Those first few moments ...

We've had cause to remininsce about Lil' Genghis' first few moments on earth. There's a lot of little boys and girls out on their own or ready to see the bright lights.

Aunt Becky became an aunt the other day, as Aunt Jennifer's boy arrived. And we were at a shindig the other day, and by the time there were four women there, mom was the only one not pregnant (not very pregnant? awkward to write, and yet so appropriate.) And then a couple hours later little Cousin Madeline made her first public appearance.


IMG_2029 from album 101218-Madeline makes her public debut


We met her as Uncle Chris appeared to be breastfeeding -- not that there's anything wrong with that. It seemed like kind of a magical moment.



IMG_2032 from album 101218-Madeline makes her public debut


She seemed pretty sleepy, and not real focused on Uncle Chris. Sometimes dad used to feint weariness to avoid speaking with Chris as well -- looks like Cousin Madeline has not only the beauty of her mother, Aunt Heather, but her intelligence as well.


IMG_2037 from album 101218-Madeline makes her public debut


Here, Chris appears overwhelmed by this beautiful, perfect little girl, wondering just how he could have helped create her and bring her into the world. We know the feeling!


IMG_2040 from album 101218-Madeline makes her public debut


Here, they're both almost actually in focus, sort of.

You'll note the utter lack of photos of anyone else, including Aunt Heather, holding Cousin Madeline. Chris seems to want to enjoy every magical moment he can, and isn't that new dad who wants the mailman, the neighbor's dog and the neighborhood pharmaceutical voyeur to enjoy her company. Well, that, and he's completely wrapped around her tiny little clingy finger.

We tried sharing some of the basic advice (no guests who don't bring food, no feeding Chris after midnight or letting him get wet, sleep-n-play outfits look a whole lot better after you debate cutting off the shit explosion'ed onesies so you don't have to bring it over her face, sleep when baby sleeps).

Meanwhile, Heather and Chris and Madeline will continue to figure things out on their own, getting to know each better, grow with each other, and finding more room in their hearts and diapers for each other.