Wednesday

1


A quick post to celebrate the first month of Emmylou's life. There are many things that can be said about having her around, so I'll try to be brief. For me, it's like being a first time mom again. It's been three and a half years since Zeke left and in this stage of my life that's a long time for me to be without a baby. Her presence brings so much joy to me: I love holding her and kissing her chubby cheeks; I enjoy picking out new outfits and changing her diaper; I laugh at her silly grunts, squeals, shouts and coos; I especially adore the way Cassidy takes care of her and loves on her.
In the last month we've rejoiced and grieved and trusted in His faithfulness, celebrating Pesach (Passover) on Emmylou's 1 month birthday. I really do feel him turning my mourning into dancing, and I'll be honest, I didn't know if that was possible.

Monday

My girls

This was such a sweet moment today. While I tried to make my own lunch (after feeding the other three mouths in our home) Emmylou started to fuss. First Cassidy asked if I would bring Emmylou, in her bouncer, over to where she was sitting at the table so she could take care of her, "So you can make your lunch". When Emmylou continued to fuss Cassidy went and got an extra blanket to put on her, "I think she was cold" she told me. That didn't do the trick so then Cass, finished with her food, asked if she could hold her little sister. As we walked over to the couch she jumped up and down, saying, "I'm so excited to hold her! I love holding her!" They sat on the couch, happy to be with each other, but not long enough for me to eat. Oh well, it was worth all the fuss and delayed meal to see Cassidy's joy and Emmylou's smile, small as it was. And aren't they the quintessential girls in their matching pink and purple!

Wednesday

She's officially born

This week we ventured out to Misrad Hapnim, the Department of the Interior, to get Emmylou's birth certificate. It was her first time in the Boba carrier and she loved it. Tom didn't mind it either, joking a lot about the 'hands free' aspect of it (a play on Boba's slogan, "Freedom Together"). Wearing her is about as close as he'll ever get to feeling pregnant. (I told him to add about 10 more pounds and imagine all the weight pressing on his bladder.)
It was an easy process to get the birth certificate, although the paperwork is very different from American birth certificates. Just her name, birth date, my name and our address, basically. In Hebrew and English. It feels good to have it since the paperwork we got from the midwife and pediatrician is handwritten on a paper they tore off of their notepads.

When we finished at Misrad Hapnim we went next door to the convenience store and had Emmylou's passport photo taken. Pretty hilarious to have an official photo of a two week old, but she opened her eyes, which was all that was necessary.

Now off to the consulate or the embassy to get her passport and visa. Pray it goes smoothly!