Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A plea, all in the name of serving my fellow man

There are many things that I love in this world. Cookie dough ranks at the top of the list, clearly, as does a crisp diet coke (preferably in a glass cup, with ice, and a straw).

And I love the Husband and our children, of course.

But there is one thing that I absolutely love, and have neglected to pontificate on. Until now.

I love babies. LOVE them.

I love my own babies. I love friends' babies. I love (from afar) strangers' babies. I love to hold them, smell their yummy necks, prop them up on my shoulder, and sit for hours. Content. At one with my chi. In my happy place.

I have even designated myself the church baby holder and make every attempt to steal hold someone's baby during church meetings.

About five months ago, I heard there was a friend in need. A friend who was overwhelmed, tired, and stressed out.

What did she need help with?

These lovely girls:


Not one, but TWO, delicious, yummy, sweet, twin babes. I asked their mama what I could do to help, and she replied with words that were like music to my ears: "Come hold the babies so I can get something done around the house."

And ever since that fateful day, I have spent Tuesday mornings in the company of two angelic girls. One named Aubrey, and one named Chloe.

And I have to say, Tuesday has quickly become my favorite day of the week.

Unfortunately for me, my friend will be moving this summer. Which will leave a great void in my [soon-to-be-empty] service calendar.

It's only because I'm so giving, you see.

And so I must put this matter of unfulfilled service into your hands: My dear friends, please have a baby (or two) so I can come hold it.

Please? It's really not asking that much. You'll get over the morning sickness, the stretch marks, and the cravings. Plus, I'd be there all through the delivery, ready to snatch that baby and do some holding, I mean, service.

Come on. It'd really make me so very happy.

What's that, you say? Why don't I have a few more of my own? Well, because I really don't like being pregnant, that's why. And I honestly don't think I could go back to midnight feedings, diapers, and nap schedules. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'm getting too old.

The matter must be left to you, my friends.

Have me a baby, dammit.

55 comments:

TheCatLord said...

dang. where were you 4 years ago? sorry i can't help you. i have already birthed 7 babies. i don't think my poor old uterus can take another one.

Annie said...

Those babes are beautiful and you are beautiful for sitting for their mom!

Jennifer Murray said...

Great picture, beautiful babies! And I'm not having any more!

Becky said...

Oh the memories. I guess you were serious when you said you wanted to come hold bronson! Ok, you talked me into it. A visit to North Logan in November? :)

Alissa said...

are you available for baby holding at 3am? because i've got one of those.

Amanda D said...

I can't imagine having twins. I'm convinced there is a special place in heaven for the mothers of multiples.

anna jo said...

okay, okay! *sheesh!* I'll have you a baby already! but you're so far away... when will you ever come hold it???

Anna said...

The closest thing I can do is promise that someday Alaina will produce some offspring and you can be her designated baby holder.

melissa walker said...

I've got one right here for you--you just have to come to Chicago. She's very sweet and loves to party--at 2 in the morning. You just let me know when you want to trade in your sleeping through the night and I'll send her down to you!

frillsfluffandtrucks said...

If those two little cuties were moving to my neck of the woods, I'd be happy to take on your baby holding duties. They are adorable!!

~ Sarah

Margaret said...

LOL. I am the same way these days!!!

Woman Interrupted said...

Wish you lived a little closer, sisterfriend!

Bridget said...

I so admire you for being a baby person. I am not. I may even have more kids if I could just skip the baby phase.

Your hair is getting long by the way. Looks great.

melissa ( : said...

I have a baby you can hold!! You and Maren should plan a girls trip up this way, and I promise to let the two of you fight over Maya as much as you please.
But hurry! She's getting big fast!

Ashley said...

You are too funny. Coming from someone beat down by little guys, you are rendering the nicest service I can imagine. You are a good person.

Liz said...

Oh, I know exactly how you feel. George is becoming less and less like a baby. A couple of weeks ago I met my new nephew, and for a fraction of a moment, when I held him, I considered having one more.

christina-defining moments said...

People look at me weird when I say I like to smell babies necks, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one! And I have a little one coming in Sept.!

Zana said...

Okay, fine, alright, I'll do it. Only b/c I will be getting thee most delightful, chubby, snuggly baby ever...right?
After seeing 2 babies on your lap it reminded me that deep down I'm still hoping that my doctor is incompetent & just can't find the other baby in there:)

My couch will be waiting for you.
P.S. I will have the yummiest cookie dough in the fridge b/c I won't want you to get low on energy.

Annemarie said...

Wow, when you ask/demand so nicely, it almost makes me want to give in. Dang. If only we didn't live so far away..cuz that's the only reason I can't comply. Seriously.

Ilene said...

Like I said, babies are the best accessory. You look divine in that picture. Seriously glowing.

By the way, my grass centerpiece is just some old wheat grass and soil. It takes about five days for the grass to grow. If you do it in a glass vase, it can turn into a science project for the kids. Well, I didn't make it one but a better mother would have done so. I will leave that ball in your court.

By the way, I LOVE that you GET the Mr. Darcy thing. Sadly, too many women don't.

queenieweenie said...

I keep trying to convince Rachel to have one for me to hold, but she's not having any of it. Bummer.

Fortunately, I just found out I have a new niece of nephew on the way!

diane said...

You are speaking my language.

I call it baby therapy. It's better than drugs.

Travelin'Oma said...

I loved my own babies, adore my grandbabies, but I don't think I've EVER offered to hold somebody else's baby at church. Women who do that are angels in disguise.

Terra said...

If it meant I could you meet you in person....um, never mind. NO MORE BABIES for me! I love other peoples babies too but I can't stand being pregnant and I am NOT a belly lovin mamma that is for sure!

calibosmom said...

I'm a baby Ho too. I need me a good baby fix at least weekly-church is a great place for a fix. Sorry, I'm out of the baby makin' business. Try the next block.

Unknown said...

Well that mom certainly is grateful you love babies so much! And sorry my uterus is retired. :)

Tiffanie said...

Off topic here, but I see your hair is growing out. It looks pretty! =]

the wrath of khandrea said...

my flat iron is a chi. because i'm an idiot, i couldn't understand why you would feel at one with a small baby and a flat iron. after all, that seems pretty hazardous to me.

Lauren in GA said...

Stie, you are truly a giver. So, so service oriented. I love that about you.

I also love how you offered in a comment elsewhere to hold my baby for months. I would so, so, love that. Please, come anytime. Of course, you may have to fight my 3 sons...be warned, they are pretty scrappy fighters.

I love that picture of you, you gorgeous girl!

Aubrey said...

I'm having one the end of September, but we live in Spring-will-never-come-Utah. Are there any jobs there?
Oh, and I'm so hoping it's female and coming solo.

Cindy said...

No babies here. We'll let you know if that changes.

Jenibelle said...

Okay, I give. My fat little 50 year old body in California will have a baby for you to hold. Am I moving there or are you coming here?

We have no snow, no humidity and a pool. You move here.

Paige said...

You should move here. all baby all the time with my sisters kids. If you really want to help that mom, take the babies to YOUR house. Alone in the house she may die of happiness

Joy & Casey said...

I'll be sure to tell Casey you want his Vasectomy reversed...it was so much fun the first time I'm sure he'd love to go visit that doc again! :) I feel the same as you...but I am helping my friend out and tending her baby with his sister and brother EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Makes me not miss babies so much-he cries all day unless you hold him-this is my last week-maybe next week I'll feel the same as you again! Probably not!!!!!!

Kayla said...

Christie - I randomly came across your blog, and I LOVE IT. I can tell you have such a wonderful family, and you are such a great mom! your posts have me laughing, I love reading your blog. You are so witty!! thanks for sharing!

Diane said...

Ahhh...nothing like a baby fix! So cute!

You look really cute in that picture...by the way!

brooke said...

You probably saved that woman's life. I wish you lived next door to me. I have a distorted left hip from holding a baby on it constantly. He's getting too big to cuddle though--Maybe it's time for another. Ugh.

I, too, love diet coke in a glass cup with a straw (from a fountain.) I prefer mine black--no lime.

Michael said...

so is that how we lure you back to utah? with babies? i guess depending on where i go to grad school, we might come to you... not that we're planning any baby-having anytime soon. i'll get my sisters to work on that department for you.

Laurie said...

My announcement was April Fool's, but I'll tell my husband about your offer--just in case. :)

Jenny said...

Can't help you out but I agree there's nothing like the soft sweet smell of baby.

Stuart♥Maren said...

I TOTALLY agree. Babies rule.

Chatter said...

Oh my word do I ever wish you lived closer. Do you know how badly I would LOVE a baby holder? That would be absolutely fantastic. And I know how wonderful you are at it because you thankfully held Landon so I could eat my lunch :). We must meet up again soon! Maybe we need to relocate!

Jake said...

I TRIED!!! I had two babies for you to hold. And you came and held. And then you moved far away and the babies grew up. The End.

Melain said...

I'm howling right now. That's kinda where I am! I'm don't think I'm quite the baby whore that you are. Not yet anyways. But I'm starting to beg my friends to just get knocked up already so I can have some sweet, squishy toothlessness back in my life!

Jenibelle said...

I am getting one of my own to hold~~ woot woot! I have to go to Idaho to hold him/her, but I'm getting one!!!

3leftturns said...

You know, I already have a beautiful baby named Sydney Lauren on the way... and I have a sweet house you could stay in... I'm just saying...

I'm sure Dylan would have a blast with your kids... you should come to visit!

Susy said...

Had one at 40 so your not to old plus you have 3 helpers and when those three are going through those teenage years you will still have a cuddler....My opinion! Plus you are a great mom I can tell!

Christie in Dallas, TX said...

First of all, fantastic picture, you and those sweet babies. Since there are two, maybe the Mom could just take one and leave the other for you??!

You and I need to work out a deal. I'm not really a baby person, but I love them at 3 years old. 3 and up is just angelic -- my chi/happy place is with a toddler. Why don't I have a baby, and you can just send it back after a few years???

Hazen5 said...

You are a saint! Knowing that you are a "Baby Whisperer" makes me love you even more.

Meggan said...

Okay so maybe when the summer is over, and one of my best friends is gone, I can come and scrap at your house on Tuesday morning and you can hold Luke. He will be six months, and I know it's not baby-baby, but he'll still be little enough, right? I think it's awesome that you love to hold babies! Especially at church. It means so much to know someone loves to hold your kiddos so you can have a break! We (moms that have their babies stolen by you before..) all have agreed that you are awesome! That's why we call you the "baby whisperer"

Anonymous said...

Ok, Christie, you convinced me. I will have a baby, ONLY because you have so selflessly volunteered to hold him/her. Expect a bundle of joy around Thanksgiving. I am going to have a little turkey for you to hold at church and any other time you want (3am good for you?) Shhh, it's still a secret...Can you guess who I am?

Christie said...

I'm hoping it's Shilo...but would laugh most if it's Maren, Becky, or Wendy. DO TELL! You can't give me a tease like that...

Unknown said...

Yes...there's NOTHING like holding a sweet baby. But all the other sleep-deprivation-and-other-things involved with pregnancy, delivery, and newborn baby care are all too fresh for me. But when I'm ready, maybe we'll move to Missouri. A baby holder is just what I need!

Ben and Rainee In Alaska said...

Christie, you are the best for loving on my babies. I too, look forward to Tuesdays, and will miss you terribly when we move!

Momnerd said...

Where are you? I need someone for my twin boys on Thursday! ;) Is 2 years too old? They're still very babyish.... Seriously, I love babies too and I have vowed that when I'm not pulling my hair out anymore I will help someone who needs it like I have. Great post!