Revision

Mom — Annabelle’s Nana — leaves later today. I am very sad to see her go. She’s been an enormous help to me. Not just doing the laundry and making meals, which she insisted on doing everyday (and hey, who am I to complain?!). No, she’s been of much more help than just that. She’s taught me things — how to bathe a baby, how to dress a baby (harder than it seems!) … how to do so many things. But, probably most importantly, she’s helped build my confidence.

I’d never been around babies. All of my relatives lived in Canada or California, so we didn’t have cousins around. And, when my sister was a baby, I was still a toddler, so, in short, I never learned how to care for a baby. I had no idea what it entailed and how tiring it can be.

Andy and I both have had a crash course in parenting. I’ve come to believe that nothing. Truly! Can prepare a person to become a mom or dad. Oh, you may think you’re prepared. You may think you’re ready. You aren’t. Trust me.

Since she’s been here (and especially since Annabelle’s arrival), Mom has shared many words of wisdom with me. Many stories of when she first had children. When my mom had my sister and me, she was a Canadian citizen living in Texas. She was far, far from home and had nobody to help her. Her mom and dad were never able to travel to the United States, so she had to do it all alone. I feel truly blessed and lucky to have had Mom here all this time. She helped me get ready for the delivery, helped me recover from surgery and helped me learn the things I need to know to take care of such a precious bundle.

I’ve enjoyed hearing the stories of when she first became a mom, as well as other funny stories of friends and relatives as they became parents for the first time. It is comforting to know I’m not the only one who ever freaked out when faced with the monumental task of parenthood. And, I am not afraid to admit I’ve gotten a little freaked out. Most of that, I think, is postpartum hormones talking, but some of it is genuine worry. Anyway, it’s always nice to know you aren’t the only one. I’ve started to ramble, so back to Mom…

She’s been part therapist, part teacher and part taskmaster (ha ha!). I joke, but it’s true. I thank God everyday that Mom was here to help me. I don’t know what I would have done without her. So, Mom, thanks! I love you.

A Big Photo Shoot

A bunch of new albums are now available for your viewing pleasure. As always, we have the Annabelle Elizabeth collection. This is a collection of all the Annabelle albums I’ve put together so far.

Recent additions to this collection:

• Annabelle – April 3, 2007, Includes: Getting to know Poppy, a trip to the store, cute fingers and more!
• Annabelle – April 2, 2007, Includes: A visit to Dr. Daddy’s office.
• Annabelle – April 1, 2007, Includes: Fun around the house.
• Annabelle – March 31, 2007, Includes: Daddy playtime, the Easter Bunny visits our backyard and a cat inquires as to when the baby might stop crying.
• Annabelle – March 30, 2007, Includes: Crazy family self-portraits, feeding time and a new outfit.
• Annabelle – March 29, 2007, Includes: A fussy baby.

We have another retro upload: Andy’s Baptism, October 2006.