Cecilia Bedilia

So inquisitive, so smart, Cecilia picked up on life quickly--she had us all wrapped around her little finger.
She was born into a large family that couldn't have been happier to add one more. We were ecstatic. I am the oldest of five, so we were all anxious to have a new little one running around. I took that baby every chance I had. At the time, I was living with my mom, and my sister lived three houses down the street. We saw Cecilia many times a week. She was the light.
If I had a bad day, I knew that having baby time would make it better. And it did...it does. Children have no concept of stress, responsibility, social stigmas or prejudices. Their innocence is refreshing, and the time I spend with her gives me time to reflect on everything I've forgotten. Imagination. Wonder. Discovery.
All these things get pushed to back burner as we grow into adulthood; and, although I have no children of my own, I love finding those elements of childhood with Cecilia.
Cecilia has always been calmed by the outdoors. She loves outside. When she was only weeks old, I remember taking her outside to calm her and walking with her, telling her that I would take her hiking and camping. Her eyes opened wide, and her little head bobbled as she tried to lift it from my shoulder, almost as if she was agreeing with my proposal.
When she started to crawl, I would take her out front in my mom's garden. She loved the flowers, and learned at an early age to be gentle with petals. Very cute.
Even before Cecilia could crawl, we knew she had her own mind--what I mean by that is, she knew what she wanted when she wanted it, and would rarely stop before she got it. When she started to travel through the house on her own, she explored as much as she could.
Mom and I spent a lot of time, baby-proofing the house, and designating certain areas as "baby" areas. Some bottom drawers and cabinets were filled with tupperware, some pots and wooden spoons for her instrumental experimentation. She loved all her little "toys." The other areas, we taught her that they were not for her, and still, to this day, I haven't seen her get into any drawers or cabinets other than her own.

The Last Three Years

Cecilia Catherine was born on May 26, 2008. She was a beautiful newborn. (I'm not one for newborns, really. They're usually not that cute, kinda wrinkly, kinda stinky, and generally kinda loud.) Cecilia was different. I saw her little, angelic face, and I couldn't help it--I was hooked. I vowed that day to form a strong relationship with her. I always want her to know she has me. It was (and still is) an amazing feeling...I'm an aunt.

It's funny because I knew I would love her, but I didn't realize just how much I would love her...unbelievable.

She was a good baby from the start--my sister sure got lucky--she couldn't have asked for a better first baby.

As an infant, Cee was able to self-sooth very well. She would play in her crib for the longest time, then, finally, she would holler to let someone know she was ready to come out. She never even tried to climb out of her crib.
I didn't get my digital camera until Cee was a few months old, but these are the very few young ones I do have:

Simply adorable.

More soon! There's a lot of catching up to do! :)

It's About Time

I am a single female with no children, but I have two nieces (and one on the way!). I have a ton of pictures and a ton of stories, and I can't believe I haven't thought of a blog before today.

I am the oldest of five and have always been back and forth on the whole motherhood thing. I helped raise my siblings, and I'd be lying if I said that I never resented them. In retrospect I know that it wasn't their fault, but I was young and didn't fully understand how to handle the situation. Because of my resentment and teenage angst, I really didn't take advantage of the wonders of childhood...until now.

My sister has two daughters, Cecilia Catherine (3) and Sophia Louise (18 mos), and I have enjoyed nothing more than being a part of their lives. Cecilia and I have become buddies, and it's really cool to watch the two of them grow, learn, and develop. Now that it's not a chore, I really appreciate them. I also really appreciate giving them back. :) I mean that with all the love in my heart.

I look forward to sharing stories and pictures, lessons, and tid-bits.

Enjoy!