Here she is, baby Nola, born Sunday, November 23rd, just before 10 a.m.– the child that is born on the Sabbath day, is bonny and bright and good and gay (and this nursery rhyme, of course, dates way back to a time when gay meant joyous, happy, good-natured)
I suspect I may want to say a bit more about the birth itself and my feelings watching my daughter become a mother, watching the strength of hers and Adam’s relationship, but for now, I’ll leave you with these photos. I spent quite a few hours at their place yesterday and today, holding Nola while B&A tried to catch some sleep, and now I’ve got to play a bit of catch-up before resuming classes tomorrow.
Would you just look at those eyebrows!
Anyone who knows the family, feel free to let me know who you see most clearly in little Nola’s face — so far, I just see a clone of Adam, but I’m sure Bronwen must be in there somewhere.
Thank you for the pictures! I think I get to meet her tomorrow in person, and I’m very excited! Mr Ripley just looked at the picture and the first thing he said is that she has B’s eyes, and I agree, but see Adam in her nose and mouth. I’m sure I’ll have another opinion after I’ve seen her in person. She’s so adorable- not squished at all as some newborns are.
And I notice you don’t mention her middle name… a big honour for you!
She’s a doll! Enjoy that sweet bundle, and I look forward to reading more of your thoughts on this momentous occasion.
Nola, hello gorgeous Nola, with your perfect little face – sorry but I get all mushy around babies, (I’m actually typing this in a baby voice too). Nola, what a great name!
You’re welcome, Miss R., and say hi for me to Nola tomorrow. I did mention in comments yesterday that she has my middle name, but since I’m trying to be discreet about my teaching identity (really don’t want a zillion students knowing too much about my personal life, altho’ I realize it’s always a possibility, given the picture and all). I love my name on her better than on me — It’s got a great rhythm with Adam’s last name.
Pseu: thank you, and yes, I don’t think I’m done writing about this experience yet so I’m glad you won’t mind humouring me a bit longer.
Cybill: Do you need a special keyboard for that? Do you think this Nana should order one? 😉
Congratulations to you and yours! What a beautiful baby.
What a darling! Thank you for sharing these photos!
Cute, cute, cute! I, too, am really looking forward to reading your thoughts. It must have been a really powerful experience. And how sweet that they gave her your middle name. Patricia
Positively perfect in every way.
Oh what a darling!
Thanks all — isn’t she lovely?
Oh my gosh, I totally see Meg in the last picture.
rachel
My friends say they are completely in love with their grandchildren and want to do everything for them. Seeing Nola, understand why. I have not even met her, am not even in her family, but want to just squeeze her gorgeous cheeks and then give her every good thing in the world.
WHATEVER!!!I sooooo see Brown in there. Adams nose maybe, I really see my sisters eyes and beautiful lips
Rachel: I can’t see that yet, but if you do, I’m sure it’s there and I’ll get it eventually.
Duchesse: A friend/neighbour of mine, Carol Matthews (there’s a link to posts on her in my “I Write about” list, bottom of the right column) has written a lovely little book called The First Three Years of a Grandmother’s Life capturing this new relationship’s intensities. I’ve given it to friends becoming grandmothers and now I’ll be rereading it and comparing it with my own responses. And I’ll see what she says about squeezing little cheeks 😉
Meg: I see Bronwen’s lips, especially — very like when B was born, actually. And I’m starting to see her in the eyes as well. The first day or so, though, she was absolutely McG!
all teary here. Congratulations to Bronwen and Adam. What a bonny baby. I agree with Girlcook, I see Bronwen’s eyes and mouth. I can’t wait to meet her.
Le Duc asks “Will it be Grandmaterfamilias now?”
It is a profound event for a family to see the ancestral line continue, so congratulations to all the family.
Alison: By the time you get back, she’ll be sitting up, smiling, cooing, all the good stuff! I’ll pass your congrats along. Missing you . . .
Duchesse: Yes, I did wonder about Grandmaterfamilias. One of my doctoral program friends commented on my facebook that I should be Dr. Nana! I rather like it 😉
And yes, I have been thinking of that long line backwards through the ancestors and now forwards to progeny we can only imagine.
Hi Frances,
Yes, of course, you’re right: I should have checked your blog instead of wondering why you hadn’t called or emailed. Can’t quite get on to it but am glad that you’re on to it because that’s a wonderful description — though I’m sure you’ll have more to say about the experience — and terrific photos. I see Bronwen and indeed Aunt Meg, as well. What fun you will all have. Congratulations to all of you. Can’t wait to meet Nola in person!
Love to all,
Carol and Mike
That baby has the most tremendous and noble nose.
Yes, Thomas, we pride ourselves on the noses in this family! Strong noses indeed!
She’s adorable! I see your husband in her eyes. So alert, taking it all in. Congratulations a tout la famille!