Five Years Ago

First, this happened. I blame John entirely.

One afternoon, while folding socks, I got my first owie contraction. I cleaned the house, went to a piano recital, shipped Caleb off my mom's, and stayed up and watched Gaslight (a classic starring Joseph Cotten and Ingrid Bergman. You should watch it) until it was time to go to the hospital. At about 3am. So I woke up John. Ben came after two pushes, and the nurse delivered him before the doctor got there. John nearly missed it because he wanted coffee. Coffee is the devil. But all was well, and Ben came swiftly and loudly into the world at- I totally forget what time. I have it written down, somewhere.

Good times and noodle salad commenced.

Ben was the most beautiful baby in the nursery. I'm not even just saying that. It was common knowledge among the staff in the maternity ward. He had a perfect round bald head. It stayed that way for almost three years. It never flattened in the back like Ella's did, and it never got covered in cradle cap, like Caleb's did. It was smooth and soft and perfect.


This kid is even cute when he's angry.


He's off to kindergarten in the fall. I don't think this is going to go well. He still needs a nap or he looks like the above picture. Full-day kindergarten is a beast for some kids. I said to John- "Maybe I should homeschool him!" John said, "No." I said, "Whyyyyy?" And he said, "You know why." Because I'm unorganized and... well that's it, basically, I guess.

Oh but I wish we could stay together forever, my lovey. Happy birthday.