Babies

I'm having one of those summers. You know the kind...the one where all of your friends are getting engaged or married, and you aren't even dating? Awesome...

Well, now all our friends are having babies.

The difference, now, is that I'm excited for them, without any pity party for myself.

Why is this time different?

There are a number of reasons, but I have to credit a friend of mine, Jen, who's daughter battled leukemia at the age of three. Someone complained about dealing with their son's chronic sinus infections and how frustrated they were. Of course, they felt bad for complaining with Jen in the room, but she smiled and said that the leukemia was her family's story. We cannot compare stories because every story is different.

What a blessing perspective is!

One by one our friends would announce their pregnancies and I'd (probably imagine I would) see the slightly guilty looks briefly flicked in my direction. There would be a slight twinge, but then I would remember Jen's words. That's their story. Ours is different. And that's OK.

I was at a baby shower for a friend, Amy, who has won her battle with infertility. After ten years and four mid-term miscarriages, she finally carried a baby to 37 weeks. Her name is Elizabeth, and she is adorable. Amy and I caught up for a little bit during the party, and she and I discussed the realities of PCOS and infertility. The bitter humor and the harsh realities...

We lamented the struggle and rejoiced at the new little life she has finally brought into the world. She asked me if I wanted to hold the baby or if it was too hard.

I had to laugh.

I remember when my cousin and his wife had their first son two years ago, I held the newborn at the hospital. I had the amused thought that they must be watching to make sure I didn't tuck him under my arm like a football and bolt out the door!

And for the record, I held the baby. And I had no problem handing her back. Of course, she had just spit up down my shirt and filled her diaper simultaneously...