Friday, October 18, 2013

Week 21: Family of Three

Dear Baby,
We’re going to be a family!  This week has brought some emotional ups and downs that make this fact more and more of a reality to Mom and Dad.


Families come in all kinds and sizes.  Most commonly, family is a group of people connected by blood lines.  Once you arrive we’ll be a family of three; a mom, a dad and a baby.   It’s important to know that there is no one correct type of family structure.  What all “families” have in common is that they are a group who practices unconditional love towards each other.  Unconditional love means that families care about and act with compassion for the well-being of others through good times and bad.  Sometimes this love is shown through kind words and empathy.  Other times unconditional love is visible through the sharing of harsh truths.  Families hug, kiss, high-five, share caring conversations and encouraging words.  No matter what, families support all members.
Mom and Dad have had some decent practice at being a family of two.  We’ve seen each other through many really good times and some more difficult times.  Still, we've got lots more to experience.  For Mom, this week leaned more towards the difficult end.  I didn’t always feel myself and lacked motivation in some areas.  Call it pregnancy hormones, a week of unexpected outcomes, or both.  Your dad was my #1 supporter who reminded me of my talents.  Experiencing his encouraging words reminds me of how great of a dad he is going to be and how important it is to have family members who can offer encouragement, especially when you can’t seem to find it on your own.  Though most of what you throw at us will be our first pass in parenting, we both want you to know you can always rely on your mom and dad for the truth, a listening ear, support, compassion, encouragement, and love!  Your grandparents, aunts, and uncles will be great for this, too!
Speaking of family we’re expecting some visitors this weekend.  Grandma Liz, Aunt Katie & Lizzie, Kris and Erica are coming to visit La Crosse this weekend.  We’re having ladies day out.  (Not to worry if you’re a boy, we’re not getting too girly with activities)  Weather permitting we’re planning a trip to the apple orchard and a short hike to see the fall colors.  I’m really excited to see our family!  Next weekend we’ll spend time with Dad’s side of the family.  We’re looking forward to visiting them, too!
An exciting package was delivered to our house this week – your stroller!  I think at first it made Dad a little apprehensive, but once I had all the parts assembled he warmed up to the idea.  We’ve both taken turns pushing it through our cramped kitchen pretending to be on a walk.  It’s neat to imagine you sitting inside.  Sometimes I’ll even pretend to wave to the "neighbors."  Dad just laughs at me.  (I mean with me)  Being goofy is something else that families do really well together; especially our family!  It’s fun to imagine all the giggles and adventures we’ll share as a family with your stroller.
I hope you’re ready to smile tonight – we have family photos for the new church directory.  Even though we can’t see your cute face, know you were a part of our first family portrait!
Week 21
Just before attending yoga class :)
Your brand new car seat and stroller
The weekend visitors stopped to say hi to Dave at work!









1 comment:

  1. As years go by, Baby Duchrow, you will understand more and more what your mommy means by "family". We want you to know that the Hasher's, the family across the street from Grandma Liz and Grandpa Steve, will always hold you in our hearts as part of our family. You see, your mommy has been like a daughter/sister to us for 14 years. We love your mommy and daddy very much, and all of us are so very excited for your arrival and spending years together! Love you, little one!!

    ReplyDelete