Back to Work with the Baby

Over the last week, I really have missed crafting blog drafts, unraveling stories of the past, and painting life in as decent a light imaginable. As you could understand, my motivation to clean up spills, run errands, and repair broken furniture has taken priority over typing. For now, I must help Elia care for our newborn daughter, mostly by taking care of our son, Seb. Plus, I have day and night jobs that I like. And am getting over a cold. Anyhow, this is just the beginning. The blog is only the beginning of a description of my meanderings, steps toward the ever unfolding horizon of a promised land.

Once you have visited Nepal, you need not travel anywhere else.

In the months to come, I hope to have a chance to sit down and type up some stories to share with you regarding the following moments in my life:

• And a Creek Runs Through It: The Neighborhood Where I Grew Up
• Top of the World: Friends, Landscape, and the Rangi Changi of Nepal
• Water and Whiskey: Tapping the Desert of Southern California
• Deutschland, Deutschland, Bitte Vergib Mir: One Year of Living, Studying, Partaking, and Traveling in Europe
• Prairie Oases: Explorations throughout the American Heartland of Kansas
• This World is Now My Home: Living, Loving–with My Family

Elia and Kris pilot a yacht along the turquoise coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

Naturally, I understand if you would simply like an update on how we are getting along with the newborn. Elia and I have been living in foggy bliss for a few weeks now. In accordance with the needs of the baby, we are adjusting to the three to four hour sleep-wake cycle, embracing new responsibilities, working to make use of every waking eye-blink, and sleeping in. While Elia is focused on feeding and resting the baby, I am getting groceries, doing laundry, and picking up around the house. We are getting by alright. And Elia and I are busy preparing for my parents to arrive. They will be here tomorrow. As new parents, we appreciate seeing family and friends and having a few extra helping hands.

Elia’s mom has been in and out and in again. About a week ago, she had just returned to her home to Playas de Tijuana after staying with us for a few weeks and helping us take care of her new grandchild. She had been helping us by taking Seb to school, picking him up and helping keep his therapy appointments. On Thursday, Elia’s mom called and thanked us for our hospitality. On Friday, she called again to let Elia know that both she and Elia’s grandma would be visiting on Saturday to see the newborn. At 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening, we opened the door and welcomed them into our house. Four generations of Elia’s family (grandma, mom, Elia, and the baby) were in the house, a beautiful sight. We might not experience four generations again until–well, until Christmas time.

Amelia and Amelia, together for the first time, span four generations.

Every day, Amelia Sophie has been at home in the comfort of her mother’s arms. She is opening her eyes and falling in love with Elia and her constant attention. She has actually been a very quiet baby. For example, whenever her diaper needs changing, instead of crying or whining, she hiccups. Of course, hiccups are not as irritating as the intense distress wail typical of a newborn. She remains focused on eating and gaining weight while retaining her soft, squeezable arms and tender folds of baby thighs. She is an adorable baby girl. We hope you might have the opportunity to meet her soon. Meanwhile, I will try to share some highlights of her life now and again to keep you updated.