her name is ruth

We traveled to Utah earlier this month, to have a big adventure. We went to adopt our third child, to wrap our arms around her birth mother, and to feel the big western sky above us! Thinking we would arrive a week before the baby was due to be born, we planned for some pre-baby outings. We hiked to a waterfall, a cave, and up in several muddy canyons... We visited some museums, ate in several food establishments that we just don't have out east, reconnected with family and friends, celebrated a grandmother's 95th birthday, went swimming, visited the park and ate under the tree where Peter proposed to me nearly 11 years ago, and even managed a quick trip to Southern Utah (a piece of heaven on earth!). Little did we know that our little one was determined to show up a whole week late! So, our original 2 week trip turned into a 3 1/2 week adventure...

But it was all worth it, every moment of waiting! Our daughter, Ruth Noble, was born on Tuesday, May 19th, at 2:18 pm. She had a rocky start, but is a healthy and happy little girl. She seems to have a gentle soul and is not much for crying. We are so in love with her and are happy to finally be back home with her. Her sweet birth mom is doing well, and we keep up with her to give her all the updates about how Ruth is growing and changing a little every day. It's hard to understand how and why we've been given three amazing miracles in our children. All I know is I am so grateful for each of them and who they are. Our family is more complete with each of them in it!

So, our lives continue, with all the glorious chaos. Really though, there is such sweet harmony in the first days (and possibly weeks) after a new baby comes home. There is more gentleness and tenderness. The boys are all kisses and snuggles. Such love to be had in caring for a new life. She is completely sweet and every time I glance over at her as she sleeps I think she is a doll. But, there is still the reality of trying to find the time to do dishes and laundry and clean up stray toys and books, read with the boys, get out in the yard and the garden, go to the park, go to the grocery store, and not to mention finding the time to sleep while she's sleeping. These things all happen in short spurts. It's a life defined by spontaneity! I'm not as good at it as I'd like to hope, but I can only get better at it if I try, right?

This morning I have managed to package a painting needing to be shipped. It will probably be a good couple more weeks at least before I'm back at the easel, but I'm building up an arsenal of images that are inspiring me. We'll have to wait and see what this new baby girl brings to my art. It seems with each of the boys I've begun with fresh eyes and new perspective. For now though, my main goals are to love her to pieces, give my boys lots of affection and time, and somehow tackle my garden. Beyond that I just have to give myself some time. This is a treasured time for our family, one I don't want to squander with worrying and stressing about all possible things. So, get myself situated and settle into a rhythm, that's the plan. Once that's going I'll be back with new work I know!

Enjoy those big baby eyes! They are the window to her huge and beautiful soul!