Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Desmond is my best friend Emily's baby. He's looking up at his awesome mama in this picture. This is the first time Emily and I have had tiny babies together. It's fun to be able to celebrate and commiserate about the same things, at the same time.

During my pregnancy with Mary, I was very...despondent. I was finally pregnant with a much wanted baby, but there were many challenges involved. I was really afraid to love the baby completely, because I was afraid of losing her. Emily wasn't. She loved Mary with her whole heart from the minute there were two pink lines. With every setback, Emily was there, encouraging me, always surprising me with gifts for the baby, such as the hand crocheted "booby" hat, and loving notes exactly when I needed them. She always had time for my tears, even while pregnant herself and dealing with 4 older children. She threw me the most amazing Blessing Way - with everything I love. She made a beautiful sock monkey set for the baby, with a stunning hat and blanket, adorable burp clothes and undershirts, and of course, the spectacular book, "Colorful Esteban". After Mary was born, and we knew she was going to have surgery, Emily found a lovely medal of The Blessed Virgin for "our girl". When the nurse told me that after Mary's next surgery, we would have to keep her incision covered to prevent any sun-damage, Emily made a bunch of bright, cheerful onsies for this summer. She arranged a month of meals for my family when Mary came home from the hospital. Emily understands the (often inappropriate but oh so hilarious) equation of "tragedy + time = comedy". Emily is an amazing artist and a loving mother who gives unceasingly of her time and talents. I wish everyone had their very own Emily in their corner. However, she's one of a kind. I am so blessed to call her my friend.

That handsome boy up there was recently diagnosed with his very own heart condition, SVT. He's been such a trooper, through two ambulance rides to the hospital (complete with overnight stays!), an ice pack on his face, and wearing a heart monitor for the last month. All this while trying to enjoy his first Christmas! He's taking medication now, and hopefully will outgrow this, but in the meantime, please say a prayer for Des and his mama.