweet that she just adores her big brother 🙂

    I remember when Henry was 3 months old we got him all ready to leave to go get our Christmas photos taken and we went to put him in his car seat and he had a blowout all over his Christmas outfit!!

    I just had my first child 8 months ago and I have been AMAZED each month how much his personality is coming out! Every couple weeks he is becoming so much more fun! Love it.ReplyCancel

  • Trophy Life - May 14, 2012 - 12:01 am

    there are a several things that make me smile about this post. i wanted to cast my winning vote for Chad's face. but, i must admit that the Twizzler got me. only because i know how you would have NEVER let the first 2 do this. i L-O-V-E it. and you.ReplyCancel

  • Life with Kaishon - May 14, 2012 - 2:11 am

    What a sweet little baby girl. I am so glad you get to be her mommy! : ) I can tell she is well adored!ReplyCancel

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