Raleigh, NC                                            September 30, 2006

And Now There are Two …

Perhaps there is a balance.  Two parents.  Two heffalumps.  Makes sense.  One heffalump can never balance two.  (Well, I know that isn’t really true – and I know that one heffalump outweighs one parent.  But that’s another story.) 

This story begins with waiting.  A dad waits – it’s beyond his control now.  All he can do is prepare to drive, and wait.  And wait …

Heffalump One is excited!  Her excitement is contagious. We can all feel her joy.  She knows she’ll have a new baby brother and she can hardly wait.  While she waits, Annie also wants to let him know he’s welcome …

Mother is definitely ready to stop waiting.  It has been hot.   She’s ready to end her discomfort and begin life with two.  She’s ready to hold their creation.

She’s ready to touch, to feel, to love …

Jacob Christopher Winter has arrived!

It’s a boy.  Chris is no longer outvoted.  Although Jake is not yet ready to throw a ball, he feels right in Chris’s arms.  Jake is ready to be shown off to the camera.  Smiles all around.

At last, this bundle is ready to be introduced to the world.  Well, at least to big sister.  As I’ve already learned, the tongue hanging out means Annie is excited.  She wants to hold her baby brother.  Perhaps it’s better to do this introduction carefully . . ..

It’s best to make sure Jake has a soft – and loving – landing if dropped!  Get Annie in bed with Megan.  Get them both ready.  Then carefully hand over the precious bundle.

Now Annie can touch and really meet Jake.

Annie can discover that Jake has tiny little toes just like hers!  So much fun.

The joy and giggles can’t be restrained.  Dad was wise not to hand the little guy over beforehand.  As the camera shows, neither mom nor big sister is actually holding on to Jake.

Later, the parade!  Annie wants to be sure everyone on the ward gets to see Jake.  Annie wants Jake to get his first ride.  But most of all, Annie can’t sit still any longer.  Energy must be released.

Now the first family portrait.  Never again will it be this easy – never again will two heffalumps remain still in one place long enough for Pop Pop to adjust his camera.

And yes, Pop Pop must get his picture taken.  (Otherwise Pop Pop won’t be able to remember this moment – this picture will be his crutch to recall this special occasion.)

Annie continues to assure Jake that he is welcome – and that the two heffalumps will be able to run circles around Pop Pop.

As they get ready to take Jake home, dad gazes in wonder – he won’t need an aid to remember this moment.

Actually, Pop Pop won’t need an aid either.  He’ll remember!

At home, Jake’s happy smile will enliven the place.

As mom and dad settle into new routines,

As they all adjust to a new life.

And as Jake learns that life is more exciting with a big sister!