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!!