Magnolias

So, I'm beginning to come out from under the baby haze. I even have Dylan lying on the bed next to me while I type this and he's totally entranced by Larry's belt or something else sitting in that general direction.

Yesterday was the first glorious day of true spring, a little late in coming, but welcome nonetheless (however you spell that word!). Dylan had a doctor's appointment in the morning and I had a midwife appointment in the afternoon, and it was so nice out that I decided to just spend the whole middle of the day wandering around. As a result Dylan got to breastfeed in a number of interesting locales, including on a bench next to a smoking, but very polite homeless man.

Magnolias and Dogwoods are my favorite trees -- although I can't tell the difference between them. I love their lush flowers that shade from deep pink to white, but they die very quickly. First the flowers open too far, like a middle aged woman who still relies on the makeup routine she used when she was 20. Then, the tender white ends of the petals turn yellow and thin, as if someone has smushed them on purpose. Finally, the petals fall off individually and the branches, while still in bloom, but lacking any of the green that will come later to fill them up, looks scraggly, naked, while beneath the tree a carpet of rotting petals builds. It is one of the hardest trees to catch at its perfect peak, but when you do, it's breathtaking.

There is a magnolia garden in the middle of the colonial section of Philadelphia, one in a string of connecting gardens that run throughout the old city. I love to walk that route and yesterday, Dylan and I meandered through it, taking the time to stare at the daffodils -- ok, I stared and he slept -- and rest under arbors. It was delightful. It felt so great to stretch my legs and take advantage of one of the best parts of the city -- one I don't often get a chance to appreciate -- especially with my little son in tow.

The best part was the magnolia garden. I had Dylan in his baby carrier at that point, so I left the carriage at the foot of the stairs and strolled slowly through it with the baby. We just stood under the trees and felt the breeze. There were people reading on benches and there was a hushed sense of being in a quiet, contemplative place in the middle of the city. No one was talking and all cell phones were silent. The trees even blocked the sounds of the traffic. The magnolias were just a hair past their prime, but still lovely. I sat on a bench, kissed my baby's head and teared up at the beauty of spring. I decided I would go back to school in the fall and this summer I will make it to Montana. After all, I've turned 30, had a baby, started my own business and am married to the man I love. Now I just have to lose the last 20 pounds of baby weight and I'll be a chick lit heroine. Ok, maybe not, but standing there beneath the blue sky and the floral crosses of pink and white, I felt like life is pretty damn good.

new life

This is my first post since having the baby and it is such a respite to write. I am typing as fast as I can because I can hear him stirring downstairs - our little dylan henry. He's great. But he hasn't let me put him down in days. except the last hour and I finally got my bills paid and my dinner eaten -- first things first. well - I hear crying. looks like second things second will have to wait ...