Graciela in motion

Sitting up for a new view of the world.

It’s been just more than 6 months now. Half a year behind us, countless more in front. I’m told there’s much more in store, but it’s difficult to wrap my head around what’s to come. If the joy, the happiness and the pure delight can be anywhere close to what the first 6 months has shown me, it might be too much for my system to handle. How can I possibly be happier? How can I possibly love more? How can I possibly smile more? The miracle I’ve witnessed unfolding over the last few months has brought me more than I ever thought possible. And, it’s much more than me. The love and joy I see — from and for — Amy and Alex seems to me the purest form of anything I’ve ever known. Truly, it’s a joy to behold and it’s exciting to realize that even more is on the way. In the meantime, we can enjoy some short videos.

The visitor

Amazing how it blends in with the tree.

Amy returned from a walk this afternoon and had a look about her when she came inside. She was excited. And the next thing I know, I’m taking my camera outside wearing shorts and a sweatshirt. But the reason she brought me out was worth it. Making her way up the driveway, she discovered an owl perched in the maple tree, which is not more than 12 feet from a front corner of our house. It was pretty amazing. We circled the tree, taking pictures, wondering how close we could get before it felt threatened. And while we circled and watched, we knew we were being watched as well. The owl never appeared to open its eyes, but its head turned and followed us as we looked. It was kind of creepy, but extremely awesome all at the same time. And all I could think of then was my hope that the owl was finding some good rodents to snack on. Better to have mice in this owl’s stomach than in my house.

Project Bookshelf

Now I just need a card catalog.

A carpenter, I am not. Practical and determined, maybe. And if those traits weren’t a part of me before, they’ve become a much bigger part of me lately. Especially when living in a house introduces you to the cost of contractors. It’s nothing against the craftsmen, but after an invoice or two, it’s not difficult to find the motivation to do various jobs around the house yourself. Besides saving on costs, the sense of accomplishment is very rewarding. Thus, the impetus behind the bookshelves in my home office. The shelves were needed, and long overdue. It took about 2 years to get started on the shelves and as I was able to piece together shifts here and there through last fall and into this winter dedicated to the work, it is done. Finally. I’ve never built anything on this scale, so it feels very good to have this behind me and on to the next project.

Winter’s reminder

Trees in the side yard in their winter garments, garnished with a bit of sunshine.

Thoughts on winter often aren’t pleasant. Slippery roads, biting winds and dizzying flurries tend to make themselves stand out as memories, and not for the right reasons. But from time to time, we’re fortunate to be caught safe and warm at home when the winter season becomes active, as if to be proud of its ability. And so we rub the sleep from our eyes as we make our way toward morning coffee, only to be interrupted by the view through windows. Brilliant in the sun, striking in the contrast of open sky to the lines of tall trees, we pause. We take it in. We digest. The beauty of winter often is dismissed as we curse the challenges that disrupt routine. Thus, the occasional pride of this season becomes essential. Because we need these reminders. We need to stop and see how beautiful, artistic and breathtaking this season can be. We’re fortunate that winter is not shy and allows us to stare without shame, because these are the times when thoughts on winter are pleasant.

Purely Graciela

Smiles melt hearts.

She knows no words, but she communicates just fine. Smiles, squeals, raspberries, eager breathing and coy grins. Graciela is growing so quickly in every regard, and it’s downright humbling. Life is so simple for her. It’s a reminder of how the simplicity in life often is the most beautiful. Nothing fancy, nothing ornate. Just beauty, in its purest and most basic form. And it’s a miracle that’s there for me to witness every single day. The best advice anyone gave me when Graciela was born was to not get caught up in my life while she is young. Savor her infant stage. It won’t last forever. And as she grows, I am seeing that. When I look into her deep, brown eyes, I am lost in the world she’s in, wondering what she is seeing, what she is hearing and what she is thinking. Every day, I am seeing her world grow bigger and bigger. And then I go back to the thoughts of the simple beauty. And how it is right there in front of me, or in my hands, or resting on my shoulder. It’s enough to bring a tear to a grown man’s eye, this baby girl we’ve named Graciela.

Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas!

Where do we even start for our review of 2012? That’s easy. There is plenty of news to share for this calendar year, but arrival of Graciela Julia on Sept. 25 takes top billing. The newest addition to our family has blessed Amy, Alex and I beyond measure, and the joy she has brought to the 3 of us is out of this world. We’d been anticipating her arrival since mid-winter but not everyone was aware back then. Certainly, the news that Amy and I kept silent for those early months was the fuel that fired our sense of urgency in making sure our home was ready. So in that regard, Graciela’s impact on our lives was felt even before she arrived. So let’s rewind a bit.

Growing Graciela

Graciela and Grandpa get some time.

This week marks the beginning of Graciela’s 10th week with us, and it’s been 10 weeks of pure joy. She is growing and already has more than doubled her birth weight of 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Witnessing her progress is an absolute miracle and as much as she’s grown physically, she is growing in spirit and personality. Her stronger neck holds her head up longer and longer every day. She’s created distinct cries to help us identify her discomfort. She melts us with regular coos, and we’re convinced her warm, angelic smile is what’s keeping the winter chill at bay this season. Her belches at the end of meals are enough to make daddy proud and the way she curls into a ball to sleep on the shoulder of mommy and daddy is nothing short of golden. We’re convinced she’s even shook her head as if to answer “no” to questions. A preview of what’s to come in 13 years? Our little girl is growing and as surely as she wraps her tiny hand around our fingers, she will be loved to the ends of this earth.