palace of winds

Here’s little Peyton Michelle, a few hours old, being held by my mom, Michelle Coleen. Driving to the hospital, my mom mentioned off-hand that she hadn’t thought to ask Peyton’s middle name. I was all nonchalance and gave a very credible Huh, me either!, though I’d known the plan for ages. I hope I never forget the moment my mom saw the little bassinet tag.

I know no one’s all that objective about their own babies, but since Peyton isn’t actually mine I feel I’m qualified to declare that she’s unutterably beautiful. Alex was a very pretty baby too, not all squashy the way babies can be, and Peyton looks very much like him. Holding the perfect little breathing weight of her, I felt like I could almost one day want one of my own. (Coleen’s a nice name. Or Violet; I love Violet.)