We just returned from a rather rushed long weekend to Buffalo. We were anxious to see my husband’s uncle who is very ill and is in his late 80’s. We were warned that it might be now or never.
It was a great opportunity not only to see Uncle Tom, but also to meet my sister’s granddaughter (and my grand niece) for the first time. Pictures of the baby have been posted and emailed, and I read updates on Face Book extolling her extreme adorableness. Needless to say, all of the stories are true. She is beautiful, sweet, cute, and smart. Adalyn is a delightful baby girl who may be the most loved child in the universe.
We gathered at my sister’s home on Sunday afternoon for a wonderful family dinner. The dinner is a weekly event, and the door is open to anyone who is available. It was a great opportunity to see two of my brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, their significant others, a cousin and of course, the baby.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner and visited. But the highlight was holding the baby. Actually, not just holding her. There is a whole other component. Everyone admires her great beauty, and comments on how much she has learned, and how smart she is. Everyone talks to the baby, telling her how wonderful she is, how much she is loved and how special she is. Adalyn seemed quite content with all the attention she received.
While I was there, the men in the family were the primary caretakers, including my brother –in –law ( her grandfather) who fed Adalyn, my brothers ( her uncles) who held her and cooed at her and finally, her father ( my nephew) who changed her diaper and took care of her.
It occurred to me at some point how wonderful this whole scene was—and how happy I am for the men in my family to be so comfortable nurturing Adalyn. They reminded me of my father who was a nurturer, too.
What a blessing it is for the men—and for Adalyn and the whole family—to be empowered to take care of and enjoy a baby so freely!
I couldn’t help thinking that a child who is showered with love by everyone around her has a great start on life. And how fortunate we all are to be surrounded by men who are comfortable in the role of nurturer.
Oh, yes! I grew up with a father who was loving and caring but not care taking. Does that make sense? I am delighted to see my own sons and son-in-law taking a hands on approach to baby care. They are loving and nurturing and at ease with everything having to do with their children’s needs. I love it.
Isn’t that great, Linda? My Dad was a man ahead of his time–and I think it is so much helathier for everyone!
Sounds like a wonderful experience. Hope to see pictures of this beautiful child.
Mel
If I can figure out how to get the photos where they can be seen, I will be happy to post Adalyn’s picture and my grnad nephew Liam’s picture. They ar both beautiful.
Sweet! And such fun to be part of a BIG family gathering.
I love being with my family–especially my wonderful nieces and nephews and daughter, too!
Thanks Chris. As you well know–our family gatherings are always big–the result of having 7 sibs!!
Sounds like a wonderful experience! Adalyn is a lovely name!
I love her name, too. It was lovely.
It’s wonderful to see family getting together and enjoying the time spent together.I’m happy you had the chance to go up and have such a great visit.
We are too, Barb. This visit was really important!
I agree – the whole world would be different if everyone grew up feeling loved unconditionally! And I cherish the fact that so much has changed since I had my son – it is wonderful to see that the husbands/fathers are now truly involved in the caretaking too.
Thanks, Marilyn. It is inspiring to see how men are so much more involved with child care now.
I love going to Susan’s and watching everyone love Adalyn to pieces. She has been born into the two most loving families I could have ever imagined!
She is lovable and loved. What a lucky baby. the Joyces and Eagers are so blessed to have you both in their lives.