Smiles and Bonks

A Backwards Week Put in Perspective

I have this thing before most dinners, with or without guests, where I give a mini-speech. Below is a taste of one of them. 

How does one cope with a backwards week? Why, he or she makes a backwards movie. We've had a week of pretty serious sickness, a new church calling, a broken washing machine, and a stolen bike (which merits a post of itself--that was quite a blow). While we don't want to rewind this week to relive--except to lock up the bike last night--deliberately making something backwards provided a fresh perspective on reality.

Life is good. Temporal things are temporal. We've got what matters in abundance. And any temporal setbacks or challenges bring us closer together as a family, making the eternal more tangible. 

Before I get too spiritually poetic, I'll get on with the movie. 

This just in: Right before I posted, Abe threw up. I'll spare the details, but it was an open door to become a hypocrite in the face of what I just wrote--particularly since I thought we were out of the woods with him and Ben's nasty illness. But Abe's submissive, cheerful demeanor just now completely melted me. He was reflecting on how much he enjoyed "the yummy, yummy drink" (Sprite) earlier this week, casually talking about the Tintin movie we have in the works, and smiling while I cleaned him up! The relationship took precedent over the incident and all is well. We may even both be better for it.

Now, onto what I'm sure none of you have been waiting for...

Baby Eve Pictures

Below you can see a little more of the story of our little Eve Bea's first five days of life. Full story to come . . . 

The Harvest Moon under which our baby girl was born

The excited boys with their "open when the baby comes" package from a loving aunt

At the Birth Center, Special Beginnings

Meeting their new sister

They were both smitten 

Our wonderful nurse, Elizabeth asked the boys to help measure her (21")

Abraham helping to snap up the outfit he chose for his baby sister 

Back at Home

First outing: the park

Helping Nonna can the apple butter they made from the apples we picked

My dad had business in town and we got to see him one day!  We had Evelyn's b-day party while he was here.

 

 

He loves his first granddaughter.  I knew he would.

He loves his crazy grandboys too.

My angel mother with my angel daughter

Where Mom spent much of her time serving us

We're sure going to miss you, Nonna!

Bringing their mama and new sister beautiful flowers

Video chatting with her wonderful namesake, Evelyn Marshall I

  

 

 

I love my baby girl! 

Evelyn Bea

9/29/2012, 16:30 

Ariel mowed the lawn.

9/30/2012, 04:45

Ariel gave birth to baby Evelyn Bea Marshall at Special Beginnings.

09/30/2012, 10:30

Ariel and the cream puff came home.

The Waiting Game!

It really is more of a game when you live with the likes of Ariel Bea. Instead of moping around, wondering when that late baby (due September 21) is going to grace you with her presence, you go out and do things!

Sandy Point Beach!

The National Zoo!

We caught them at nap time, but we've seen them in action and they're awesome.

Welcoming Nonna!

The National Book Festival on the National Mall!

Meeting one of our favorite children's book authors, Peter Brown.

And hearing R.L. Stine tell a story was a childhood dream come true. I had Goosebumps #1-38.

Abe would rather look at costumed idols from afar

Ben was curious and very happy to meet Curious George.

And Super Why. We paid nothing for a Disneyland-esque experience!

Daddy-o's work!

Drawing on the full-scale white board walls.

The temple!

 Abe's preschool potluck!

We also just finished reading "The Hobbit" together, which we thoroughly enjoyed. And had a "Pirates of Penzance" party. Nothing like a little Gilbert and Sullivan to get a baby movin'.

And I'm taking Ariel out every night until baby comes. Here's to the present! But if Evelyn Bea is reading this we really aren't discouraging your arrival. Please come soon.