Merry Christmas

I wasn't really sure we would ever get to take this picture. Denali has been touch and go for quite a while...he's officially been diagnosed with cancer and has had us all wondering whether or not it's time to say goodbye. It's a tough decision for sure, particularly for my folks, who've been taking such good care of him for quite a while now. His good days still far outnumber his bad, and Christmas was definitely a good day. And so, our first Christmas card with Abigail is a picture with the whole family...Me, Kira, Abigail, Luna and Denali. Merry Christmas everyone

I'm dreaming

of a white Christmas. Though it looks more likely that my dreams will be mixed, literally, with rain and sleet and temps too warm to sustain this brief bit of winter here in Westfield. Things are good...Abigail is finally getting her eat on. It took some time, but Kira and Abbie are no longer fronting in the feeding department. Kira has been great, and it hasn't been easy. Watching her run through the range of emotions this week...frustration, elation, disappointment, relief...while she gets an average of 4 hours of sleep a day, has been difficult...I wish there was something I could do to take away all the work she has to do. But unfortunately, my boobs don't work quite the same. Even if they did, they don't look nearly as nice as hers.

I Miss You Already

Aunt Erika left today...she came up to visit on Monday. She was a HUGE help! She helped Kira with all kinds of things, too many to list, really. More than anything...the great dinners, the cleaning, the trips to the market, Abigails first walk around the block, the trip to see the surly lactation consultant in Chatham...it was just great to have her here with us. We're really lucky. We are so grateful to Pavel and Sophia for parting with mom for a few days...looking forward to seeing them soon. Thanks again Erika, we miss you already

I believe in miracles

Say hello to Abigail Ray Theesfeld, who decided to join us here a bit early on Monday evening, Dec. 1st. It has been an unbelievable couple of days...completely overwhelming in ways I could have never imagined....but I think I'm most overcome with the feeling that she truly is miraculous. I don't mean that in a "my girl is the most important, miraculous child ever to grace the good earth" (though I'm sure you all would forgive me for feeling so..)...but really, the whole thing, from the moment I met Kira, to our second date seeing Ray Lamontagne at the TLA, to that June day in New Paltz 2 summers ago...all of it leading up to monday night...has been remarkable, a blessing. I think we're both overcome with the feeeling that we're so blessed to have shared so many things with each other and so many friends and our families. We are so grateful for everything...and now, the greatest gift, our little girl.