Carrying on the Legacy

Being the fourth in a line of Sigfrid Carlsons, shortly after hearing that we were having a baby boy, I excitedly shared with Marie that for the first time there would be four "Sigs" alive at the same time. My dad, who was travelling to Chicago that day to be with my grandfather in the ICU was going to share the news that another Sigfrid would be entering the world this year.

Sadly, after two weeks in the ICU, my Farfar Rolland Sigfrid Carlson passed away. My grandfather was a man whom I admired, loved deeply, and had great gratitude.  I am excited to see and encourage the growth of the following qualities that my grandfather possessed in our own son, Erik Sigfrid:

Supporting family in all the seasons of life.
Caring for the less fortunate.
Leading with your head, Loving with your heart.
Understanding and appreciating the difference between a "good job" and a "Rollie job".
An affinity for clean cars and loud mufflers.
Using your abilities and assets to serve the Lord.
Staying connected to your Swedish heritage.
Driving FAST.

While we mourn the loss of my grandfather, we feel that he will never really be gone from our lives. On a daily basis all of the members of the Carlson clan have moments where we recall "Farfar-isms" of years past ("It's not how much you earn, it's how much you don't spend!"), or ask ourselves, "What would Rollie do?".  We are grateful for our memories of him and his larger-than-life personality. As we travel out to Chicago this week to be with family and celebrate my grandfather's life,  I remember what my dad said on the day Farfar passed away, "Well...., we'll be back up to three Sigfrids in just a few months." 

He's a Boy!

Early last Wednesday, Alex and I headed to Swedish Hospital to see our baby for the first time. Nurse and Aunt-to-be Gretchen (Alex's little sister) met us there for the appointment. What a joy to have her join us. Laying on the table with two of my favorite people in the room, I was introduced face to face (literally!) to one of my new favorite people, who I will not get to meet for another 20 weeks or so.

Seeing the baby's movements as it scratched its' head, touched its toes and sucked in amniotic fluid was a wonder that no one can prepare you for. Our ultrasound technician had difficulty getting a picture of the baby's spine, exclaiming that our baby is "a little obstinate and very active." Alex and I stole a glance at one another, knowing full well that any child of ours would possess these attributes. Alex and I had shared with the Tech that we preferred to not know the gender during the appointment when I had a full bladder and covered in gel with my belly exposed. Gretchen, however, having to leave for class, got a sneak peek before the rest of the world at her niece or nephew. Like a wonderful nurse-to-be educated in HIPAA and confidentiality, she left the appointment with the news to herself :)

Alex and I left the appointment already elated that we had an active, healthy baby. Grabbing breakfast and some hot drinks, we ventured our way to a dock on Lake Washington where we have had several dates in the past. Setting up a picnic blanket, we could not contain our excitement any longer, and opened up the envelope in which the Tech had creatively written:

 Thinking, along with 99% of our family and friends, that it was a girl, Alex and I were especially surprised and excited. I had a country song cued up on my iPhone that Alex had listened to many, many times over the last few years as he though about what it would be like to have a little guy in Carhartt's to teach about being a chicken farmer, the importance of regular oil changes and loving and protecting all the women in our lives. It is a sweet song, which can be found here.We called Dave, our baby boy's Farfar (Swedish for father's father). Dave, in his wonderful wisdom, shared with Alex the great responsibility he was undertaking.

This week has been one full of joys, sorrows, hope and loss. Through it all, our Baby Boy has made his presence known with lots of little kicks and movement. In times of stress and sadness, the little flurries in my stomach are a gentle kick of a reminder of God's continuous work and promise to be faithful to all generations. We praise God for our Baby Boy and the many wonderful people out there who have already bestowed so much love on him!

Lots to Love on Valentine's Day

Our story began a little over five years ago, when on a very cold and snowy Valentine's Day, Alex told me he loved me over a heart-shaped deep dish pizza after just two weeks of dating. Sometimes you just know.

Although we have already lived through many chapters of our story: moving from Chicago to Seattle, starting careers, getting our first puppy (and a second soon after), purchasing a home and learning to become urban chicken farmers, we feel as though each chapter has led up to this next chapter - the expectation of Baby C on July 18, 2012. It is hard to believe how much love I already feel; love for the husband Alex is and the father he will be, and for the new little one that will grace our lives in just 22 weeks.

The last few months have been filled with joy, anxiety and nausea leading up to tomorrow when we find out if the males in the household will outnumber the females (humans at least, I won't count all our wonderful hens in the backyard).


For Valentine's Day, I received the most wonderful gift, a lullaby my mom wrote and recorded for Baby C. Since Baby C's hearing has been developed as of a couple weeks ago, we listened to it at least ten times laying on the floor for ideal audio.

A Lullaby for Baby C, Something Old and Something New
by Judy Robinson (MorMor)

Sleepyhead, close your eyes
Mother's right here beside you
I'll protect you from harm
You're safe in my arms
Guardian angels are near
So sleep on with no fear
Guardian angels are near
So sleep on with no fear

Dear little baby, in your mother's arms
Wrapped secure in our love
You are a precious miracle of life
Sent from our Father above

And we will cherish you as long as we live
We'll keep you wrapped up in our love
For you will come to know the Giver of all Life
Wrapped up in the arms of his love

Dear little baby
In your father's arms
Wrapped secure in our love
You are a precious miracle of life
Sent from our Father above

Someday you'll grow up and you'll leave
But you will still be wrapped up in our love