Last September my friends had twins. I used to think third-child babies were awesome (their mamas are alwasy so willing to hand them over to me) but twins are even better: there is always someone to hold. I've always loved babies. I remember having my arm propped up on a pilliow in the house on Thayler to learn how to feed a baby a bottle. And we moved from there when I was 6.
So when the twins, O-man and E-girl, were born, I was so excited. What's even better is the symbiotic relationship that has developed over the past 7 months of their little lives.
When you're living away from your family- be it across the state or across the world- it's always nice to have a home away from home, a place where you can go anytime, where you are fully comfortable and able to be yourself. In college I always had my Aunt Mo's house. In Buenos Aires I had my friend Jeannette. But nothing in Bangkok had really filled that- a place to be and 'do nothing' and be with people, not home alone. For me, it's a critical component to feeling settled and at home in a place. So as wonderful as our community is here, I was still lacking that.
I needed a safe place, where I didn't have to be "on" in any way. They needed an extra set of hands for the twinks. It's been a match made in heaven. I love the time I get to spend talking with their mom and dad, watching some Downton Abbey or March Madness too. I love that they don't feel any need to clean the place up before I come over, and I once went over practically in my pajamas. I love that I wear the same old t-shirts anytime I go over- the probability of being drooled/spit/puked on is 100%. And perhaps most of all, I love that I can be useful, that my being there not only benefits me, but their family as well. It's really blossomed into a beautiful symbiotic relationship, and certainly blesses me abundantly.
I would be remiss if I did not also point out that I benefit from my friend's amazing cooking as well. I don't cook a lot here- teaching full time just does not afford me much time or energy for groceries and cooking. My grocery delivery came two days late this week and one night I ate frozen peas and Pringles for dinner. It's that bad. So while I certainly don't go just for the food, it sure is an added bonus that baby bedtime coincides with dinner.
These two little people have stolen my heart. Nothing cures a stressful day quicker than a grin from E or a belly laugh from O. I love watching their personalities emerge and getting to be part of their first days and months of life. Seriously, nothing beats a bedtime snuggle from O!
(sorry- have some issues with blogger and it won't size the pictures right, but that's okay since they are so darn cute!)
 |
| O and E's early days. |
 |
| We took this when I was over one day and the toy pile around them was just ridiculous. |
 |
| She is going to die of extreme cuteness. |
 |
| Such a happy, content baby! |
No comments:
Post a Comment