Getting to Know Her

It is hard to believe that a week ago we were still wondering if my labor would ever begin.  We had no idea if we were expecting a boy or girl.  We did not know what this little person would be like and how the entrance into the world would effect us.  I just knew that it was time and I was BIG!  Looking at Zaira in my lap today, I can hardly believe I was ever big enough to hold her inside.  We knew changes were coming and God had blessed us with a new little soul.

Now we have spent the last seven days getting to know our little Zaira and cannot imagine what life was like without her in our lives.  So, what can you learn about a newborn after just seven days?

From the very first moment I saw her, I knew that my life full of BOYHOOD adventures was over.  Well, of course, the boys would still have their adventures (and might even include Zaira) but there would be times of girly luxuries in between those rough and tumbling moments!

I knew that I would do just about anything for her...even above and beyond my strength or abilities...because that grizzly bear instinct of a new mother must be a hundredfold when it comes to daughters!  And if you think that is bad...think about the manly grizzly bear of a dad!  LOL!

She loves the song Ave Marie...she stopped everything to turn and listen contently to the music ... Michael even found other versions of it...she listened to it for a long time until falling asleep.

She also loves classical music.  I know you are thinking that we could not possibly know this but it is true!!!  She is more peaceful and relaxed when the music is playing.  I was telling Michael about a country singer yesterday and played a youtube video.  Zaira did NOT like it at all!

She likes to hear people talk.  Even on the first day at the hospital she was thoroughly intrigued by the stories our friend told about the area history.  When we were waiting to leave the hospital, I told her about what it was like outside and she could not stop watching me!

She loves her brothers...and they love her!  She loves having them kiss her on the hand and head or wherever they can find a spot as they pass by her.  They will be a force to reckon with come her teenage years!  Watch out future suitors!  By the way, she also likes to hear stories about Amanda.

She loves to be in the middle of family activities.  That does not mean she wants to be the center of attention.  For instance, the other night she was sleeping and heard the rest of us playing a game in the dining room.  She cried out, and as soon as we brought her out to the table, she fell back into a contented sleep.  She also likes to sit down to family dinners with her brothers.

She likes to read and trace designs with her eyes.  If you are wearing a patterned shirt, you can watch her eyes follow the lines.  Today, Michael was reading a book for his class, and Zaira sat in the crook of his arm and read the book with him, she did this for nearly an hour.

She likes to go outside and walk on the deck around our house, though I really think she just likes the warmth outside.

There are many things that we will continue to learn about her.  Right now, the thing we wonder about the most is her eye color.  Unlike our other children, she has very dark eyes (not blue).  Edward is convinced that he can see the green in her eyes.  Maybe he is right, but only time will tell.

The one thing we do know, is that we cannot imagine her not being a part of our family.  Which is a good thing because she is stuck with us now!