I Am A Grandmother - Welcoming Gino Bossie Altieri to the World

The past 4 days have been like a whirlwind and my heart is so full.  Marc and Charlotte gave birth to my newest little grandson, Gino Bossie Altieri, born on December 11, 2014, weighing 8 lbs. 4 oz., 21 inches long, and looking perfect…a perfect blend of his mom and his dad.   

I have wanted to write a blog to capture the event but didn’t know what I would write.  How do I capture in words an experience that is beyond words?  But I know that once I start writing, any blog really writes itself…so here goes!

Gino is the son of my third son, Marc...my baby.  I have always been amazed that each of my children has a unique connection to me, and since Marc was 5 years younger than his brother Mike, he and I had time together, as if he was an only child, while his brothers were in school. Because of that, I think we have a unique connection.  We would run errands together during the day, and he would sit in the passenger seat next to me with his little feet barely hanging over the seat edge, and he would chatter away telling me all the important things that were in his little mind.  He told me “I think my hobby is talking!”  And we have always talked.  Sometimes joyfully, sometimes painfully…but we have always talked and shared honestly what was inside of us. 

For years I listened as Marc told me of his desire to have a family.  He didn’t long for fancy things, or status…in fact he seemed to go out of his way to prove he was different.  But he did long for a life partner and a family.  However…he never met a girl that he could connect with in a soulful, meaningful way.  He would tell me that maybe he needed to accept the fact that he would remain a bachelor, that he would never have a family.  I carried his longing in my heart.

Then at 43, he met Charlotte and his life changed.  He found someone who wanted all the love he had to give and would accept him for who he was…would love him with a warmth and sensitivity and spirit  that is priceless.  She was someone that he could gather in, love and protect, support and share life with in a way that was authentic.  They are so good together!

Marc and Charlotte - 2013

So at 44 he became a father and he and Charlotte brought Gino into our life.  I have been amazed at how the two of them approached this birth, truly a team.  Marc went to every Dr.’s appointment, charted her progress, photographed her growing figure, talked to his son in-utero.  He attended lactation classes and ended up knowing more about breastfeeding than I did, after nursing three children. He never left her side through the entire delivery and recovery.

Cutting the cord.

Hi little guy!

First Family Photo!

The day of the birth, it was truly a family event.  Everyone was gathered at the waiting room of Long Beach Memorial Hospital.  

Uncle Fred & Aunt Sharon, Joey & Kimberly, Poppa, Mom & Jay and Mike Pedersen...waiting!

His brother Michael, who was on a business trip, was connected through constant text messages.  Michael even had Facetime with his new nephew via his iPhone just hours after the birth. 

Hi Uncle Mike!

But I honestly don’t know what thrilled me more…the gift of this precious new baby or watching the elation on the face of my son.  

 

In the room, with Charlotte's Aunt Vickee, her brother Brian & Samantha

Parenting is not easy.  Having my three sons has given me the greatest joys and the most intense pain  I have experienced in my life.  All any parent wants for their children is their happiness.  Seeing Marc so radiant with joy…holding his son, calming him, changing is diaper, helping him latch on to Charlotte’s breast, tending to Charlotte’s needs…my heart is so full and I am so grateful.

So this blog did write itself.  And surprise…it was more about Marc than about Gino!  But I guess  that is my perspective as a mother.  We remarked in the waiting room that having a child is having your heart walk outside of your body.  That holds true whether that child is 1 day old or 44 years old.  

The greatest joy for me is that Marc and Charlotte have invited me in.  They have allowed me to be intimately involved in this glorious event.  And isn’t that all any parent longs for…to be allowed to share in their children’s lives…be it joy or sadness…but to share in their lives.

 

Welcome to the world, little Gino Bossie Altieri.   

Every child should be as wanted and loved as you are!

I Am A "Mima" - Waiting for Gino's Birth!

Time flies when you are having fun!  Last August 6^th I wrote a blogpost about anticipating the arrival of my third grandchild, Gino Bossie Altieri.  At the time, Gino was about the size of a banana, weighing about 1 pound.  And now, here we are just about 4 weeks away from his arrival into our arms!

Having a new baby galvanizes a family.  Everyone on both sides of Gino’s family is caught up in the excitement.  On Saturday Milli, Charlotte’s Aunt Vickee Turner and I hosted  a Couples’ Baby Shower for  a little over 40 close family and friends.   

Milli, Vickee, Charlotte, Patricia

We ate, 

I interrupted the football game to call everyone to the table!

A buffet spread...

Fantastic cake from Vickee!

we laughed,

Have you ever heard of "pee-pee teepees!"

we told stories, played games

Milli showing items for the game, "The Price Is Right!"

Uncle Joey and Kimberly putting down their guesses.

We watched Marc and Charlotte open a multitude of gifts.  

 

Mamma Mia!  So many gifts!

Since this is my blog, I can put in the picture of the Converse booties I knitted that were part of my gift!

The most touching moment for me was when Michael handed over the family cradle to Marc.   

This cradle has rocked the family babies for almost 100 years.  Legend has it my mother was rocked in it after her birth in 1916. I know I and my siblings all occupied it.  All three of my sons were rocked in it.  And both of my grandsons, Nikolas and Gabriel were in it.  I never knew what a bassinette was…I thought everyone had cradles.  It fit so nice next to the bed and if the infant stirred all I had to do was reach out and give it a gentle push.

  

The cradled outfitted with wonderful bedding by Mike and Milli with a picture of Marc when he was in the cradle.

 Now Gabriel passed it on to his new cousin, Gino.

Just as Marc and Charlotte are preparing their house for Gino, I am preparing my “nest!”   

Gino’s Drawer is labeled and waiting for spare clothes and toys.  

 I have newborn size diapers and wipes.  

 

 I have a Burl Ives CD of some of my favorite children’s songs…like “The Little White Duck!”  

 

I wish he wasn't holding that cigar!!

The little Travel Lite bed is set up for his crib, right next to the rocking chair.  

And so we wait.  I know the day will come when we can't remember what it was like without Gino in our midst, but for the moment we wait.  How fortunate we are, that in the midst of times that can seem out-of-control, the world in turmoil and uncertainty, we can close the door on all of it and be reminded that a new baby is like the beginning of all things.  A new baby is a wonder.  A new baby is a hope for the future and a dream of possibilities.  A new baby fills a place in our heart that we never knew was empty.

Gino, the world and the family is ready for you.  Our arms and our hearts are wide open.  You are sooooo wanted!! 

I Am A Kings Fan - Celebrating Lord Stanley's Cup...Again

Two years ago, my son, Michael, realized a lifelong dream…his Los Angeles Kings won the Stanley Cup.  Here we are two years later and to quote Yogi Berra, “It’s déjà vu all over again!”

As the VP of Communications and Broadcasting, Michael was permitted to have the Cup on Saturday to celebrate with about 250 of his closest family and friends!  He was able to use the Stadium Club at the Stubhub Center for the afternoon and what a Gala it was.  It started with a welcome by Mike, an appeal for donations to the Hydrocephalus Fund through Kings Care Foundation, and then he and Gabriel carried Lord Stanley’s Cup to its place of honor.   

The venue filled with people, many wearing Kings apparel identifying their favorite players.  They sipped wine and beer and nibbled on appetizers while waiting in line for their turn to touch, kiss, and have their photo taken with the Cup.

I loved every minute of it because it gave me a chance to catch up with friends and family. But more importantly it gave me a chance to experience my son’s happiness.  As I wandered the room, snapping pictures here and there, my youngest son, Marc, asked me if I was going to blog about the event.  "Of course," I said.  "My blog is to capture important moments in my life.” Then he asked me, “What is going to be the message of the blog?  You know, you always have an underlying message, Mom!”   

So I thought about it.  What was the “bottom line” message or “take away” from the day?  My mind kept conjuring up images of Michael full of joy to be with people from all the different aspects of his life.  There was Matt Carroll, whom he had worked with when he was 14 years old, washing golf carts and gathering range balls at Alondra Golf Course.  He remembers Matt as his first “mentor” and was able to thank him again for his impact on Mike’s life.

There were high school friends and friends from his early twenties when he was in college and working as an usher at the Forum.  

Longtime friend, Rick Jelinek flew in from Minn. with his two children, just to be present.

 

There were current friends who share in his and Milli’s life.

There was Family...the Castillo Family who have embraced him as one of their own since his marriage to Milli.    

The Rinaldi Family…his Uncles and cousins.  

The Altieri Family, a cousin who came in from San Diego.  

 His immediate family…his brothers,

Even Gino (in utero) with his mom and dad.

  

And most important his own family of Milli and Gabriel.

After the big event, a smaller group of family and friends gathered at the Salt Creek Grill to continue the celebration, and sipping from the Cup.

At one point Michael stopped by me and said… "Mom isn’t this great.  When would I ever have such a chance to have all the people in my life who have been important to me be in one place with me. These people made me who I am.  I am so grateful that I can share this with them.”

And that is my message…that our lives are “seasoned” with significant people, people who touched us in various ways and at various times, and contributed to our growth.  They may just pass through or they might stay around.  But for whatever time they are present, they have an impact.  Michael is a loyal person and invests the time and effort to maintain his connections with those who have impacted his life. It is because of that, that he and everyone else was able to have such a wonderful event.  In the end, it is a gift he gave to himself!  I am proud of the Kings, but I am more proud of Michael!

So the pictures are captured, the blog is written, and we will wait for the next season when we hope we can experience “déjà vu all over again.”  We wait for you…Lord Stanley’s cup!!