Having a baby is no small thing. We all found out that even perfect babies and giving birth can provide obstacles. We also found out that obstacles combined with faith and family are not insurmountable.
Our sweet Clare Bear ( a name coined by her Daddy) developed jaundice. It meant an extra day in the hospital under lights....and an understanding of how precious the gift of health is.
Mommy had an obstacle too...and if you look at the picture closely, you can see that Jill went home with a walker. No one can quite answer why, but Jill had a weakness in her legs that sadly had her falling twice in the hospital.
She was seen by her anesthesiologist, and later by Physical Therapy. They assured Jill that she would get better, but that she would be taking baby steps toward a complete recovery. We all understand baby steps...now more than ever.
So the kids came home to two adoring Grandmothers to watch over our sweet family. Jill said that we should market our business....we clean, we cook, we do the wash and we cuddle baby endlessly. Sort of like Molly Maids meets Mary Poppins.
Most of our nights were spent like this....all of us cuddled on the couch, watching a bit of American Idol but mostly just sharing one very sweet baby.
Clare seemed to do well with all the attention. She opened her eyes to look at her world, and held her head up strongly to let us know she was getting better and better.
Mommy was doing better too. She could even lean on the sink and share in giving Clare her first bath. Daddy was a HUGE help too. They are two of the most confident parents I have ever seen. I think adversity brings on courage...and I am so proud of this sweet family.
Clare is getting lots of love.....
....sleeping and nursing well and just getting cuter and cuter!
I am home for a day to do my wash and regroup, then back to share in another week of caring for this sweet family.
The "Two Grandmothers" ( hmmm...maybe that should be the name of our new business) are certain that another week of giving hands will have this family on their feet.
Even Munich is accepting of the extra help around the house. It means she can catch up on some much needed sleep!
All in all, it was one of the most incredible weeks of my life. It may have had some uncertain moments, but it gave us all a chance to be family....a family blessed by His goodness.
10 comments:
What a sweet family. You all are in my prayers. Happy to hear everyone is doing better now. Your precious little Clare is one blessed baby to have so much cuddling and love. Enjoy every minute....they grow up even faster than your kids did.
We are still waiting for our little girl. Daddy says Mommy is "faking it". The kids all look at her tummy and then laugh.
AHHHHHHHH! Clare is SO cute. (And I'm not just saying that because she's my niece.) I can't wait to hold her again tomorrow. I LOVE the picture of Jill's face snuggled up to Clare Bear. Precious! Love you!
Annelies everyone looks so happy and content; the perfect little family!
I think I see Jonathan's eyes in one of your Clare pics!
Sheila
What a sweet family. I'm glad to hear that both Jill ad Clare are getting better. They are so lucky to have the two grandmothers there to help out.
How sweet!! I'm glad to hear that Jill and Clare are both doing better. Enjoy yourself next week ...I bet you're loving it!!
So glad that you all are getting family time with Clare!! I hope Jill is feeling better and her parent legs get stronger!
What a perfect little family. Clare is just beautiful and so very alert. Look how strong she is...oh there is nothing better than babies. I sending tons of good thoughts that everyone is in tip top shape in no time. Have tons of fun and lots of cuddling time.
What a beautiful baby! I wouldn't be able to put her down if I got the chance to cuddle her. Good luck to the whole family as you settle in to new routines and new love.
She is so sweet Annie. All my prayers and hugs to you all.
I hope Clare is doing better! My nephew Ben (born Feb 10) had jaundice and had to do the lamps for 2 days! Thank God for medicine. I will pray for Jill. Congrats to the whole family! Suzanne and my mother are both first time grandmothers as well. I could imagine your cup overflows with joy!
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