Bigger and better adventures

You know sometimes you think of something and it strikes you as being so true that you almost say something out loud, even if no-one is there? I had one of those moments.

We went to a concert a week ago where they sang a Paul Kelly song called “Meet me in the Middle of the Air” which is an achingly beautiful modern rendition of the 23rd Psalm, and I’d been humming it on and off all week. Then last night there was a lady on chat who had just lost her son, a 24 weeker, at 2 days of age. The thought hit me today.

Our NICU journey. We walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

I know it’s easy to take the miracle of life for granted, but today I am feeling particularly grateful.

God is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’ sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Eternal forever.

After a couple of weeks where she hardly said anything, Talia has resumed chatting and is now starting to make some new noises. Last night, after a busy day visiting her great-grandmother and grandparents and being a star attraction at my work Christmas drinks, she had plenty to say.

I’m sure I heard her say “d” for the first time, and she has also started trying to blow raspberries. I may regret it when she blows a raspberry while I’m trying to feed her, but at the moment it is just very cute.

It was last night of her first Hannukah. It doesn’t have quite the photographic opportunities that come with Christmas, but it was still special for us.

I needn’t have worried about the childcare situation - I contacted my line manager and she told me that due to budgetary constraints, they would not be taking on any casual staff in 2008. So I will put myself back on the waiting list until after next winter. It feels like the right decision.

Today we tried carrot (mixed with formula and farex). Some of it stayed in, and we’ll try a bit more tomorrow.

Tonight was the first night of Hannukah. It was strange to be lighting candles and singing to Talia by myself, but Daddyfeatures is in Singapore again, all week. It is the first time he has been away since Talia came home from hospital. I thought I might feel lonely but between Talia and the cat and the computer, I am too busy!