Settling In

It's been nice to settle into a routine. Each day, mothering gets a little bit easier as Anali and I get to know each other a bit better. It's fun to realize that I am able to sense her needs much of the time, rather than blindly guess, "What on earth could it be?"

Brandon is a wonderful father - I enjoy watching him coo and cuddle her - and loves to hold Anali and get her to smile or pass gas. I can't tell which amuses him more.



She's a delight to us both, and we're convinced her smiles are geniune. Reflex schmeflex. This girl has the sparkly eyes that are so familiar from her father's childhood photos.

Yesterday, we braved the drive to Seattle and visited the Fremont Sunday Market with Brandon's parents and later walked along Alki Beach. It was so nice to get out as a family and begin to explore the summer together. Anali did great with all we threw at her, revealing more and more of that temperment we love so much. She truly is gracious, as her name means.