Baby B
Last Thursday I told you about how I was too pregnant to clean the bathtub, and how grateful I was that I was able to ask for help and that my partner was able to offer it.
The next morning I went into labor.
This #thankyouthursday, I am grateful for B, our son.
Our son!
And, really, our sun.
The past six days have been a blur of new experiences, feelings, and teachings—far too much to convey in my current haze.
But what I will say is that all the years I have spent cultivating an ability to stay present are most certainly paying off, more so than ever before. I am able to truly appreciate what is in front of me, and I am very aware that every moment is fleeting.
Sometimes that awareness is a relief (say, during a frustrating attempt at a late-night feeding), and sometimes that awareness is excruciating (say, every time I see B’s tiny toes and know they will have to grow).
I’m watching him sleep right now as I write this. He’s stretching his little legs and squinching up his little face, which means soon he’ll be awake, and I’ll get to look into his little eyes, and soothe his little cries, and I know there are other things happening all around the world that are so very worthy of support and attention.
But today, right now, my focus is on B. And I am so grateful.
Love > fear,
Christina
p.s. Speaking of other things happening all around the world that are so very worthy of support and attention—if you want to honor B’s birth, I invite you to make a donation to Nolef Turns, Inc.
In brief, @NolefTurnsInc helps reduce recidivism in my community. I learned of their existence from @kindnessgirl, aka Patience Salgado, who photographed and assisted with B’s birth. She’s also cofounder of @FromtheInsideOutRVA, a community photo project that, among other things, wishes to amplify the work of Nolef Turns.
As you may know, I am passionate about supporting criminal justice reform (remember that time I told you about The Marshall Project?), so it felt serendipitous to discover Nolef Turns, whose work is perfectly aligned with my values—and the values of a woman who helped bring my son into this world! So, if you’re so inclined, help me help her help them provide relief for the recently released.