Like any typical 5-month old baby, Ben likes to wake up at night and nurse. Last night around 11pm he stirred and cried out. I went to his crib, picked him up and he immediately calmed. I nursed him and he was peacefully asleep again in 10 minutes.
I ask you: is there any sweeter joy than feeling a chubby little babe melt into calm contentment when you pick them up? Just at your touch? I remember working with the mums in Brazil, helping them feel more connected to their babies, who had been born in very different circumstances from Ben. I'd be with the mum and their baby, and often the baby would cry and the mum was just too tired of life to comfort them. So I would just pick them up, or stroke their cheek, and they immediately calmed. Sigh. No better feeling, nothing more full of love than a child and the peace he gets from the physical presence of someone who cares. (And believe me, those girls in Brazil did care a whole lot. Life is just really hard sometimes.)
The first two weeks with Ben I remember thinking- it cannot get more amazing or perfect than this! He was so fresh and perfect. But I'm amazed how as the months now pass by, my heart seems everyday closer to bursting. The joy and love Ben brings to our lives is just unparalleled, indescribable.
I know this is sappy, but I gotta put it out there. You guys. We love our little family and our little man. It's so amazing that we get to experience this kind of love. I know most everyone who reads this will have experienced it too - isn't it amazing? Like this great secret that no one can describe. That happens over and over again, but is still miraculous.
Here is a photo of Ben and me in our backyard. This time in Germany will always be so special to us - we are both at home, splitting the day in half so we both work and both spend time with our man. Weekends are work-free, and spent church-ing and napping. You guys, I tell you: life is so good. I wish it could stay like this forever. (Alas, we will have to join the real world of not working from home oh too soon! We are spoiled brats at the moment, believe me I know.)
