(was “Maya in a Thai Temple” but Scott’s title was way better)

Scott submitted this photo for the blog. Maya’s made it to Thailand even before I have!

Maya in a Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Who’s Scott, anyway?

Scott’s one of my closest friends — and happens to be an ex (boyfriend/fiance’). It made mutual sense for him to stay with me for a while in August/September/October, so not only did he bear with me during my last uncomfortable, grumpy, moody weeks of pregnancy, but he also took all of those amazing photos I have to remember Maya’s birth. On top of that, he videoed the birth for me, giving me a gift that someday I’ll hope to share with Maya too. (Honestly, I’ve only watched the birth video once…after all, I WAS THERE!)

In late October, Scott took off for Thailand to travel with his cousin and figure out “what’s next” in life. While travelling with the cousin didn’t quite pan out, he’s still enjoying the culture and beauty…and inexpensive cost of living! He’s suggested that perhaps Maya and I should move across the ocean to take advantage of the cheap deals, but I know my family would…well…shoot me. Moving a few states away (if I were to ever do that) would be bad enough. Moving to another part of the world? They’d have a fit.

Anyway, it’s weird to realize that Maya was only five weeks old when Scott took off for parts far away…and she’ll be six MONTHS old by the time he returns to the U.S., assuming he stays on schedule.

Where will he fit into our lives? Oh, he’ll get to be one of those “positive male influences” (RIGHT, Scott???) on Maya for sure…think the “cool uncle.” We’ve talked about “us” and I think I’ve realized that we simply like each other more when we’re neither dating nor living in the same house. Scott provided some good support in those early weeks though. He reminded me today of a night when I was about to lose it. Little-bitty Maya just wouldn’t stop crying, and I was at a total loss of what to do…at 3am. Scott took her to hold her, and told me to sleep, which I did. Little bit slept peacefully on his chest for several hours!

Scott with Maya on her birthday

Nuzzling a one-day-old newborn

Maya peeking over Scott’s shoulder in mid-October. Look at how well she was holding up her head even before one month!