weeks 4 & 5

I am really, really grateful for hard days, nights, and even weeks - once they're over and I am one step away looking back at them from a distance. They add a lovely contrast to the light in my life, making the bright places stand out even more. 

Weeks 4 & 5: they have been wonderful - still hard at times, but wonderful. 

Olivia and I went running just twice. The weather was perfect and I couldn't resist because the cold is coming. Running with my baby's weight in the stroller instead of in my stomach was exhilarating - I felt like sprinting - and so I sprinted. 

Note: my short legs don't sprint, actually, but sometimes it's fun to pretend. 

I went crazy with a camera one day during Olivia's "wake time." How I love those baby faces. Sometimes I wonder if she ever feels out of control, all those muscles moving so spontaneously. Her arms and legs are the best - leg jerk here, fist pump there, squirms all around. As I watch her I wish I could remember what feeling is like for the first time, so that we had more to goo and gaa about. Luckily we have the sweetest eye contact and I swear she smiles back at me...

Olivia watched Ryan as Ryan watched the debate. 

My dear daughter, do you understand the potential you have for greatness? Look at those legs. They're in your genes, girl. You're already showing signs of being long and lean - your fingers and feet - they are long! They are just like Daddy's.

P.S. So glad you already adore him.

The contrasting stroke of the fifth week: getting mastitis. Yep. That mama right there is just half of the image of nastiness, thanks to antibiotics. 

The surrounding strokes of light: Olivia is healthy, she loves bath time, and she smells of Johnson & Johnson baby lotion every night (the most heavenly scent). 

Yesterday evening we walked to the temple to soak up more of fall before it completely fades. Can I just say that I'm so glad she is with me?...it's been nice to have someone with me to enjoy every part of every day. She listens to me think out loud, cry out loud, and sing out loud. I'm keeping her. For eternity.

 Dark shades amidst the light - it really is part of the beauty.

All is well.