Anders is one month old. We’ve held and cuddled this little baby almost constantly over the last 4 weeks. He’s starting to become more aware of his surroundings and it’s delightful to see his eyes search for something (even if it’s just a shadow or a light). We’ve navigated through some of the difficulties of having an infant in the house again – a new rhythm, new needs, an extra seat in the car and less car trips altogether, a little less of mommy’s attention for our oldest three and for me. It’s been an amazing month.
One of the things that makes having a baby so much fun (this isn’t a reason to have a baby but it’s a perk of having one) is that people bring you meals. After some friends brought a delicious meal last night, Morgan and I reflected on the fact that we’ve felt so loved and cared for by the generous friends and family who are willing to go out of their way, spend their time and money, and make something delicious, something that they know will bring us joy. We’ve had lasagna, shepherd’s pie (minus the beef), burritos, tortilla soup, enchiladas, salads, pizza, zucchini pie, stir fry veggies and rice, quesadillas… We’ve had some of the best desserts I can imagine. It feels like Christmas every few days.
Could we make our own meals every day? Yes. Do we sometimes feel guilty when receiving such generous gifts (like when the mother of an infant that’s just 10 days older than ours brings us food, or when the family of 9 drives way out of their way to drop off a treat for our kids)? Yes. But…
…we feel so loved. This month of meals feels like a picture of something beautiful and powerful and so much bigger than me. I feel inspired to foster authentic community with the people in my life, the people that I already know and love, and the people that I don’t yet know.
Now I’m just waiting for people to have babies so I can bring them meals.
Mr. Zerwas Teaches Here 