Gathered and Growing

      Labor Day Weekend was spent together with family on the lake I grew up going to and even where I had my wedding. Flying with an almost 4 month old was a little daunting at first, but after planning and preparing, I became more confident (also my husband is wonderful). I’ll share how we did it in a later post. Feeling the breeze and listening to the sounds out on the screened in porch, sea doo rides, and watching the U.S. Open (watching tennis always makes me want to play) were just a few of my favorite moments. I learned that Lonnie loves watching the fish in my parents’ aquarium. Time spent with family is always the highlight of any trip. My mom planned out the meals–she loves taking care of the people she loves. 

       I knew we’d be seeing my family for Thanksgiving, but I couldn’t wait that long. I wanted my parents to visit with Lonnie, I wanted to hold my niece, and my twin sister to meet my baby. Early November, I Facetimed my twin sister (I live in Texas and she’s in Tennessee) to tell her I was pregnant. Halfway through the call I tell her and she says she’s pregnant too! An unplanned surprise. Our due dates were 3 days apart. We immediately planned it out to surprise our parents at Thanksgiving when we’d all be together in Alabama. 

     Fast forward to May. I gave birth to my son Alon (Lonnie) on May 4th, and she gave birth to her daughter Jane on May 7th. My parents visited with me in the hospital, flew home to AL, repacked their bags and drove to TN to be with my sister in time. I’m so thankful and blessed to have them. We are now blessed with this gift–our babies can grow up together so close in age. 

    It was set and planned to spend the weekend together this past Labor Day. We were all anticipating the moment our babies seeing each other for the first time. My husband, baby Lonnie, and I flew in on Thursday, while my twin sister, Natalie, her husband, Paul and baby Jane got there on Saturday. My younger sister, Olivia, had already met Lonnie (still so sweet seeing her peering behind us watching the moment). So many firsts in one picture: 

• Lonnie meeting his cousin Jane. 
• My husband and I meeting our niece. 
• Natalie and Paul meeting their nephew. 

Our babies won’t remember this moment, but it’s one we won’t be forgetting. A moment like this: tender and unforgettable.