He'll always be in the picture somewhere.
That's what happens when you become a mother. You stretch to include another into your frame.
(and for some, another and another...)
Until who you are is even greater than the sum of the parts, even greater than brown eyes and blue.
(And though there will be sleep-deprived days like today, a three appointment President's day, where the responsibility of parenthood will make you feel so fried that it's hard to imagine yourself as greater than anything but a ball of silly putty that's been stretched beyond reason-- still, at the end of the day, it's his antics that make you smile.)
Even now. Hours after he fell asleep, he sits on your lap and encourages you to write. Just a few sentences, he says. Just enough.
Hi Christy,
I'm sure you've heard of this little baby already, but in case you haven't, here is the link to an article about one Amillia Taylor, who was born at less than 22 weeks and is miraculously heading home today :
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200702/s1852552.htm
I couldn't help but think of Elias and all the hurdles he's overcome, when I read it.
Luisa.
Posted by: Luisa | February 20, 2007 at 02:37 AM
That's so true. It's hard to explain to folks who aren't parents (yet, or maybe just not) - mostly they worry about the "hard" impact on their life of having children (less freedom, way less sleep). Folks find that part easy to talk about. But the part about how your world expands beyond belief - and how much richer it is - that's harder to explain. The image of a self-portrait making room for another (always) does a good job of explaining it !
Posted by: Sara | February 20, 2007 at 02:50 AM
Oh boy. You got me all weepy. This post came just in time for me to link to it tomorrow. You'll see why if you check in at Picture This. : )
Posted by: tracey | February 20, 2007 at 03:20 PM
I love those pictures!
Posted by: Kyla | February 21, 2007 at 05:32 AM
Came over from Picture This. Love your together shots, and yes, I understand the s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g 4x over. I think I could stretch some more.
Posted by: melody | February 21, 2007 at 09:02 AM
Thanks for the link Luisa! Its hard to imagine a baby half the size of Elias when he was only a pound and a half. Talk about streeeeeetching....and prayers and love.
Posted by: Christy | February 21, 2007 at 05:02 PM
I've looked at your picture every time I read your blog, but until today, I never realized how much you and Elias look alike! The first picture really shows it. Excellent shots.
Posted by: Heather | February 22, 2007 at 04:18 PM