Congratulations are in order to my cousin Raymond and his wife Celeste on the birth of their third child on Saturday, Lauren Elizabeth. From all accounts, this was another healthy birth that went without a hitch.
It's funny how births on my mother's side of the family seem to go in cycles. My mother's family has been very small, especially when considering the immediate family members. Until I was nearly 18 years old, I remained the baby of the family. Since that time (1988), there have been six additions to the family; three boys & three girls.
In the process of getting to re-know this phase of the family, I have seen all but the newborn in the past sixteen months. The family splintered apart some time ago and I do have regrets that I've not spent more time with them. Last week on my trip to see my cousin's house, the kids hardly recognized me. Years ago, that would never have happened.
But the good feelings about a new family addition never waver in spite of never seeing them. This bodes well for the next generation, which will be very well-represented.
Congratulations again!
