While I know the miracle of our child is 100% attributed to Christ, my sister Robin has been our bonus. She has made the pregnancy, birth and parenting so much easier than it could have been. She gets a post all to herself.
Pregnancy: For someone who has watched other pregnancies from a safe distance, the thought of choosing products and registering was completely overwhelming. There are 74,893,662 different kinds of carseats, strollers, swings, diapers, monitors, bottles, diaper rash cream...and the list goes on and on and on. Lee and I were trying to keep our list to a smart minimum, but had
no idea where to start. Robin was our primary advisor on everything. She told us what we'd use right away and what could wait, what brands she liked best (which we always ended up going with), and what was absolutely necessary to have. I baiscally asked her for a list and registered for everything on it.
Physically, she told me some things I could expect, and normalized those things I didn't expect. She had more answers than my doctor and was more empathetic than my husband.
I was also blessed to have several showers from friends and family. Not only did she help host one of the sweetest, most detailed showers I've ever been to, but she attended every single shower AND had a homemade happy for Esther at each. Now, just attending all these events is impressive, but her taking the time to
make something is even more impressive. In case you don't know Robin, she has four children...currently all under the age of 4. They are a joy.
They are also children, and wholly dependent on Robin to meet all their needs...which makes it that much more impressive that she spent so much time on us. Her energy seems endless, and her girfts and ideas are thoughtful and considerate.
Finally (though certainly not least), Robin was excited for us from day one. She was at times, more excited than I was! Her enthusiasm was catching, and her excitement encouraging. She kept up with how far along I was (even down to the week), and would often text me random congrats or questions or ideas. I knew we were constantly on her mind...another impressive feat considering all she has to think about.
Delivery: Robin was there every minute of delivery. She came by the night before, and was there frist thing in the morning. Nathan took the day off to watch the kids - a plan Robin had put in place months before. She bought me new slippers for the hospital and
several packs of tic tacs for labor, meeting every need I could possibly have. And as delivery drew close, I asked her to sneak back to the room to answer a few last-minute questions. She was sweet and trustworthy enough to stay and (tactfully) photograph those precious first moments.
While we were in the hospital, Robin was working orientation for her new job on the other side of St. D's campus. She came to see us every day before orientation, on her breaks, and after. She even rushed home anad brought her family back to meet Esther (at my request).
She was the cheerleader I needed, exactly where and when I needed it.
Post Delivery: Robin has once again been our #1 advisor. She has expertly taught her children to sleep through the night early on, be relaxed enough to sleep anywhere, to obey...all things we want our children to do. We have followed her advice on feeding, sleeping, comforting, and so many more things.
She also brough multiple meals to us in those first few days, including a few already-frozen meals for later consumption. Even after her long work days, she made a point of coming by to hold Esther.
I fully believe we are all doing as well as we are because of Robin's help. I could not ask for a better big sister, cheerleader, photographer, advisor, hostess, and friend..
especially these last 10 months. My "Miracle Grow" is and understatement for Robin's contribution. I will be forever grately for her willingness to help and be available at all hours. We love you, Aunt Wobin!
