And so it begins. Exuberance is tempered by exhaustion. Instinctively, Jason and Rene touch each others hands and hover protectively over the new life they have created. Our son is now a father and we are grandparents again. This time, it's a girl child.
Yet another generation blossoms, making Helen a great-grandmother for the second time. This portrait of wisdom and innocence warms our heart. All things seem possible.
We watch with wonder as this tiny creature enchants her grandfather. It's such a contrast of strength and vulnerability, but which one of them truly holds the power now?
The soft skin and sweet-smelling hair of a freshly bathed infant brings back a rush of memories of baby oil, talcum powder and no-more-tangles shampoo. We all wish we shared this baby's ability to fall asleep so quickly and so completely. I am reminded of a different time when Mark and I were the center of our own children's world.
My older daughter Carrie studies her brother and his new daughter. In just a few weeks, Carrie and her husband Graeme will give us a new grandchild and Chloe will have a playmate, cousin Justin Graeme Noseworthy. One element of having babies has changed: we used to have to wait until they were born to determine their gender. Now, babies are even named before birth.
(Update: Justin Graeme Noseworthy was born February 4)
Erik and Jason, right after Chloe's birth. They have shared yet another life experience, something they have been doing since before they were born. My twins, so sweet as babies, have turned out to be so handsome as men. They are worn-out witnesses to the evolution of our family.
Joyful! Auntie Heather's expression is as endearing as Chloe's outfit which proclaims that this is the baby's first Christmas. As one might expect, there is always a line of people ready to hold Miss Chloe.
Our baby Adam, the youngest of six, poses with his new niece and her lovely mother Rene. It doesn't seem possible that Adam is driving now. He used to be the center of attention in our house but he seems untroubled by relinquishing that position now.
Most of the time, a toy box overflowing with playthings is a source of exasperation. At such times, if only we were conscious of the fact that the toy box will one day be empty and closed forever , those same toys might seem like little treasures.
On behalf of Chloe
Goodnight and Thanks for Visiting
Please sign my Guest Book
Back toBBR's Winter Home Page
Credits to my Brat Pack mates
You are listening to a .midi version of Billy Joel's "Lullaby"
