A pandemic and a pregnancy
It was January 1, 2020 around 7 am when my flight from Guatemala landed in Boston. I didn't know it at the time, but it was the last time I would step foot on a plane for a full year. It's fitting when I think about it, that I started my New Year by coming home.
Living free pre-pandemic in Guatemala
I came home that day to my loving partner and 2 rambunctious bonus boys. Quite the difference from roaming the dirt paths of Guatemala carrying just my backpack. Naturally independent, I love my trips, but this last trip I missed all my boys extra. And I thought maybe my time of spontaneous travel was over. Maybe it was time for me to stay home. And just 2 1/2 months later when the pandemic hit, I was forced to stand still for the first time in a long time.
And then the year unfolded in a perfectly imperfect way. While I sat safely inside our apartment, our baby grew safely in my belly. While the planes I hoped to take had been grounded, I became more grounded in who I was in my new role as mom.
Pandemic pregnancy meant wearing a mask and going to appointments solo
Matt and I making the best of a Covid Summer. Enjoying the beautiful view at Ocean House in Rhode Island
Like many people, the important things in life were highlighted and we realized just how little we needed to not only survive, but to be happy. And instead of planning my next trip, I was planning for bringing home baby.
Staying home wasn't easy for me. I still spent nights researching destinations and dreaming of new adventures. But I also tried to really settle into the stillness. I told myself that our time in isolation was being well spent. Pandemic days were hard, but each day that went by brought us closer to meeting this little human.
And then, before we knew it, he was here.
Me, Matt and Maddox on the second day of his life
October 15, 2020 at 4:40 PM, our precious baby boy entered the world. He came a little early and with no shortage of drama. And I was even more mesmerized by this new little life than I had imagined. Much like grief, having a child has brought me new appreciation for the world around me. It has strengthened my ability to love the littlest moments and find joy everywhere.
I suppose that shouldn't have surprised me. Life and death work in harmony together. Even though they will never meet earth side, our son is a continuation of my father's DNA. As he grows, he will have traits that he got from his Papa, and I look forward to the unexpected moments when I see my Dad in my son.
And just like my parents took me on great adventure as a child, I too hope to bring him all around the world. While I know my days of traveling with just a small bag are over, it’ll be well worth lugging the extra baby stuff around to know that our son will be raised seeing the world.
I found this perfect onesie for his birth announcement
Maddox, October 2020
Little Love, Maddox
