This last year has been life changing in so many ways. Attending Mission Doctors (MDA) Formation Program in Las Angeles for four months, living in community, living through the nausea that pregnancy brings, and celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary consumed the first half of 2013. MDA formation was inspiring, and stretched us and our marriage to grow in ways we never imagined.
Then, shortly after returning to Chicago, I awoke with contractions and before we knew it, our beautiful son was born…. two months early. Charlie is the most amazing miracle and he puts a smile on our faces all day. God is good! We’d like in this blog to share our joys and pains as parents, rural doctors, and as part of the interconnected web of life and love that unites us all.
Nursing, diapering, cleaning, and beholding the miracle of our little baby Charlie consumed me. I thought about how fast he’d grow, how he’d fare in the jungle, and about what to carry with us to Peru. Over months, we prepared our bags, setting aside items to take to in Santa Clotilde. I frequently though about the many babies we had delivered in Santa Clotilde and took a deep breath knowing that even if showed up with nothing, we would find all we need in town. Despite knowing this, we do find solace in our water filter, ice cream maker, booster seat, cloth diapers, sharp knives, iPad, toys, and many of the other gracious gifts we were given to accompany us on our journey.
More important than the bags we carry with us are the love and support of so many, and the humble knowing that we are guided always by a spirit much greater than ourselves.
While home, we enjoyed time with family and friends, indulged Charlie in his first taste of ice cream with Papa and Bets, watched as Nani taught Charlie to snap and sing Barney songs, and as Papa’s Donald Duck impression lit up his face. Grandmama endearingly read Charlie’s favorite musical turtle book to him and Grandpapa successfully changed poopie diapers, prepared bottles, and reflected back to our Charlie a smiley, bald, blue eyed image of himself.
Charlie loves to play, to be mesmerized by palm trees, to talk to the zebra hanging over the bed, and above all, he loves a full belly. Fattening him up after being born less than 5 pounds was not a difficult task. Our little butterball will love the jungle. He’s starting to roll over, giggles up a storm when we tickle him, and has become proficient at shoving anything within reach into his mouth.
Brian and I are filled with gratitude for each other, for our son Charlie, for our family and friends and their willingness to walk this journey with us.
Antoinette
