With moments to spare, Jackson Nolan graced our lives on September 21, 2007 at 5:12am. He weighed in at 6 lbs 13 oz and was 20 ยผ inches long, with peach-fuzz sandy-blond hair and steely blue eyesย
Mom and babe are doing just fine ย and Chloe seems to think her little brother is pretty cool, too.
I started having contractions at 2am, but I’d been having them off and on for months – and seeing as I was scheduled for a c-section that morning at 8:15am, I really wanted to be sure this was real labor… after about an hour of not being able to get comfortable in any position and then watching the clock, and then feeling that incredible back labor that I had with Chloe, I woke James and told him I wasn’t sure this was ‘it’ – his response? "What else could it be?" Duh… so I called the dr, told her I’d been having contractions for about an hour and a half, but that they were coming more regularly, about 7 minutes apart, and that I was scheduled for a repeat C-section. She said, "come on in…" and thank goodness she did, because by the time we got there, my contractions were barely 2 minutes apart. The dr had the whole team working on me at once to whip me right into the OR (who all said they set a record from admitting to delivery, it was that fast – bless them!). Once the spinal block was in, I was able to be fully present and focused on this baby being born, with James beside me. It was amazing…
Here’s some photos of our little family…
Chloe started her first year of primary at Montessori School this past week – and she loved it. She’s starting a bit early, but James and I felt it would be a disservice to her to wait another year – and her teachers agreed. She is truly going to thrive in the Montessori environment – it’s not for every kid, but it’s definitely the best one for her.
That first morning was hard for me – in a good way. I’m just so proud of her, at how happily independent she is at just 2.7, how she gave both James and I a big hug and kiss and took off into her classroom without a look back. That’s my girl… (and yes, I gave in to a few tears once we got back to the car… )
Here we are that first morning:
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It’s a clear, calm morning here at the lake – mostly blue sky with promises of a great day ahead – yeah! ๐
Every morning I get a message from the Universe from www.tut.com – some of them are profound, most of them make me think, usually they make me smile, and sometimes they make me laugh out loud… here’s one from earlier this week:
I said, "Yes!" Alicia, when you first thought of "it".
"Now!" when you first asked.
And, "Hallelujah! So be it! Coming right up!" when you first gave thanks in advance…
Believing in you,
The Universe
It’s reminded me that I can ‘place my order’ with the Universe whenever I want and it will move mountains to make things happen for me – if I come from a place of gratitude and abundance. It’s been a good reminder for me as of late, as I’ve been more anxious and overwhelmed than usual so I’ve been having a bit of a hard time relaxing and leaning into the easiness of everyday here that could be mine… so no more! I’m breathing deep and letting the peace and calm of this quiet morning wash over me and I will let my gratitude for being here color every moment forward.
What are you giving thanks for in advance?
cheers,
~ A
Well, we are finally settled into our cottage at the lake and are very happy to be here… breathing that fresh NH air, feeling that warm sun… oh wait, there’s no sun – not yet anyway – we’ve had rain for the last few days, but it’s been fine really. We spent most of yesterday unpacking and putting in the sailboat (she’s docked right next to me :)), and early this morning, I stocked up on groceries while James is off getting odds and ends for the house and the boat this afternoon. Chloe’s sleeping peacefully and our local loon has already been by to say hello… so when the sun does make its appearance (supposedly tomorrow), we’ll be more than ready for it!
At the moment, the rain is holding off so I’m sitting on the dock, enjoying the view and doing some writing for myself and for a client. When Chloe wakes up, if it’s not raining, we’ll take a swim and play on our beach here until dinner… even on a cloudy day – it’s still wonderful to be here.
Hope you’re enjoying wherever you are at the moment, too ๐
Cheers,
~ A
I got quite the surprise from James and Chloe for Mother’s Day this year ~ my very first sailboat! She’s 22′, solid and seaworthy, and I can’t wait to get her on the water. I’ve been sailing since I was a kid and had always planned to someday own a sailboat. Well, someday came a lot sooner than I expected – yippee!
We haven’t decided what to name her yet. Suggestions are welcome – just click the comments buttons below to leave yours.
So, after breakfast in bed, Chloe ran in with a little wooden sailboat in her hand for me "For Mommy…" And I thought, maybe we’re going for a sail on the Hudson or something that afternoon. But then James hands me a piece of paper with photos and "You’re now the proud owner of…" written at the top and "Happy Mother’s Day" at the bottom.
I was stunned – and then couldn’t get ready quick enough to go see MY boat! Chloe had even seen it and never let on – little secret-keeper. ๐ We are going to have such fun on it this summer at the lake – I can’t wait!
* line from the Five for Fighting song, "If God Made You…"
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