family

It’s 3:45 on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and I just woke up from a two hour nap.

Yes, you might call it a nearly year-long nap, considering how long it’s been since I’ve been here. Hello? Hello! I’ve been sleep deprived as never before. I’ve had my utter purpose in life redefined in a way I didn’t (and still don’t, some days) expect. I’ve been inspired to accomplish things I never dreamed I would do. I’ve been at my very worst and very best, sometimes within a couple minutes of each other. This year has been incredible in so many ways.

Now, here I am, fighting a wicked cold, courtesy of one little cutie pie, who’s unbelievably about to turn one. One! I honestly can’t believe it.

Iver, the ladybug

She’s taking three or four little steps by herself before she flings herself at either Pat or me, with arms wide open. She’s all gap-toothed smile and wiggles and funny noises. She’s all can’t-sit-still and hold-me-all-the-time and read-me-a-book. She’s a lover of bubbles and the cat and potting soil. She knows the baby signs for flowers and trees and monkeys and elephants (the important things). I’d drink a bottle of champagne all by myself to celebrate her and making it through one of our hardest and best years ever, but….. I’m pregnant! Again! About 18 weeks now, with another little girl! We’re *so* excited and terrified, all wrapped up in a pretty bow of hormones! The holidays are going to be awesome!

Speaking of holidays, they’re here, right? I’ve been looking forward to them since July. No joke. I can’t wait for the Christmas trees and snowflakes and cold weather. I can’t wait for Vince Guaraldi (even in the grocery store) and Holiday Crackers and too many cookies. I can’t wait for wrapping paper and Christmas stockings. We’ve already gone to the Holiday Parade (the dancing snowman above is from the Asheville parade). A neighbor brought over a candy Advent Calendar for Iver, who was introduced to Santa Claus at the Festival of Trees yesterday. And it’s still November!

Look what happened!!!!

Introducing Iver Caroline Hunt, 8 lbs., 3 ounces, 20 inches long.

Born Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 6:12 p.m.

We’re so happy. And tired. And happy.

We’re all getting to know one another. She’s a fresh baked little bird, with a full head of dark brown hair, a set of to-die-for dimples and lots of wiggles.  Pat and I are taking a crash course in true sleep deprivation and new parenthood. Surprises: Everything looks brighter! Tastes better! Is more interesting!

The other night, Pat and I fell into a fit of uncontrollable laughter for 10 minutes over a poopy diaper. I caught myself there, in the middle of the night in the dark, laughing until it hurt, and I thought WOW. Oh, wow!

We’re so excited! xoxoxoxo

Angie, Pat and Iver

Holy moly! We just got back from the doctors and learned that the little bean is three weeks ahead of schedule! All 7 lbs. 11 oz. of her! I nearly fell into the floor in shock. And then I regained consciousness and nearly had a panic attack about all the stuff I have to do. For work. As if that really matters these days, but until it doesn’t matter, it does.

Also, I’m beginning to collect Things To Embarrass My Daughter With Later, which includes, today, the only ultrasound photo we walked away with.

Of her booty.

And her privates.

With an arrow pointing to the you-know-what and big capital letters proclaiming IT’S A GIRL! Ha ha!

Poor thing. Bless her heart. Let the booty jokes begin!