An "unexpected" but welcomed visitor...

While going about normal morning routine of drinking coffee, checking email, posts to groups, and Two Peas in a Bucket message boards yesterday I received a telephone call from Amber asking me if I'd like to have Alexxis for a bit while Chris and her ran some errands. Why, of course! I thought.

Shortly thereafter, Amber and Chris arrived with baby Alexxis in tow. Wide awake, bushy tailed, and ready for a bootle and a nap. I set about making Alexxis's bottle before mommy and daddy escaped out the door, taking advantage of their ability to entertain her. Sittting down to feed her, I quickly realized she recognizes me now as she greets me with those occasional smiles and wiggles of excitement. It wasn't too long after her feeding, burbing, and diaper change that she laid quietly content in my arms before dosing off to dreamland.

Why she dozed, I thought about all the hard work that lovingly goes into taking care of a little one. The daily sacrifices and compromises that a new mother makes. I remembered those now cherished memories that a newborn babe brings into ones life and the lessons that they teach us to slow down and truly savor the moment. I realized that inexrperience in such matters contributes to us not fully appreciating some of these quiet times as often as we should while we're going through the process for there is always that load of unwashed laundry or sink full of dishes or a dinner to prepare. Realizing that, I decided to surprise Amber and Chris and cook dinner for all of us to share upon their return. I chopped up steak, onions, and green peppers for fijatas, made spanish rice, and baked refried beans topped with cheese. Once everything was done, I covered it up and tended once again to Alexxis.

Chris and Amber arrived and we had an enjoyable dinner together. Sharing a few margaritas with dinner and enjoying Alexxis out on the rear deck in the early evening. Jokingly, I teased Alexxis about staying with grammie and Amber asked me politely if I'd mind. Would I mind? No, I welcomed the opportunity to have her both in my heart and in our home!

Today, Alexxis and I are still spending time together as mommy is out putting in an application for a part-time job and an apartment out of town. We're simply savoring these moments, little giggles and warm smiles make the effort all worthwhile. {insert warm fuzzies here...}