Birth

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come 

- Wordsworth, Intimations on Immortality

Last year at this time, I was occupied in counting the minutes between my contractions.  I did that all day.  I kept myself busy with Facebook games, Chipotle burritos, hanging out with my mother and my husband, and Jeeves and Wooster.  I rocked in my rocking chair as hard as I could to get my contractions to come faster, I walked as much as I could, and I spent some quality time being hooked up to a non-stress test machine, sitting in waiting rooms, and being examined by my OB.  

It was maybe one of the longest days of my life, as I waited and breathed and tried to be patient, because I wanted to hold my baby girl in my arms so badly I could taste it.  I had no idea it would be another twenty-four hours before she would make her entrance, but I'm glad no one told me!

I have learned that motherhood is such a surprise, such a marathon of bliss and sleeplessness, that no one can possibly prepare you for it.  It's crazy to even try.  Even pregnancy was really nothing like I expected.  Kids are the ultimate x-factor, they're sitting in the box, pulling Schrodinger's cat's tail or feeding him goldfish crackers.

It's been the best year of my life so far, by a long shot.  This next year of Maeve's life will also be documented on this blog - with two word titles, since it's her second year.  Thanks, dear followers, for your support, advice, and kind words, you have helped me considerably on my journey.  Here's to another crazy year of motherhood!