The Lt is often out training “in the field” overnight, sometimes for longer than others. This time it was a full month of cold-weather training in the mountains, which is why little Pippo and I decided to leave sunny Southern California for some cold-weather training of our own in Massachusetts.
When traveling in the wilds of New England, it's best to bring a lion for protection. Or maybe two. |
We almost didn't go: I have a real mental block when it comes to flying (my husband, mother, and sister can attest to this, as they have all witnessed the basketcase that is Rosie Buying Plane Tickets. It's pathetic). It's just not my favorite thing. For one thing, it combines two things I really don't enjoy: committing to a schedule long in advance and spending big chunks of money.
I also don't think it helped that while I was pregnant with little Philip I took seven flights (eleven, if you count the connections between Dallas and the little regional airport in Oklahoma. And you should, considering it was a very small, very bumpy plane, and I was very morning sick). And apparently when I'm pregnant, the flying itself isn't my favorite thing.
(Not to be a complainer or anything. I realize I'm a big baby about all this!)
Anyway, all that was fresh in my mind, and the thought of adding a little baby into the travel mix was almost too much for me to process. But between a husband who was anxious for me to have company and help while he was gone, and many family members VERY anxious to meet our little one, I bit the bullet and booked the tickets.
And you know what? The traveling really wasn't so bad! Pippo was a champ, we had patient seatmates, kind flight attendants, and (surprise!) I wasn't pregnant anymore, so all that flying-while-pregnant business didn't apply.
And even if the flights had been harder, it would have been worth it, because it brought several lovely weeks of visiting and introducing Philip to all sorts of friends and relatives, all eager to fall head over heels in love with my little man!
I took so many pictures – mostly of different people holding the baby because, let's face it – that was pretty much the point of the trip!
Just hanging out with Uncle Will. They're cool like that. |
Our visit conveniently overlapped with Will's spring break, and my DC-area siblings (none of whom were on break) all moved things around so they could make the trip up to meet their new nephew. I'm so glad they did!
Sukie came up first, because she didn't want to have to compete with Deirdre and Jojo for baby-holding time.
There's not much that beats a baby wrapped up in a towel after a bath. |
Sukie gets two pictures because we posted one of her in her pajamas before. Though, for the record, she looks cute in her pajamas! |
Jojo and Deirdre made it the following weekend, which is especially impressive in Deirdre's case, as this visit was sandwiched between a spring break mission trip to Jamaica and senior philosophy comps! She is one dedicated Aunt.
She also has the magic touch. |
Uncle Joe couldn't get enough of this little guy. |
I was especially excited for little Philip to meet Habou… it's not every day you get to introduce someone to her first great-grandchild!
The night before I left, we realized we didn't have a shot of all four generations together! |
We might be related… |
Trying to convince the baby he wasn't done having his picture taken yet. |
And my dad… to say he eager to meet Pippo would be an understatement. He settled into his role as grandfather quite naturally.
My husband likes to remind me that now the three most important men in my life are named Philip. Here are two of them! |
And of course, the Lt's family lives only a town or two over from mine, which meant we got to see lots of them, too!
Pippo with his Aunt Sarah (on Ash Wednesday; hence the dirty forehead!) |
Uncle Rob is a baby whisperer. |
With the Lt's sister Annie and her kids, plus Aunt Sarah! |
Getting a “Cousins” shot of three little ones is surprisingly hard! |
Playing games with his grandpa Pops, the Lt's dad. |
One of the Lt's sisters is on her way to becoming a Sister at a convent that's right by where our parents live. Which means we got to see her, too!
What do you call someone who is both an Aunt and a Sister? (Also, see that sweater Pippo's wearing? I wore it when I was his age, too!) |
We had lunch with all the Sisters on St. Patrick's day – needless to say, they loved little Philip! |
In fact, little Philip has now met his entire family except for two of the Lt's brothers – one is at school in Dallas, and the other left for several months of mission work in India mere days before we arrived (poorly planned, us!).
I did feel a little guilty having fun with them while the Lt was off trudging through the snowy mountains. Next time we'll all go!
Betsy M says
Don't you just love big families! He looks like one very loved little baby.
priest's wife says
oooo- I am jealous of all the extended family love- but it is wonderful!
re: airplanes- if it is safe, I don't complain BUT once I had to do a 16 hour flight plus layovers alone with a barely 3 year old and barely 2 year old. Sooooo: we would all go to the bathroom together- in those tiny-for-one-person-bathroom AND someone died of a heart attack (rest his soul) over the atlantic, so for some legal reason, we landed in N. Canada and sat there, unable to get out, for 7 hours- then we continued on. The worst part? The airlines gave NO INFO about us sitting in canada for 7 hours, so my husband was waiting for us with NO INFO- they didn't even put 'delayed'- they just took the flight off the board. He was scared.
Rosie says
Oh my goodness. That is terrible! You are very brave!
Anne says
that was fun! the cousin picture you chose is hilarious! they are all making similar silly faces.
ebbs says
Dear Leila—If you'll permit the liberty, your children are so attractive. I know looks are supposed to be minor, but they are all very lovely, and all have delightful, intelligent, unselfish expressions. Congratulations on bringing up a handsome family!
Lisa says
Leila, I agree. It's inspiring, somehow. Comforting.
Kathryn says
I love all the pictures and seeing how everyone is so excited over your little man! Reminds me of when my husband was in the Navy and we had our first son!
Mary says
Looks like a wonderful trip. Family is the best! So glad everything went well. Love all the pictures.
katie says
How nice! Looks like your little guy and my youngest little guy are about the same age (Asher was born mid-November). We always tried to take advantage of my husband's time in the field, as well, visiting family and old college room mates. A good family is such a blessing. Congratulations on your little fella; he's adorable!
Anitra says
You have an Asher? So do I!! Mine was just born in January. 🙂
The only other Asher I've met is a teenage boy at our church.
Kalee says
Awww, looks like you had an incredible trip! And I love the photo of him with the sister at the end….she looks delighted!
Lisa says
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. To see these pictures reminds me…
Life is good!
Melanie B says
I love all the pictures. Such a sweet little guy and very loved!
Mamabear says
How wonderful! I am an only child and my husband has just one sibling, and we don't see our extended families. Your post here is exactly what I want for my own kids someday! Lovely. You are all just precious.
kerichojoy says
Such wonderful photos and an exciting time for all!
Ann Marie says
I thought my son was cute…and then I saw your little guy. He's adorable!
Judy@Learning says
Lovely photos! I enjoyed them all. Big families are special blessings all in themselves.
Sue says
Rosie,
That was such a nice post. I'm so glad you overcame your angst and visited.
Aunt Sue
Cammy says
Why, you just call her “Auntie Sister.” My uncle is a priest and we still call him Uncle Father Jim. Doesn't sound strange to us at all 😉
Deirdre says
There's no picture of little Philip with his Auntie Ellen!
Rosie says
I know! I failed. We only saw her once (which was sad in itself) and it was the one time the whole trip I didn't have my camera with me! But Pippo loved her.
Tia@ClanMcKenna says
I would love to take your little lion along to protect me on my next venture into the wilds of airline travel. Each time I swear I'm never going again, yet each time, I go! Love your sweet family and all the pics. I smiled. A lot.