Anastasia
Anastasia Grace McKinzie was born on March 23, 2007. Labels: Ana
8lbs., 13oz., 20in.
For those who don't know, Anastasia means "resurrection." We will call her Ana, but it was important me to have a meaningful name. It probably sounds like we adopted a Russian baby, but I really love her full name. I hope that she will always be a reminder of resurrection grace to those around her. On a different note, "Ana" works well in Spanish. In fact, it will be interesting to see how she adapts to her American family saying her name "wrongly," because there will be no avoiding Spanish pronunciation every day in Peru.
Some thoughs.
I had never changed a diaper before the 23rd. I have to say I'm a natural. Megan couldn't do much after the c-section, so I got a lot of practice. Now, I knew that there is always some risk during the changing process, but I did not realize that it would be such a high risk. Apparently, when Daddy changes the diaper, it is an automatic psychological trigger to go some more. This inevitably happens while holding up the feet, so that it runs down the back and onto whatever shirt is worn. Of course, it is impractical to totally disrobe before every changing, which leads me to ask--why all the clothing? I get that it's cute, but practically, naked babies are easier to clean and produce much, much less laundry.
I'm adjusting to being called "Daddy." "Dad" is not a word that comes easily from my mouth. Baggage, and connotations, and such. "Father" is even a title I have struggled to use with God. It was interesting enough to marry into a family in which the inlaws refer to Dad as Dad. Now I am the paternal figure, and I have to get used to the ring of that word. It's good to be Daddy, but it's a change. In many ways, God has redeemed the word for me rather than being stained by it. I hope to be so good to Ana.
At this point things seem pretty surreal. It seems like we are baby sitting someone else's child. I don't think it will hit home until I start seeing some of my features in her or more of her personality comes out. To imagine that she will turn into a sassy little McKinzie is a crazy thought. I'm looking forward to it.
For pics:
picasaweb.google.com/gemckinzie/AnaGrace
9 Comments:
Just be happy that it runs down her back instead of on your, or her face. I remember once when Jack filled his left ear, and startled himself with the liquid that fell on his face...It was still cute and funny though!
I completely agree about the clothes. Just a onesie is enough, I think.
The clothes are to help you forget about the diaper experiences. If all you saw was a baby and a diaper, it would stay too fresh on your mind. There was one time that my mother went through four diapers - count them, 4 - in one diaper change. Shaye wet, then dirtied, then wet, then dirtied...just as each fresh diaper was in place. Thank goodness for Sam's packs!
I completely relate to the feeling that you are just babysitting. It took me a while to grow into the concept that we're the parents and that's all there is to it. I think it started hitting home best after the first few weeks, since I was frustrated and not finding motherhood the fun, enjoyable experience I had hoped for. Once I got my sea legs, it sank in more quickly.
Ana is beautiful and I can't wait to see her personality coming out more and more. Congratulations! You're already great parents, and you're the best she has ever had. Isn't that a fun thought?
May she have a wee bit of her mother in her too!
The more the better.
First of all, you parents are gross, but hey, contraception is contraception. Here's to no babies for a long time.
Second, Greg, you will be a great father. Just make sure she's not as smart as you; that will make any future arguments easier.
See the diversity of people interested in your blog when it is about your sweet new daughter. I am loving her name more and more.
Congrats Greg and Megan...
Greg, it's funny how I've never thought of us as having that much in common... You tend to be more thoughtful and mentally stimulating... I tend to be a clown.
But I understand some of the "dad" issues. I can see that we have something in common in that regard.
I have a feeling, though, that we both have that something that will help us to vehemently overcome and reverse what our own 'fathers' did to us.
Maybe that something is stubbornness, maybe it's a stiffer, tight-jawed faith... I think it's probably good old-fashioned Love, in His best sense.
Sunny and I will be praying for you and yours'. Ana is beautiful, and I'm sure that she will have the best that you both can give her.
We love you guys, take care, man.
Babies were meant to be naked. Think of all the money you could save on diapers. I hope you don't have carpet though.
I know this is an old post and so I apologize, but I also had a little baby named Anastasia Grace this year-- in May. Good name choice, and we had the same reasons for it you did.
Post a Comment
<< Home