gabriel's groove

Is it back? I think it might be back.

You may remember that I'd been worried about him. Since the baby joined us, he'd become muted, blunted, prone to staring out of windows. Loving his little sister, yet decidedly lacking his usual joie de vivre. Oh! For me, the heartbreak of seeing my vibrant, ebullient boy so sad - and feeling helpless to do much about it - has been the hardest part of our transition to life as a family of five.

But this week, he's back. I'm not sure if it's for good, but these days I am working on soaking in the moment, and letting all the rest float downstream. The baby grows before our eyes, the children become more and more independent and articulate, and the summer days are waning. After a playful swim and a speedy wild bike ride with the big kids this afternoon - while the papa and the baby slept - I am awash in gratitude. My dear sweet boy. I love him so.