Introducing . . .

Here she is. Our newest granddaughter, Francesca Rose, already going by the nickname Frankie. . . .Only 4 days old, she left the hospital yesterday. I’ve already managed close to an hour of holding her, but we’re back on the island now, where I’m juggling between term start-up and hanging out with a 5-year old. Faculty, department, committee meetings all structure a schedule that I’m working my assignment and lecture preparation, printshop orders, classroom checks and office organizing around. Pater and I are trying to figure out efficient ways to get Little Girl to her afternoon Intro to Boats Camp while still getting our work done and making some happy memories of Two Weeks with Nana and Granddad at the Beach. Luckily, she’s an easygoing child who entertains herself happily for extended periods and who sleeps long and solidly and eats fuss-free.

We’re working out some plans for getting back to the big city to help the new family get their routines established, maybe even find a bit of sleep. Life is rich and/but complicated. Three granddaughters! Oh my goodness!

Seems appropriate to include this picture of this morning’s sunrise here. When I saw the sun popping over the horizon much earlier today, I was struck by this daily miracle’s affinity with the miracle of Frankie’s new life, the way she transforms all of ours. Hers, the sun’s, they’re both ordinary miracles, commonplace, but no less transcendent for all that.

15 Comments

  1. givi
    18 August 2014 / 6:34 pm

    Congratulations! Beautiful photo of the sunrise! It is a miracle every time, both sunrises/sets and new lives.

  2. K-Line
    18 August 2014 / 7:46 pm

    Oooh, what a cutie! And her lovely name such a tribute to her nana. I do love the nickname Frankie 🙂

  3. Catherine
    18 August 2014 / 7:48 pm

    Many congratulations on your new granddaughter! Such a pretty baby and such a beautiful name. You are blessed.

  4. Madame LĂ -bas
    18 August 2014 / 10:51 pm

    What a sweet-looking little baby girl! You sound as though you have your hands full in a nice sort of way. I'm sure that your happy five-year old will have fun during her visit.Those sunrises are so special and we should cherish them as the days grow shorter.

  5. Maggie
    18 August 2014 / 11:13 pm

    What a beautiful baby girl with an equally beautiful name! Congratulations!

  6. Pondside
    19 August 2014 / 12:32 am

    Miraculous indeed, in the way that those wonderful life-altering occurrences like birth and sun rise and falling in love with each and every grandchild are miraculous. Frankie is so very sweet. Congratulation!!………and good luck with the coming weeks of juggling engagements……..and engagements, Juggling.

  7. Patricia
    19 August 2014 / 12:54 am

    Congratulations! Hope you manage to carve out some time to go and help out the new family – they will surely appreciate it.

  8. Susan B
    19 August 2014 / 3:29 am

    Congratulations to all! What joy you all must be feeling amid the hectic life-goes-on pace.

  9. Studio
    19 August 2014 / 1:21 pm

    Wow. How lucky are you!

  10. Lorrie
    19 August 2014 / 3:38 pm

    Frankie – such a cute name for a wee little girl. Such joy. I love the way you paralleled the sun's rising and Frankie's life regarding transformation. Lovely thoughts. Hectic days indeed, filled with duties and love. Congratulations again!

  11. Anonymous
    19 August 2014 / 8:07 pm

    Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl and a beautiful name (homage to Nana? 🙂
    Dominique

  12. Smithposts...
    20 August 2014 / 12:22 am

    Congratulations. A beautiful new life with an appropriately lovely name.

  13. Brenda
    20 August 2014 / 1:52 am

    What a beautiful baby girl is little Frankie! Best wishes to all.

  14. Miss Cavendish
    20 August 2014 / 3:42 am

    Beautiful! I love her name too . . .

  15. materfamilias
    25 August 2014 / 1:26 am

    You're all so kind — thank you! Hope you'll pardon me for not managing individual responses at this busy time.

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