Niece Baby & Nephew Baby

Lawyer girl calls the wee ones...niece baby and nephew baby. Given that these babes are the children of her big sister; of course she will adore them...but most likely she will spoil them completely.

Last week Lawyer Girl left sunny California to come fill her arms with babies. 

I imagine Olivia will soon learn of her Auntie's immense love of music, especially the piano.

I imagine Lawyer girl will encourage Olivia to learn a concerto or two.

I imagine she and Henry will discuss great literature, movies, and politics some day. "Yo Auntie Didi...did you see that new episode of Yo Gabba Gabba?"

I imagine Henry will even pick up some of that sharp wit and sarcasm that every member of The Garlick Press seems to possess.

I imagine Olivia will seek out her hip Auntie when choosing between a Kate Spade or a Juicy Couture bag.

And I imagine that Lawyer Girl will learn a thing or two from niece baby and nephew baby as well.

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean, in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.
                                                                                                                  ~Vincent Van Gogh

Blessings Times Two

It was something incredible to witness and be a part of...

a name and a blessing...make that two! 

"And they are not even twins" was remarked through the audience, as every heart was enveloped by this moment.

"The name given of Olivia Jocelyn Fawson...with a blessing to help Olivia recognize and understand the significance of her name."

"Olivia...which will always connect her with the people who love her. The name that was chosen for her by her birth mother together with her parents."

 "And Jocelyn for her Aunt Jocelyn...whose spirit and personality she exhibits."

 And then this one..."The name given of Henry Carter Fawson with his sweet and peaceful disposition."

"Bless him that he will continue to be a peacemaker and use every opportunity to help others maintain perspective in life according to the unique gifts that have been given him."

The babies were perfect on their special day...simply perfect! When a baby is involved anything can go awry...when two babies are involved everything can go amuck! But not this day...simply perfect!

The support of family was touching, as Bob's Uncle Dave flew in just for the occasion.

And there was an abundance of support received from dear friends.

As tradition dictates a feast was indulged by all.

Cass said to me later "Your family rocks mom!" Every single member who lived within driving distance was there.

From the wacky ones...

to the adorable blue-eyed princess ones...

to the intelligent ones!

Is there anything more sweet than my ginger brother wrapping his giant arms around my own babes!

Uncle Carter whose name Henry will be privileged to carry with him.

Uncles...each will each spend their entire lives trying to convince Henry that they are the favorite one.

But don't kid yourself...Grant just came for the iPad.

My heart is dripping with goodness from the blessings of these two miracle babies. Can you believe that just a short year ago, their parents had no idea the abundance of joy that was about to be delivered!

And Papa is pretty proud himself!

Adorable April

A few things to adore about the month of April...

• Babies, babies and more babies!

•  
• Playing patty cake with Olivia's toes.

• The catchlights my camera always finds in Olivia's eyes.
• The perfect peaks in her Gerber Baby mouth.

• Learning to crawl using those buff baby arms.

• The way she easily drifted off to sleep while nestled snug in her Papa's arms.
• Cupcake jammies...do they come in my size?

• Henry's newborn kicking, stretching and playing.
• Listening to the soft sounds of a cooing baby boy.

•  Henry's blue eyes and his ever growing eyelashes.

• Tub time with babies. Cass and I tag team the two of them...it takes us quite a while to bathe and dress 2 little ones.

•  Olivia's curl.

•  Swaddling up a freshly washed baby and breathing in the deliciousness.

•  Remembering the bliss of carrying a sleeping baby off to bed.

•  Armfuls of my grandbabies.

• The contented look on both of their faces.

• The way Olivia plays with her Uncle Chet.

• Watching my daughter embrace motherhood completely.
• Babies are simply adorable...in every single way!

Plus One Makes Four

The big day is finally here...coming home day for Henry...an entire week after he arrived in this world..

Olivia and I had lots to do, like practicing her reading skills. Henry will love having stories read to him.

We had to test out the bassinet to see if it was ready for Henry. "It seems like just yesterday that I slept in the bassinet Nana."

Oh wait it was...

Diapers are ready...Olivia's are on the left, Henry's on the right. You should see the stacks they have in the closet. Diaper subscription from Amazon Mom...Cass swears by it!

Cribs are set up..."Nana, when are you going to finish Henry's bumper pads and quilt?"

Baby brother's chair is all put together.

Olivia and Nana test out the self-timer feature on her new camera. We had some time to play while waiting for Henry to come home. Until finally...

Welcome home Henry!

Big sister and baby brother meet for the very first time.

"Henry, come and play with me OK?"

"Ummm...Aunt Anna, Henry doesn't seem to do too much does he...seems a bit boring."

A little glimpse at life in 1 week old Henry and  6 1/2 month old Olivia's house for a little while...

Time to feed baby.

Time to feed newborn baby.

Time to play "blastoff" with baby.

Time to snuggle with newborn baby.

Trying to capture a family photo...Olivia wants to pull Mom's hair.

Olivia wants to pull Dad's hair.

Their lives are full...and happy...did I mention their lives are full! Momma Cass... you like marvelous!

And one more...then it's time for tubs...and bottles...and stories...and bedtime...and...and...and...

As for me...March has been a hurricane of emotions. The gift of new life and the reminder of lost life. I'm quite certain the timing of this newborn babe is not coincidental, but intentional. A blessing from heaven, a hint that a joyful life continues to swirl around us. Our angel Jocie surely kissed Henry on his tiny head, you can almost see the imprint she left.

The Garlick Press is simply giddy at the birth of Olivia's little brother Henry.