A Time of Anticipation

My maternity leave officially began yesterday, and Joseph and I have been making a concerted effort to balance productivity, rest, and recreation. That has made for some great outdoor adventures, a trip to Target, not quite enough household chores, and some long naps. The impending birth of our child has also made this a very sweet time. I feel very much in love with my husband and very fortunate to have his particular blend of tenderness, support, and silliness in my life.

So that's the status update. Now for the organizing principle. In the last year, our family has struggled through Jack's leukemia journey together. We've grown as individuals and as a small unit, but the (ongoing) journey would have been immeasurably harder without the support of friends and family near and far. One of the very best things to come out of Jack's illness is his Caringbridge journal. We parents have posted updates on Jack's progress and enjoyed comments from caring folks. That journal has helped us all feel closer, not only to Jack's story but to each other.

My family has always been spread around the country, and Joseph's is mostly in far-off Wisconsin. In our daily travels we've made friends who live all over the place. No matter how much we want to keep in touch, it can be hard to maintain the closeness and sense of family we'd like if we aren't a regular part of each other's lives.

Having felt the benefits of Jack's journal, I thought that the birth of a new family member could in part be heralded by the beginning of a new family journal. Through this central meeting place, we can share stories of  our little family. Triumphs, disappointments, beautiful moments, and all. Here, family and friends in New York, Wisconsin, Colorado, Texas, Washington, Vermont, Hawaii, and even those near us in California can check in to see what we're up to. Comments and updates from all of you are also very welcome.

I don't think we'll post more that a couple times a week, unless something really exciting is going on. We'll see, though. What we have before us is an experiment. I have some time off from work to look after the baby (once it shows up) and maybe some time to form new habits, like writing regularly. Thanks for checking in and helping this journal find a shape and purpose.

All are welcome!
-Ellie