Find the Beauty Friday - Oh Baby
It was easy to find beauty in this week. Early Monday morning it arrived in the form of an amazing and healthy baby boy. My dear friend, Denise, the other half of the infamous annual Girls' Weekends and also a commenter here on New Endings, gave birth to a miracle that we will call, Baby B. She and her husband are completely smitten with the little guy and I could not be happier for them.
* * *
Dear Baby B,
You do not realize it yet but you have just been given the two greatest gifts you will ever receive, in the form of your parents. They are two of the kindest, most generous, and most supportive people I have ever met. I can tell you from experience that they will be there for you, whatever you need, whenever you need, forever. That is who they are.
There are so many wonderful things you will learn from your parents but if I could suggest...
Get in the kitchen with your mother. Even if you choose to never pick up a spatula, just be there and watch her. I have never met anyone who gets more joy from cooking and gadgets and methods and food. Just do not stand between her and anything in the dipping sauce family. She is crazy for the dipping. (If you ever get in really hot water with her, buy her sour cream. Trust me on this.)
Your father will probably wear orange, buy orange and yell things like "Go Illini!" a lot. This is not uncommon for men in this area. Before you know it, you will be doing the same. Go with it and enjoy it. I have no doubt that some of your fondest memories later in life are going to be the hours you spend with him, in a crowded Assembly Hall, cheering on the team in orange. I know because I have the same memories with my father, except they involve listening to a radio tuned into a team called the St. Louis Cardinals. (You can look up what a radio is on the Internet when you are older.)
If you have the choice, learn geography from your father. Inherit your mother's ability to find her way anywhere. And if ever you are playing Trivial Pursuit with them and you do not know the answer to a question in the Entertainment category, guess Yanni. (Ask your father.)
Welcome to the world, little one. May all your days be filled with a bit of wonder, a bit of accomplishment, a bit of beauty and an abundance of love, laughter and joy.
You are loved.
Auntie Debra

Debra
Reader Comments (3)
Oh, what a beautiful tribute to this sweet little thing. And to your friends as well. Congratulations to all of you! <3
You brought me to tears. I wish Baby B. and his parents many blessings, of which I am quite certain you are one.
Okay Auntie Debra - I have just had my first opportunity to catch up on your blog since this little guy was born - and all I can say is this post was amazing. I need to find a way to save this because you somehow hit the nail on the head with our strengths and weaknesses (I pray I never have to give a geography lesson!!). Thank you for the wonderful letter to our new addition and for helping me realize that I really might be able to do this parenting thing after all!!