…. there’s a gap? That sounds like a weird beginning to my post. Stick with me though. Mrs. Lessinges hung out with her co-workers last night as they made some wicked tasty meals. This means I got to have baby all to myself. It was very fun I must admit. The first thing Anna and I did was go for a walk. Did I bring the jogging stroller? Nope. I strapped on the Baby Bjorn and scooped Anna up. I put on my long coat and buttoned it around her to keep her warm.
[begin tangent] I’m sure I was quite the sight to see. Wearing a Baby Bjorn is about as close as a guy ever comes to feeling pregnant. I couldn’t see my feet at all. It was rather tricky navigating the rock steps at the community p-patch. We walked for about 45 minutes, snaking our way through the neighborhood. Anna couldn’t quite decide whether to turn her head left or right against my chest. When mom carries her in the Swedish harness, she can rest her face in the bosom. With dad, she’s not so lucky. [end tangent]
I love to stare at people’s houses and gardens while on my walks. However, when you have a child strapped to the front of your body, you kind of forget to smell the roses. I was a bit cautious when I approached the intersections. The sidewalks in Seattle are riddled with cracks from aggressive tree roots forcing their way through the pavement. Needless to say, I cried. I was overcome with emotion in the middle of the walk. I think it’s because we’re finally getting to a much more comfortable (i.e. less stressful point) with parenting. Out of nowhere a wave of emotion pulsed through my body and a few tears ran down my face. A huge grin took up residence on my face and wasn’t leaving.
This got me to thinking about my relationship with my mom. Happy 70th birthday Elaine! It’s great to have such an open relationship with my mom. As I walked Anna around the block, it boggles my mind how in the world my mom raised seven kids. By the time my mom was my age, 34, she already had five kids and was pregnant with son number five. That son would be me. I’ve mentioned this several times before on this blog, but I’m going to say it again. I had the best childhood. I really did. I look back very fondly to the first 13 years of my life. There wasn’t a day that passed (which I can remember) when I questioned if I was loved. That’s a large accomplishment when you’re one of many kids.
So once again mom, thank you. Whether it be sweaters you knitted for me, showing up at my swim meets, teaching me the differences between yellow and white stripes on the highway, and answering a curious little boy’s unrelenting questions… you’re a rock and a rock star. Your hearing may not be so great these days, however you’re still the magnificent mother who taught me the greatest lesson… affection. I love you mom, happy seven zero!
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Yes, I’m giving a shout out to Airam‘s dad and Armalicous too. Airam’s dad is exactly the same age as my mom. Sure he was born in Italy and my mom was born in New Jersey, but they are kindred souls as they share a birthday. I’ve never met Airam’s dad, but he did something right because his daughter is a pretty special woman. Have a kickass time at Marini’s.
Finally, the very lovely and talented Armalicious turns 28 today. She’s a great person I met blogging. For personal reasons she’s taken her blog offline for a bit, but she still takes time to chime in on many blogs. Talk about a heart, this young woman has a big one for sure. If you’re not sure who Armalicious is, she goes by many nicknames you may have seen: ARM, Mephisto, iPod Sock Bandit, Tina Loo, and Amanda to name a few.
Happy birthday to all… and to all… a good night!
i think it’s great how you and your wife both get to spend alone quality time with anna, and then spend time the three of you. bonding time is really special, that’s for sure. hopefully even as anna grows older you’ll keep this tradition going… your walks together, etc.
your mom seems like a real gem. to raise 7 children, wow, she had to be. what a great family it sounds like you grew up in, egan. and it’s so very apparent too, that this isnt something you just take for granted. your really know your roots, so to speak, and i think that really speaks to the wonderful person you are.
happy birthday again to your mom, airam’s dad, and the sweet armalicious today. have a great weekend.
Brookem – I do know my roots. Nice one there. You’re so witty. In all sincerity, thank you for saying such kind things. Family is really important and I believe my mom has done a great job. I know she’s far from perfect, but who isn’t? Go BoSox and have a great time tomorrow in the limo.
Seven kids and you all felt loved. That really is something to celebrate.
I think it’s sweet how you cry.
With dad, she’s not so lucky.
I have a hunch this is one of the reasons Mom is attracted to dad.
And what meno said.
What a wonderful tribute to you mom! I have said this before, but I am really gleaning a lot from your posts about being new parents. It’s a subject I know nothing about. And given that Max and I are hoping to start one ourselves, I’d better start learning. Your posts provide great insight. Thanks for sharing.
You are a fine young lad. Clever use of the word “wicked” – very Boston.
Aren’t you just the sweetest thing …
You’re a pretty special person too. And your mom done good rasing you and your brothers and sister. She’s definitely one of a kind. As are you.
Blink, blink. Red light.
Hope you’re having a good time! You’re most likely out partying as I type this … actually you are! I’m all about the radar.
How’s Outback? No rules, just right? I had Panera. Yum. I heart Panini’s
I love how you started out talking about your walk with Anna and ended with talking about your mom. I think I can say the same thing you said about Airam’s dad – I think Mama Lessinges definitely did something right as well. You’re a great person and I am sure she is proud of all you have accomplished. I’m quite glad to have stumbled upon your blog a few years ago. You’re a great friend and thank you so much for the birthday wishes and for the shout out. I feel quite special today. This goes to show what a great community of bloggers you all are. Merci mon amie!
Mephisto? Awesome.
You aren’t doing anything to help this ‘longing for another baby’ thing I’ve got going on.
A girl at my job just had a baby, and I swear I knew she was in the building a nanosecond before she even entered. (Oh, you know what I mean.. ) Anyway, her name is Audrey and she weighed 9 lbs 5 oz when she was born, so almost twice the size of sweet lil Anna. Anyway, I have a point, she made little ‘hiccup’ sounds and yawned and I got all teary eyed as I walked back to my desk. I don’t know what it is about babies. And my dad will be 70 in November. Interesting parallels you’ve got going on. You’ve got one new life, and one ..well.. not so new life, and both are moving testaments to family and love.
We have the Bjorn’s cousin, the Snugli. I love to wear G-man while walking. It’s funny to see the looks on people’s faces when they see a man carrying his baby. Like I’m a freak or something.
happy birthday to your mum and airam’s dad and Arm too! wow. My mum’s birthday is on the 14th, Librans everywhere!
I love it when dads wear those papoose thingies – especially the sling-type fabric ones that look straight out of a hippy commune.
You felt loved? Gosh, mom must have been slipping there…:-)
How’d dinner go-go?
I thought you were crying because the trees were having to push through the cement…now I realize it’s because you don’t have big breasts!
Hope you are having a good weekend, today’s Gerry’s bday…October is one long Hallmark investment for me and all my damn wishy-washy Libra friends!
Into every generation, a slayer (or excellent ass-kicking momma)is born…one girl in all the world, a chosen one, one with the strength and skill to raise 7 pretty decent kids…
Ok…I’m so glad that OlderBro went into the Buffy montage thingie. When I read your title I immediately thought that but refrained. I will blame this on the fact that I had a Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon yesterday. And I got Season 2 of the show as one of my bday presents! Woot! Anyway, he makes a good point – not many people could raise 7 kids – with the key word being decent.
I am saying this sincerely…I hope that whatever your mom was to you, I am to my kids. Every single time you write about her, or about anything at all, I can see how well she did at raising her kids. Your feelings about your mom are what I hope my kids someday feel about me. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman, and she definitely raised a wonderful, caring, kind, sweet son. Happy birthday to your mom, airam’s dad, and armalicious.
such a sweet post
I love that photo. Now we know exactly how you look from Anna’s vantage point!
Aw, that’s so sweet. Your mom sounds awesome, and Anna is very lucky too.
Maybe next time use duct tape, to tape your man chesticles together then Anna won’t be forced to chose sides.
Just a thought.
Happy Birthday to one and all. I’m glad you and your daughter are having a bang up time.
Aren’t we lucky to have amazing mothers? I hope their parenting skills are genetic.
What a lovely day with Anna!
Happy Birthday to your mother, Elaine. Thought I’ve not me her I’m sure she is every bit as fabulous as you say she is…how her son turned out is proof!
And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARM!
xoxo, Pants
Happy Bday Maman Singe!
I’ve been out of the loop for a while….what a sweet post! So few people, period, can say they had great childhoods, and it’s great that you appreciate that!
Baby Bjorns are AWESOME!
Cxx
anna’s pretty good with the camera. more tech savvy in her young age than ill ever be.
Happy birthday to Momma Egan!
This post made me cry – your raw emotion at the realization of such complete and utter joy and contentness in your life is amazing…a very special happy birthday to your Mother too..I am glad you have such a special relationship..
Awww, yay for quality time.
Happy Birthday to your mommy! I say that totally seriously, she sounds so special.
And happy birthday to the other kindered spirits, as well.
Meno – I’m glad you think it’s sweet I cry. I usually cry while on my own. It’s not that I’m trying to hide my tears, but for some reason they more easily flow when I’m out by myself. Thanks.
Patches – yeah, it’s a damn good thing I don’t have man boobs.
Diane Mandy – thank you for saying that. I have little clue what we are doing, but so far it’s working out okay. Being a new parent is like being some sort pioneer. New discoveries everywhere.
Chris – I thought you and Brookem might enjoy the “wicked”.
Airam – you’re very nice. I think my mom did a great job for reals. She’s had a profound impact on who I am as a person.
Airam – how’s the radar now? Can you see me now? How did things go with your dad? I should have sent him a photo of my mom and you could have returned the favor. Maybe next year.
Armalicious – Panera is new to Seattle, but I do like their stuff. It’s a nice comfortable place to eat and free wifi. I’m glad you had a nice birthday weekend. Mad props to you.
Armalicious – I thought you’d get a kick out of the Mephisto nickname.
Golden – you’re going to have to avoid me because you really do have some strong baby impulses. The baby coughes, yawns, stretches, and even farts are cute. Anything they do is cute. I will even go as far as to say crying is cute. Audrey you say… noted.
JQ – yeah, as if it’s not the role of a man to carry a baby. Ugh. By the way, welcome to my blog. I think you may have commented once before, but I’m going to welcome you again.
Mez – how was your mum’s birthday? Do some fun stuff to celebrate? I don’t have the sling à la the hippie commune, but it still does the job. The back is sore so it’s a good thing Anna is tiny.
OlderBro – the dinner went well. Anna and Nancy were able to attend and Anna slept through the entire event. Yeah, that’s a good thing.
OlderBro – is this a Buffy slogan or something?
Armalicious – I never got into Buffy all that much, but apparently you and my brother have much to chat about. Spike is kind of cute.
Tori – now aren’t you kind. I’m going to guess your kids already feel this way about you, yet they aren’t at a point where they can really express their gratitude.
Okay enough Al bashing, get to work answering these comments so you can write a new post about Jesus. Oh, and thanks for the Outback invite, who doesn’t love that place?!
Celeste – thank, I thought the picture turned out pretty damn good. I love digital cameras, yes I do.
Cheryl – my mom, my family, Anna, my wife… everyone, they’re all awesome.
Brandy – you really typed “chesticles”? I think you’re my new bff.
Nessa – bang up times are good. She’s a really great baby, then again I’m terribly biased.
*pixie* – do parenting skills get passed down? Nah, my sister isn’t so great. Oops, she’s doing her best is what I meant to say.
Pants – are you trying to get more free yarn?
ChickyBabe – merci mon amie.
Claire – wow, it has been awhile. How goes it? Baby Bjorns are nice. I do wish we got the one with lumbar support though. Right now our daughter is small enough it doesn’t hurt too much. When she weighs more though, then I might have a different opinion.
Brookem – you know what, she really does take great pictures. She even knows how to use the tripod. Fodder.
The Grunt – thanks sir. I hope all is going as good as it can for you.
Princess Extraordinaire – thanks for saying this. It wasn’t my intention to make too sappy of a post. I get the feeling when I read this post a few months from now, I will need a facial tissue.
Justrun – kindred spirits = bloggers. I like blogging and this great group of people who stop by and offer support, laughter, insight, etc. Vive le blogging. Thanks for your comment.
Brandy – I figured you’d like the Outback invite. We can meet up in Nebraska where our favorite blogger without a blog resides. You know I love Al more than you love KC.
Your mom totally rocks!
I, for one, sincerely hope that you’re not planning on growing a set of moobs to rectify the breathing thing,
Tall Chick – moobs can be so sexy though. Don’t try and pretend to not be supportive. Think of all the great stuff that one could do. Yeah, my mom is pretty special.
Moobs are never sexy. I’m as supportive as a burnt bra.^_^
Tall Chick – please explain the burnt bra thing. Thank you kindly.
No need, I’m sure!