She was born at 5:45 pm yesterday (after 23 hours of labor). This is one of many photos taken shortly after she made her way into the world. She tipped the scales at 7 lbs 2.5 ounces and is 20 inches long.
Ya know, I really can't believe it. My brother is a dad. My brother Keith...the guy that told me I was adopted when I was little. The person who used to "radiate" me with the remote control (absolute torment at the time and I still have a complex about it!). And my personal favorite when he convinced me I could boil an egg in the microwave (what a mess!). He is going to be a dad...Him.
Of course, there were all the times he stuck up for me, even when I talked my way into trouble. And let's not forget how he took care of me when I cut off a chunk of my thumb when I was in the 5th grade trying to carve my name into a pencil. Or the fact that when I lost my job and didn't have a clue what I was going to do, he paid to put my stuff in storage and moved it when he moved his. Then, when he found a job in Iowa, he let me come with him because there were more opportunities there than in Midland, Texas. He not only let me stay with him until I found my job in Minnesota, he also gave me money to get on my feet up here AND paid to move my belongings from Iowa.
Growing up with a single mom, my brother and I spent a lot of time together. Now, to be clear, we have a great mom, who did an amazing job raising my brother and I to exceed all expectations--and we did. Of course given the situation, my brother always carried more responsibilities. He had to look out for me. And while I spent many years resenting him for it, I don't think I would be where I am today if it where not for him and his "meddling." After I got rid of the chip on my shoulder, I came to realize that when no one else did, he and my mom would always be there for me.
So now that I think about it, Ava will have a terrific father. He had plenty of practice with me. Ava is extremely fortunate to have him as a parent!
Of course, there were all the times he stuck up for me, even when I talked my way into trouble. And let's not forget how he took care of me when I cut off a chunk of my thumb when I was in the 5th grade trying to carve my name into a pencil. Or the fact that when I lost my job and didn't have a clue what I was going to do, he paid to put my stuff in storage and moved it when he moved his. Then, when he found a job in Iowa, he let me come with him because there were more opportunities there than in Midland, Texas. He not only let me stay with him until I found my job in Minnesota, he also gave me money to get on my feet up here AND paid to move my belongings from Iowa.
Growing up with a single mom, my brother and I spent a lot of time together. Now, to be clear, we have a great mom, who did an amazing job raising my brother and I to exceed all expectations--and we did. Of course given the situation, my brother always carried more responsibilities. He had to look out for me. And while I spent many years resenting him for it, I don't think I would be where I am today if it where not for him and his "meddling." After I got rid of the chip on my shoulder, I came to realize that when no one else did, he and my mom would always be there for me.
So now that I think about it, Ava will have a terrific father. He had plenty of practice with me. Ava is extremely fortunate to have him as a parent!
P.S. I made a couple of things for both Jane and Ava and I do plan on sending them this week. Ava just came a little early!
E.
3 comments:
Eryka. this was just great. It brought back great memories!!!!
Ava is cute and what you said brought back a lot of memories of my big brother Roy. Once he convinced me that Santa Clause died in a chimney. I believed that for a long time.
I'm reading this right after we got a call from our daughter who is off in Korea teaching English. It is already Father's Day there, and she was calling Wilson to say happy day. Your post is a great Father's Day tribute to your brother.
Between the picture of Ava and your words about your family, these is a wee tear in my eye!
Congratulations, Auntie!
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