Misadventures of the Monster Librarian

We had 3 babies born within the last 6 months in my inner circle of closest friends: my best friend Kim & Joe had my Goddaughter, Mika on my birthday (October); friends Kate & Chris had Ellie in November; brother A3 and sis-in-law, Dayna had my nephew Alex in February. My sweet Savannah Banana celebrated her 2 nd birthday two weekends back, all of us gathering to celebrate her and all of our babies being together for the first time. It was just too sweet. Lots of little smiles from the girls; lots of passing around Alex, our newest addition and his first time meeting the gang; new parents looking up any time a baby cried, to see who it was, since all of them spent the afternoon not holding their own. Mom is coming down today for Easter weekend with me, though we're going to meet A3, Dayna, and these two for breakfast tomorrow.  Life is good. Protective big sister, Savannah with Alex Savannah and Alex, sweet sibling love

Did I share the great news that I'm going to be Aunt-ed again! My brother A3 and Dayna are expecting their second baby, my 6th niece or nephew sometime in February; trying to prepare my niece S (now 1.5 yrs!) for the new baby, they've asked me for book suggestions. Thought I would share what I've found. When Mom’s Preggo: On Mother’s Lap , Ann Herbert Scott Not Yet, Rose , Susanna Leonard Hill Waiting for Baby , Rachel Fuller Waiting for Baby , Harriet Ziefert There’s Going to be a Baby , John Burningham And for when the baby arrives: My New Baby , Annie Kubler Hello Baby! , Lizzy Rockwell The New Baby , Harold Gray Shane I’m a New Big Sister , Nora & Gutierrez Gaydos Best Ever Big Sister , Karen Katz I’m a Big Sister, Joanna Cole The New Baby at Your House , Joanne Cole My New Baby , Rachel Fuller We Have a Baby , Cathryn Falwell Also, my best friend Kim had her first baby ON MY BIRTHDAY! What a present, eh? Got to go see her ...

Just got back from the hospital, visiting dear friends M&N and their new baby Henry--being there made me realize that it has been nearly 5 years since last I was in a baby ward, holding my sister A1's baby (my monster nephew A). I walked into the room to see my dearest friends smiling warmly, holding their new baby--a spot of life and light. I held him; noted tiny feet, small curled fists; shushed his tender cry. I melted. Such is the magic of a new baby. I do have other things to say, but until I can, I hope these poems I've been posting have been enough. Sylvia Plath's reflection on her daughter's birth; the wonder and awe of having a baby. I dedicate this to M & N and Henry   "Morning Song" Love set you going like a fat gold watch. The midwife slapped your footsoles, and your bald cry Took its place among the elements. Our voices echo, magnifying your arrival. New statue. In a drafty museum, your nakedness Shadows our safety. We stand rou...