The Joy of Brielle -- A Poem and a funny birth story

Entering the world with energy!

Brielle's labor was quite long. I was so grateful for the epidural because I was exhausted; I slept straight through transition, thankfully because I needed that energy for two hours straight of pushing...hard! I was so grateful for the doctor who delivered her; she was new at the hospital and young, but so full of life and enthusiasm! We were cracking ourselves up, so when she said "we're almost ready to break the bed" (meaning lower the end of the bed) I thought she meant "let's raise the roof" (like turn on some dance music and party). We laughed and laughed. It was such a fun way to bring this bright, happy girl into the world.

The Joy of Brielle

Full of life and enthusiasm she clings to me for only a second

So swiftly she's gone

Running, bouncing, falling, crying

A maze of movement

A whir of energy around me

Up down, up and down she climbs her favorite jungle gym -- people!

Aunties and uncles, Papa and LaLa, but most of all mommy and daddy

In sacrament she crawls over laps and peeks over the row to charm those behind

Those innocent, inspiring eyes -- intense, yet soft and loving

When scolded, they are confused and hurt more than anyone I've seen

No concept of wrong, just exploration

I will make the world safe for you to explore

I will take the time to hold you in my arms, if only for a moment

I will cuddle you softly, for there is so much love bursting from within you

When I cry you crane your head and blink back at me, worried I'm hurt

These intense emotions will pass little one; will you ever know them?

To hold you closely, to whisper softly, to breathe together

This is the joy of motherhood

Not bound together every instant

To let you be free

To support you in your journeyings

To give in to your desires

Eternal love, but not confining love. Holding tightly, yet not too tight.

The winds of life will dance between us too, though you are small

And if I hold you, you will grow and flourish