On the morning of March 10th, 2016 at precisely 11:32 A.M. our family welcomed our newest addition—Stella Mary Georgina Shewchuk.
Coming into the world at nine pounds three ounces, she was a big baby, but nowhere near the size of her older brother (he sailed in at a breezy 10 pounds six ounces). Delicate as a flower, her little feet and hands are quite possibly one of the sweetest things I have ever beheld. She’s a fairly quiet baby, and fits right in—it’s sort of as if she has always been here. I also no longer feel like a walrus, which is a plus.
My husband and I took a walk down our laneway shortly after arriving home, with our son Sawyer in the lead, stopping to pick up rocks and other outdoor treasures under the watchful eye of his father, while I shuffled down the lane behind them, with Stella in my arms (wrapped in blankets, because she refuses to bend her wee arms into a suit—getting her into a sleeper has been challenge enough). It was as peaceful as it was chaotic—but it felt complete, with all of us walking under the bony maples, the mucky hayfields beside us, with just enough of a breeze to remind us that winter isn’t quite over.
It was beautiful and I was grateful, which brings me to this moment, where I sit writing this piece with Sawyer careening down the upstairs hallway with a dancing robot in his arms, while Stella squirms beside me, eager to get breakfast underway. I am appreciative and so blessed to have this family—not only the one that is with me this morning, but also our extended family, who has taken such good care of us over the winter. It really does take a village, and it helps when that village full of such loving, wonderful people.
