Stretching out the gift-giving season

For more than a week now, whenever my phone would ring, I’d shriek “Has the baby arrived?” Then, I’d dash to see if call display showed a number from my mom or either of my sisters.  

Yesterday, THE call came in. My brother-in-law phoned to announce that my youngest sister delivered another healthy niece. Yay!

Bienvenue au monde, ma petite nièce, sobrina, nipote, systerdotter, neptem…[I’m researching how to say niece in other languages, at least until this infant has her own name.  :)  ]

I’m thrilled that the proud parents could experience a safe, home birth with the help of their gifted midwife, Jackie.

Best of all, my niece has entered a world of love. The day she arrived, she was surrounded by her incredible parents, an adorable sister, a beaming grandmother and the doting Howard.

And that’s the people who happened to be under the same roof. Love was showered on her at a distance by her aunties and uncles from Vancouver, Ottawa and Charlottetown, plus there are other grandparents, cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles, and friends eager to meet her.

All the wrapping paper may be stored away until next year, but this baby’s arrival is a gift to trump all others.  

      AWESOME!