My turn

In a sleep-deprived moment of weakness, I offered to do the next blog update. So here I am staring at a blank computer screen and realizing that writing a blog entry really is as difficult as Larkin said. There is so much to say as our lives have completely changed in the last 13 days, yet trying to put that change into words is an impossible task. The bottom line is I am completely in love with both my daughter and my husband (and pretty darn proud of how well Abe has adjusted to Maya’s arrival). Everything has just become more perfect since Maya Drake joined us. For example, this morning all 4 of us were laying in our bed (don’t worry – Abe and Maya don’t sleep in our bed), Larkin and I were reading the Sunday New York Times and drinking coffee – I couldn’t imagine a more ideal Sunday morning.


Maya and I have slowly established a routine of feedings and sleep with the occasional walk with Abe thrown in. She is a champion sleeper and eater. We also dance several times a day, which seems to be the surest way to quiet any cries – she is her mother’s daughter as she seems to have a particular affection for Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Broadway show tunes. Of course, a substantial part of my day is spent with Maya Drake in my arms and me just staring at her, marveling at the fact that she is my daughter and that this amazing little person is the Bean.

I was very fortunate to grow up in a household where I never doubted my father’s love for me or his love for my mother. Watching how my dad treated my mom really shaped what I looked for in a husband. Maya will never doubt that her father loves her or me, and I am grateful that Maya’s first impressions of how men should treat women will be based on watching Larkin. He has been an amazing partner in this adventure… Larkin was so wonderful and supportive during labor and delivery. He is currently working part-time; it is so comforting knowing that he’ll be home by 1:00 each day which allows me to take a nap or run errands and gives him the opportunity to bond with our daughter (as well as watch the European soccer tournament – we are rooting for Turkey, which if you have watched any of the games you would know why.) Larkin has also taken charge of cleaning the house, grocery shopping, etc. But it is more than just the ice chips, the breathing directions, the mopping, and the diaper changing… the pure joy he takes in Maya makes me fall more in love with him daily. I am very lucky.

Larkin taking a much-deserved nap.
One of my favorite pictures...


We are also very fortunate that friends here in Austin are scheduled to bring us dinner every other night for Maya’s first 3 weeks – it has been a great way to introduce Maya to our circle of friends as well as takes a major to-do off of our lists. Thank you to everyone!



Danny and Susan Nold came to visit... and practice their baby-holding skills. Maya is looking forward to meeting Virginia Nold!

Her first attempt at tummy time left something to be desired... but it did make us laugh!

So did her first playdate with neighbor Anna Kreager (born on June 10th)!