Lucy has a new favorite spot…her high chair. This is a direct result of the fact that over the past week or two she has been introduced to dozens of new, delightful foods in this spot. She still hasn’t met anything she doesn’t care for…luckily keeping the good old chub rolls in tact. We wouldn’t want them to fade now that she is so active…gotta figure out a way to preserve the chub.
I had to take a picture of Lucy’s last can of formula. I know, now you really know I am crazy. I can’t believe this is my last baby and this is the end of formula. I always shift my babies to sippy cups when they’re done with formula, which usually delights me and we move on. But as I threw away some old bottles last night I just wanted to sit down and cry. I know I sound like I really need another baby, and it’s not that. I really do feel like it’s right for our family to be done. I love that we’re complete. But it’s still so sad for me. From the time I was two-years-old I longed for my own baby some day. When I was little I couldn’t believe my mom would ever let anyone else hold her newborns. I figured when I finally got to be a mom I’d never let anyone else take that baby from my arms for a second. And now here I am, all these babies have come and grown, (and believe it or not, I was ok…most of the time…to let others hold them…at least for a little while!), and as much as I do feel like I have soaked each of them in to the best of my ability, it’s just so empty to not think of another one coming. But that’s ok. I think it’s actually kind of therapeutic for me to be a little melancholy, to feel that baby love so deep. It helps me realize how great it’s been, and makes me realize even more how great this adventure of life is becoming and will continue to be as it unravels before me as my babies grow into their own souls. How I want to help nurture them into their best selves. And through my “baby blues” I’m so incredibly thankful, again, to be called “mother.” I’ll hold on to these “babies” I’ve got with all my might…please don’t grow up quite so fast!
Great post, I emailed you about it. Love you.
Hey, the storyboard looks great! And I loved the post. Very true. i’m kind of in the thick of babies right now, so I needed to read this tonight.
So, what does 71 toes mean, anyway?
Only you could make a picture of formula look so great! Man! you’re talented…
I have that same dream…always focused on being a mother and I love the way life opens up to fulfill our dreams. I was thinking about that just today…getting to nurture all of these teenagers who may seem totally unlovable to their mothers. But I get to love ’em with all I’ve got!
Anyway, regardless of the transition- they’re tough! You’re doing great Shawni!
I don’t think it’s possible for Lucy to look anything but absolutley delicious! You are taking the end of baby thing well. I wish I could have been that sad to be done. I LOVE my kids and don’t want them to grow up in many ways, but I am also really excited to get to know them better and experience things with them. Hopefully I won’t mess them up too bad!
shawni, i love your blog! i can’t get over your amazing photography. of course your kids would look great in front of any camera i imagine….just darling.
i wouldn’t worry about lucy’s chub. my ellie has got some fat reserves herself but hardly eats a thing these days….a little chub goes a long way.
Shawns, I loved this post. I know exactly what you mean. It’s hard to think the “baby portion” of life is coming to an end. Of course, if you and Dave do change your minds, you really do make some beautiful babies…
Julie, the 71 toes is because our baby had 6 toes on one foot when she was born. Kind of crazy. So we had 71 toes in our family. There’s a post about when we got it removed back in June if you want to know more details. I’m still kind of missing that extra toe!
Hi Shawni I am a new friend. I got your blog from Sue Kelly. I just love reading your blog. It seems as though we have a lot in common. I love photography too! I was wondering if it would be ok to link your blog under my “inspired blogs”. Please let me know if that would be ok. You can check mine out at: http://www.lisalinton.blogspot.com/ I would love to chat more with you so let me know how we can do that..I am new to blogging so I am not sure how? Thanks!
Oh Shawni – it is so tough to see them grow up so fast. I read your sweet posts and think that you are just cherishing darling little Lucy. It is a great reminder for me to not “wish away” certain ages and just enjoy them.
You are an amazing Mom and a wonderful example Shawni. 🙂
Shawni…
You just need to have another beautiful baby…
Call me and we will talk about it.
How could I have deserved being the mother of a daughter who is such an astounding mother? How blessed I am to have you and feel the depth of your love for all those sweet “babies” even on the days that are horrid!