helpful idea for new(ish) moms

Hi,

People are so generous with baby clothes, ready-made dinners, and advice (!!) when you bring a new baby home for the first time.

The second time, not so much.

And I have to say, the second time, even MORE than the first time (for me) the ready-made food was such a huge help, because you have a child ready for dinner.  So keeping things as consistent as possible (i.e. not going out to a restaurant or getting take-out every night) is more important than when it's just adults and you cope with whatever.  The families that brought us food when our second daughter was born will be immortalized in my personal "Kindness Hall of Fame" because it was SO HELPFUL and SO THOUGHTFUL.

My friend Emily did another AMAZINGLY thoughtful thing when baby Calli joined us a few months ago.  She brought me a Bob-the-Builder magnetic block set.  Random, I know, but it wasn't actually for me, it was for my 2-year-old.  It was a distraction for when I needed to nurse the baby, fold the laundry, or straighten up (which I was always doing one of those three things!).  It was a very been-there-done-that gift, as if she knew EXACTLY what would help.

So when my friend Katie had baby #3, I paid that brilliance forward.  Here's how Katie felt about it:

Emma, I literally cried when I opened my door this evening.  You have no idea how welcome your surprise was this evening!  My husband has been out of town for 2 weeks...and I was reaching the end of my rope!  Your treats truly buoyed my soul!  Not to mention, made my kids week! They absolutely love the things you sent!  Charlie is sleeping with the hat on and drill in hand and Isabelle has the purse and book in her bed!  And, I just enjoyed the most delicious piece of cake!  I really cannot thank you enough for your thoughtfulness and generosity!  You epitomize kindness!  And, I am so grateful!  Many, many thanks!  Katie

Yay!  Although I've been out of blog-land for months...I haven't lost my touch :)

Live Kindly,

Emma