A New Arrival

Yesterday, Laura's Brother (Sean) and his wife (Reann) had their baby. We were very happy to hear the news, and I'm pleased to report that both mother and daughter are doing fine. I don't know what it is about our families and their pattern of having babies in August or September, but the trend continues. I guess it would be more accurate for me to say "I don't know what it is about our families and their pattern of conceiving in November and December, but the trend continues."

Lets have a run down, shall we: Niece Anna (8-21-1990), Nephew Timothy (8-21-2003), our son Brady (8-22-1993), my mom Norma (8-31-1938), our daughter Nina (9-5-2000), Niece Christine (9-15-1994), newborn Niece Ava (9-17-2007), Niece Kira (9-??-1999), my grandfather Joseph (9-16-1909), Laura's grandmother Bertha (9-25-1935), aunt Grace (9-28-1921), and uncle Gilbert (9-30-1942). There are also three family wedding anniversaries during the months of August and September.

Needless to say, trying to plan a child's party is very difficult because some of the kid's birthdays are so close that parties are sometimes booked on the same day. Here's what we started doing a couple of years ago. We have one family party where all the family attends and brings gifts for all the kids celebrating during the those two months. Then, each of us have a 2nd party so that each kid can invite their friends. (Family is invited too, but it's understood that they don't bring a gift to that party.) It's also understood if some of the family can't attend that 2nd party because they have another party to attend for one of the others celebrating a birthday. It's confusing, but it works.

Since most of the kids celebrating their birthdays are on my side of the family, my mom hosts the family party. She gets birthday presents too since her birthday is during this time period as well. If your birthday was in August or is in September - Happy Birthday To You!