Babies are Beautiful

I'm having so much fun watching my friends and family members become parents. In some ways it was just yesterday that I walked through that portal of no return myself, yet my children are suddenly six-and-a-half and eight. I think that means I've been a parent for eight years. It boggles the mind.

But I digress.

I've especially enjoyed my cousin Mandy's journey into motherhood. I will admit that I was a little nervous of how it would be for her. She feels things very deeply, and her health is not the strongest, so I was afraid that motherhood, with its accompanying lack of sleep and hormonal ups and downs might be especially hard on her.

My fears were ill-founded, and I'm so very glad. Her little girl is a doll. They named her Serenity, and it looks like they named her very aptly. I'm sure she has all the typical baby tendencies; spit-up, poo, teething...but she also is beautiful, sweet-tempered, and a real talker, just like her mama.

Mandy has completely accepted that it is good and right to spend time snuggling with the little one. That isn't easy for many women. She has already begun the process of enjoying these fleeting moments of infancy with her precious child, and I'm so proud of her. I love hearing her talk about the jokes she makes with her baby and her husband (who sounds like a fantastic father and spouse).

Her little one wears actual baby clothes, which I wouldn't have guessed previously, since Mandy herself favors a more...eclectic...style. She has wisely decided that Serenity is her own person, and will develop her own tastes and desires as she goes through life. Again, not every woman can do that. I know I struggle(d) with that myself.

I pray that my other relatives who have just had babies or who are looking forward to that prospect in the near future can accept the ups and downs with the same grace as Mandy. Her little girl has a crazy, fun-filled life to look forward to, and although I know there are still difficulties ahead, and that there have already been bad days as well as good, I know too that Mandy will have the strength to face them, and the heart to make them count.

Here's to you, cousin. God bless you!