Tiny visions of perfection

Each of them have these tiny, beautifully round faces. They are almost like a tiny Kim and a tiny Andrew. Maia is quiet with the occasional sigh. Sean makes small noises almost constantly. We likened him to Billy Crystal in "When Harry Met Sally", when Harry decides to lie in bed and just moan. She frowns occasionally, he grins. They both have Andrew's trademark underbite and little cleft chin. They both have those dark blue eyes all babies have which gazed up at us saying "Who in the world are all of these people??" Sean is only one inch longer than his sister, but is over a pound heavier, making him appear stocky next to his petite sister. He even has a little double chin.

I am in complete awe of their mother. In my eyes, Kim has always been the person who did everything right the first time wihout a single struggle. She looks as though she is complete control, as though she has been a mother for years. However, one senses a bit of humility as she and Maia struggle for the perfect connection so Maia can be fed. Maia finally settled in for her dinner while her brother cooed away in the hospital-issue bassinette, and the rest of us went out for Greek food and a glass of wine to celebrate.

Andrew looks every bit the proud new father, and perhaps a tad overwhelmed. But who wouldn't be. As I sat holding Maia for the better part of an hour, I couldn't help but feel it myself. Any of us who long to bring children into the world are dealt a mighty hand - to protect our children from certain elements in our world while at the same time provide them an experience that is real, to be there to put smiles on their faces but also to teach them that life is not fun and games all of the time. I hope someday that Broccoli and I can receive the same gift as Kim and Andrew...so I drank the water at the birthing center!

So raise your glasses to Sean and Maia - you only live the day of your birth once.