Birthdays and babies are celebrated

My sister-in-law, Sue, received the best present ever last week. Her middle daughter, Jane, gave birth to Molly Grace on Sue’s birthday. Sue’s first granddaughter, Isabella, courtesy of her youngest daughter, Margaret, wasn’t sure about this new addition to the family. Isabella much preferred the ice cream that Sue shared with her to this new demand on her grandmother’s affection. A two-year-old has to have her priorities in order.

The only thing better than one grandchild is more of them. They are perfect, just ask any grandparent. Sue and her husband, Bill, are head over heels in love with this tiny baby. The child’s parents are also overwhelmed with affection for Molly. Molly’s step-sister, Emma, has been telling them what to expect for months, as she is a self--proclaimed expert on babies. As we all know, tweens know everything about everything and are more than willing to share that knowledge. She’s going to be a great big sister.

It will be several months before we get to meet Molly. There are more than enough people wanting to inspect this tiny miracle for themselves. She is certain to be surrounded by people who already love her. I’m sure it will be awhile before the new parents have a moment to themselves to reflect on this miracle they have created.

Jane is our art teacher and marathon runner. All the pregnancy photos she posted showed the effects of all that exercise as she still looked as fit at the end of her pregnancy as she did in the beginning. I am looking forward to seeing her and her husband again after all the excitement of the new baby begins to ease. For now, I am content to share any pictures they post with my husband.

There are other birthdays to be celebrated this month. One of my nephews turned 21, a momentous occasion to be sure. Another one turned 20. My brother is 50 today. I find it hard to believe that he is that old. It seems like yesterday that he was a chubby, happy infant. Now he is a lover of fishing, trains and anything that makes loud noises.

As far as I know, nobody else in the family is getting a new baby for their birthday. In addition to being excited for Jane, I am also feeling the usual twinge of sadness. For decades, I have baked something and taken it to Mom’s so we could celebrate the February birthdays. This will be the second year that we have abandoned that tradition.

I’ll call Michael to wish him a happy birthday, but there will be no cake and no presents. There will be no sharing of stories, no teasing, no laughter. There will only be a few minutes of catching up over the phone and a brief acknowledgement of how things have changed.

I console myself by looking at tiny, pink clothing suitable for Jane’s baby while resisting the urge to buy anything. From what I saw at Jane’s baby shower, they have more than enough clothes and toys for now.

There is a new baby in the family. What is past is past. Molly’s family is awash in the hope, love, and sheer wonder that babies evoke. Who knows what her future will hold?

All anyone knows for sure, is that she will be cherished. She is beautiful, like her parents; and like her parents, that beauty permeates her entire being.

Sue received the best present ever for her birthday this year and I have one more reason to celebrate all of the fabulous people born in the shortest month of the year. Welcome to the world, Molly Grace.