Welcoming Baby Ian to the World

The words aren’t lining up as quickly as I hoped, never mind, do they ever? I’ve got cards I need to write and presents I need to wrap and phantom presents that should be found. The house waits to be cleaned. Yesterday I put in my book order for next semester, sent an email to my students, said yes to sitting on a board, and knitted enough of a hat to at least be a headband. I took a call from my daughter, who was hoping to win an argument with her roommate: do sprinkles go on cookies before or after they’re baked? It’s nice when a mom gets to say: it depends.

It’s the season of not getting everything done. And pausing once in a while to remember blessings. Here’s a picture I like to look at when I’m feeling overwhelmed, as I know my wonderful niece Kelly and her husband Ben often must. Two weeks ago Kelly was teaching high school. One week later she held a newborn. Here’s the latest edition to our extended family, Ian in his mother’s arms.

This is the picture I try to remember when I’m feeling life is moving too quickly. Sometimes all you need to do is look or hold.