Dear Autumn: In a Glance
- At November 11, 2014
- By Morgan Reid
- In Autumn, Reflections
0
Yesterday, I sat down to rock and nurse you, thankful for the reprieve from your fussing for a minute. Feeling a little stressed out, I habitually started stroking your hair thought about all that was on my plate: how we still had to go grocery shopping before 8 p.m.; your dad wasn’t feeling well in the next room, but I really needed his help; dinner had to be made, and you had yet to nap even with me trying periodically to get you down.
*Sigh* A lot.
But then I pictured my younger, teen self getting to glimpse this moment somehow. What would she see? What would she think?
Read More»Dear Autumn: A Safe Place
- At August 18, 2014
- By Morgan Reid
- In Autumn
- 0
You let out a cry during your nap. I went to you, but hesitated a bit to see if you might settle back into sleep. Your breathing quickened so I tried to nurse you – it wasn’t working.
I took you to our chair hoping I could rock you back to sleep and continue this too-short nap.
While rocking, I recall something Elizabeth Foss wrote: about how, in answering our baby’s cry and providing it comfort, the baby learns that the caregiver is a safe place.
& I question if I’m a safe place for you: We ‘Gentle Parent’, and I’m so glad that we keep you close, respond to you, and treat you with respect. Your words and actions have meaning to us; They hold weight. And we pray that in parenting you this way – a way we believe reflects how our Heavenly Father parents us – that we’re building a solid foundation for a strong relationship with you. One that makes it easy for us to be trusted and one that’s more easily transferable to a relationship with Him.
In the stillness and quiet, I’m wondering if it’s in the back-and-forth, swaying motion; the humming; and pushing through the ache and pain, that I become that safe place. I’m so tired, and I really do wish you would just go back to sleep. But I also trust that there’s a miracle happening here:
As you’re learning that I’m a safe place, Jesus is making it so. He’s here; sourcing me and gracing us; strengthening our bond.
Tying us closer together.
You’re learning, and I’m becoming.
I love the way you perch your chubby foot on top of mine; drape your little arm across your head, over your eyes. Your breathing has steadied and your tiny weight sinks into me and as we rock.
You learning; me becoming.
Mama loves you.
[Originally written 8.11.14]
A Husband, A Father
- At August 13, 2014
- By Morgan Reid
- In Nathan
- 0
The screams erupted strong and suddenly; nothing I tried consoled her.
Lord, thank You for a husband who comes rushing at the distraught cries of his daughter.
Who asks to take her from my arms; pleading voice, conserned eyes.
Thank You for the look on his face, and the eagerness in his voice.
For strong arms that drew her close and held her tight.
Singing and calming; bobbing and patting.
& for both of us, setting the world right.
He goes now to leave, returning to a deadline fast approaching. But not before coming back to kiss my forehead.
“This is my lover;
This my friend.” – Song of Songs
Morgan (loves to) Reid
[originally written 8.12.14]
Zzzzzz
- At June 05, 2014
- By Morgan Reid
- In Autumn
- 1
Ahh, “Z.” My new favorite letter.
Didn’t think too much of it before, but going a week without a lot of sleep changes you.
I haven’t been writing nearly as much as I’d like to because my days have been spent caring for a 7 month old who’s in a lot of pain and really wants all her mommy’s attention. I used to be able to write while she was being worn, but she’s hating that too! haha
So most of my free time (when she’s not napping or outside at the pool or getting the mail with Nate) has been tied-up:
Reading about baby sleep.
Trying to get Autumn to sleep.
Sleeping myself.
But I’m taking notes! And we seem to be on the upswing so I’ll write about what’s been working for us and what hasn’t, and share some great posts I’ve found along the way.
I miss having this creative outlet, but man, I love this little girl. And once I stopped mourning the loss of time I’ve been experiencing and remembered that I’m her whole world, favorite person ever, and meal-source (haha), I feel honored and special and it makes me glad to be there for her.
Morgan (loves to) Reid
p.s. If you have any advice on teething or can relate to this experience, I’d love to hear about it : )
