The Love Fest

Last night we celebrated Ivy's new place in this family at her shower. It was spectacular, so many friends and family around to snuggle our new baby. It was held in my childhood home which has now seen 2 women tastefully and lovingly adorn it. For some guests, it struck a chord to be back in the place they haven't vsitied since losing mom but all agreed that Judy has created a warm and beautiful home for my dad and her. Thank you, Judy, for opening the doors to this house and allowing us to celebrate in such a special place with so many memories. Mom would have been so touched to know it was held here.

It was the first day that she hadn't napped in the afternoon, I'm sure a sign that she will likely be like her mom and auntie, too excited to sleep when there is a gala event in her honor. Of course, my plan was to take numerous pictures and finally post a beautiful picture of my sister and didn't the photographer (me) forget her memory card. A fancy new camera bag is totally useless without a memory card. I toasted my sister with a few words and a few ladies told me that the words from Kate and I should make their way to the blog. Here's a taste of the love fest last night.

"Four summers ago, I learnt that my baby sister would be returning home from Calgary. I was ecstatic to hear that my constant nagging had finally paid off. Not only was I thrilled to finally have her just 7 minutes away but I was over the moon to know that my kids would get to experience everyday life with their other mother, "Auntie Katie". Katie has been a fixture in my house nearly everyday since returning home and she has seen the arrivals of her 2 nieces, Maggie and Sadie. She has always had 3 apples in her eyes, and now 4. She has changed diapers, wiped tears, soothed aches and refereed round after round of sibling squabbles, right alongside their own mother. I knew without a doubt that the time would come when she would welcome a baby of her own into the mix and there was not a doubt that she would transition into motherhood absolutely seamlessly. I waited anxiously after their wedding, subtly reminding them that Jared wasn't getting any younger and neither were my children and that a few more cousins would be very, very nice. Then lo and behold, at the C'mon Inn in Grand Forks, that fateful pregnancy test (that I purchased) confirmed what I already knew. A baby. I saw that twinkle in her eye as the realization swept over her. Her baby.

I watched her respond naturally to her pregnancy, calm, at ease with her growing little bump. I could feel her maternal love kick in long before Ivy was ever born. As the week's leading up to birth crept by at a snail's pace, I was sure that this little baby had to be a daughter. I was right, as the big sister so often is. Following a lengthy marathon of labor and a frantic emergency C-section, our little Ivy Abigail arrived.

That was 7 weeks ago. Time has raced by this summer. I look at you, Kate and I see a calm and peaceful mother. Your natural ease in caring for little Ivy has resulted in a baby that rolls with the punches, even the literal punches delivered by an overenthusiastic toddler. You choose not to parent by the book, but rather by your heart. I am in awe and amazement at your ability as a first time mother to bend and flex in your new role. You have taken a 1 and a half week old to Fun Mountian, you have nursed a 2 week old in a tiny sun shelter on the beach at Birds Hill Park and even when Maggie dropped an entire animal cracker into little Ivy's mouth, your blood pressure didn't rise one bit. Where I thought that our relationship was at it's summit, I have found a new sisterhood, one with motherhood at it's core. The phone calls that used to include trash Tv and my kids ongoing temper tantrums and outrageous antics has widened to include labor tales, breast feeding tips and sleepless nights. Little Ivy, I waited an eternity in the waiting room for you to be born. I will never foget your daddy's face when he told me that it was a girl and I can never articulate how my heart soared to receive such news. My heart is filled with such unimaginable joy for the little person you are becoming, your sparkling eyes. your curious view point, and your utterly unique hairstyle. You are the third sister in our little clan and I can already fast forward to see the trio you will form with Mags and Sadie. I believe with all my heart that you were hand picked by your Grandma Maggie so that your mom is once again able to experience that all consuming mother-daughter bond. A little angel you are, chosen by a beautiful woman to bring such incredible joy to your mommy and daddy.

You are surrounded tonight, Kate, by a wealth of women that love you and welcome little Ivy with open arms. Dad, Judy and I are so proud of the mother you have become, confident and secure in your love for Ivy. Mom would absolutely over-the-moon in love with this newest addition, a baby from her baby. We welcome you tonight, Ivy and celebrate lovingly your devoted and wonderful new mommy.

Cheers!"

5 Comments

Mollie, I am so glad that you put your "toast" on the blog. (You and Katie have such a way with words,so well articulated). You both have your mom's flair for entertaining! She would have been so proud!
It was an honour to host such a gala event. Your dad and I so enjoyed the preparations and excitement. What a wonderful group of relatives and friends who love your family so very much.
Judy and Dad

Posted by: Judy Giesbrecht | August 26, 2010 at 08:59 AM