Sweet Baby James

interestingly enough, I dont spend a lot of time with my extended family. I am busy, I guess, I teach, maintain a large house, have a great husband, and try to make a difference in the lives of my own 3 children as often as possible. But, I am guilty of not seeing mybrother, cousins, and nieces and nephews as much as I should. I love them all. often think of them and something Id like to make them, or say to them, or do with them.

but time is short, and its easy to get lazy on the couch and vow to do it later.

but then something happens. Tony goes to war, Al gets in a car crash, and now, Rose, my sweet niece, gives birth to a baby, 16 weeks early.

Little Angel James was born on April 17, 2008, his great grandmothers birthday. he entered this side a tiny 1lb. 3 oz. barely 11 inches long, unable to breathe on his own or cry that sweet newborn cry, but here none the less and fighting hard to stay,

So Aunt Cindy kicked in. I dont know how I can related to so many people who are so stupid. My oldest brother doesnt even have enough sense to be here for his little brother, the babies granddad. I received no less than 3 calls telling me "rose lost the baby", Lori tries to talk serious business with a new mom trying to pump mlk for the first time.

but there is no lack of love, and that is what is keeping this dysfunctional family functioning. That, and for the first time in his life, my brother is sober and sane and together enough to be the father and grandfather that rose and angel james needs. the baby monitor above his little head read "baby cold" so I knitted him a hat, and booties. his little skin is not yet able to stand the pressure of the yarn, but as soon as he grows a little bit he will be cold no more, ever. I'll make sure of that.

And now Im thinking about the bassinet Im going to buy to have for this baby to lay in our family room, because Ive got a feeling that around august, when he really gets home, hes gonna need a quiet place to come every now and then.