Friday, December 28, 2007

Hello, Stranger

A couple of weeks ago, we attended an infant care class and the teacher said to think of a newborn as a stranger. They are unfamiliar with the world that parents live in. The one they knew was dark, compact and reassuringly full of whooshing, fluid noises. The new, bright, occasionally quiet, colorful, spasmodic place they now reside in is a jarring change to the biological home they were just evicted from.

They are strange to themselves. Arms that were held against their bodies now can flail about. Twitches and reflexes have them wriggling about without intention. They will know how to manage these parts and pieces, make sense of what eyes and ears tell them, but not for the near future. They are learning machine, just newly turned on.

Most importantly, to my understanding, they are strangers to everyone around. As familiar as they may seem, you have only been introduced to each other recently. You don't know what they like, dislike, what their moods are like, and so on. "Get to know me," should be stamped on every kid.

We have a mysterious kid of our own. This one promises adventures, despair and joy. Already, I find her quite charming. So, I say to her with the tenderest of voices;



"Hello, Stranger."

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Baby FAQ:

D.O.B 12/26/07 (two and a half weeks ahead of due date)
7 pounds 7.5 ounces.
18 1/2 inches.

9 comments:

Tom said...

Congratulations.

Do not let friends and family cop out by giving your child a single Christmas/Birthday gift. That makes children perpetually disappointed.

Anonymous said...

Lots and lots of congrats to you and the missus! If there are any two people on this planet that will make awesome parents, it's you guyses. Smooches to Lil' Zoe; her Auntie Dwanollah can't wait to meet her!

Mr. Kimberly said...

Thomas,

So right you are! We are far too mercenary to let the relatives get off easy with the gift giving. We will celebrate in July 1/2 year birthdays.

Allison Horner said...

Congrats, Mr. Kimberly!

Anonymous said...

Kleegirl just passed on the good news -- many congratulations and lots of love!

Amber Rhea said...

OMG! Congrats!!!!

Mostly Muppet said...

Congratulations!

e.Beth said...

congrats! so glad to see that zoe is beautiful and you and caroline are doing well. ;->

Anonymous said...

how wonderful! seems like just yesterday you announced... glad to hear everyone's doing well. thanks for sharing a picture! ;-)