As Liljana grows older and I take the extra precautions to have the things she needs, I'm thankful for ensuring my friends and family didn't go overboard with their gifts. I'm thankful that I stuck to my realistic guns and didn't go overboard with buying every outfit, toy and crib doodad known to man. I know Lily will have her favorite stuffed animals or toys to play with, but it's my silly voice and faces that makes my little one coo. It's the way Michael pats his daughter's belly that makes her laugh. Not the toys. Not the 'right now' trend. Not the pricey outfit that will end up soaking in the sink from an explosive diaper. It reminds me of stories my parents told me.
Growing up in Macedonia, they didn't have much, but they had fun. Somehow, some way, my grandparents and great grandparents raised a brood of healthy children. This photo was taken in my mother's village. Mom is the little peanut standing on the right. Behind her stand her aunt, uncle and mom, my Baba.
Lily sleeps with us. In a crib in our room. This is how I wanted things to be and this is how they'll remain until we move. Oh sure, we could have moved months before babe's arrival, but I decided to take away the stress of renting our place out, finding a bigger home and all the drama that comes with a move. Michael agreed and we've been happy with our decision.
There is something about being together, during Liljana's early months, in one room at night, that is difficult to describe. I sometimes close my eyes and imagine we are in our room, but in a small village in France or Macedonia. Instead of the traffic below us, there is nothing but stillness from the fruit trees and the steady flow of water from the local stream. Often times, I wake up and just stare at Michael and Lily as they sleep, sitting in the rocking chair and marveling at my mini family that is resting together. I've become an expert in understanding Lily's breathing patterns and know when she's about to stir. I wouldn't replace that knowledge for a second.
Sure, things will be difficult when Liljana moves to her own room, but I'd be happy with a few weeks of evening dramas in exchange for these months of closeness. That's how things roll in our village.
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