Ode to Family

This so should have been my first post. But it's appropriate that it is going up for Thanksgiving. I am long overdue in doing a tribute to Dominic's extended family. From the first day, we have had so much support and help that it's about time I gave these Earthly Angels a mention.

My mom: Martie Etheridge ("Gram"). All I can say is wow. Did you know that even though Gram was there right from the moment Dominic made his appearance in the delivery room, she didn't get to hold him until he was 3 days old? You know WHY? Because her daugher (me) was so paranoid about making sure everyone ELSE got their turn that I never realized she hadn't got hers. And my mom just waited patiently and didn't swoop in and take over. Nope. She cooked a huge stroganoff dinner for everyone for Dominic's homecoming, and I never offered for her to hold the baby. What a louse I am! Even then, Mom spent 5 nights in our guest room, waking up every two hours to help me (finally getting a chance to hold him). I felt bad to be disturbing her and tried to do it myself and send her back to bed, but I bet she would've loved it if I would have let her fuss over her first grandson (and her own baby, me), even if it was 3am.

She has really used AMAZING restraint... she has so much wonderful insight and so much wonderful experience, yet she tries so hard to let me find my own way. When she makes a suggestion, I often retort with some anecdote I read in a book or something one of the "experts" has said about knocking down an "old-fashioned" technique. Yet, she keeps coming, keeps helping, keeps loving me and trying to give me some confidence as a mother myself. How on earth can I ever thank her enough? I thank God that she is here and I pray she will be here long after Dominic has his own children to help me learn to be as fantastic, patient, and inspiring of a Grandmother as she is. Here is Mom giving Dominic his first full bottle, which was November 6. Isn't she beautiful? Even moreso inside than out.

My mother-in-law: Cleo Masingill ("Nana"). She has seriously been here sweeping up dog hair and making sure I am eating probably 3 times a week since Dominic's arrival. She loves Dominic so much, and it shows. She changes him and holds him and pushes him around the house in the bassinette. She worries he is warm enough. And she, too, puts up with me and tries not to tell her opinions but bites her tongue and just waits to be asked.

One day, Dominic was going through a "growth spurt" where he was eating and eating (and throwing up and throwing up) voraciously for like 6 hours. When Eddie called to see how I was doing, I tried to sound like I had it all together on the phone, but Eddie saw right through me. He asked if I wanted him to call someone to help me, but I said no NO! About 10 minutes later, Cleo called, saying she "just happened to be in the area" (which is actually about 40 minutes from her home in Buena Park... hmmm). And she and Eddie's sister, Maryke, came over and sat with the baby while I showered and ate. I'm so blessed to know I can count on my own mother and father to deal with my idiosyncracies, but it is a really wonderful feeling to know the in-laws will come to my rescue, too.

My brother and sister-in-law: Uncle John & Auntie Karla Etheridge. As if raising 3 perfect Angel girls wasn't enough of a gift from them to the human race, these guys see to it that I have lots of encouragement, extra hands, and an invitation to dinner anytime I need them. The other night when Eddie was away at an SC game for dinnertime, they invited me for brisket. Due to my ill-planned feed-and-leave timing, I arrived an hour after dinner was to have started. There was dinner, all Saran-wrapped with love, waiting for me, and the whole Etheridge family welcomed me with open arms rather than being bent out of shape for my tardiness. Anyone can tell Karla is dying to hold Dominic whenever she sees him, but if she has even the slightest sniffle, she restrains herself to keep him safe. Karla has also had the magic touch when it comes to working on Dominic accepting a pacifier. And John always has some little kernel to feed my soul.. some word to prop me up so I can make another run at parenting as well as he and Karla have. The support from both of them means so much.

The Grandpas: My dad, Johnny Etheridge ("Granddaddy") and Eddie's stepdad, Jim Masingill ("Nano"). Not only do these guys put up with their wives being MIA, sacrificing their own dinners, home maintenance, and movie dates so the Grandmas can feed me and clean my house, but they themselves are over here constantly making sure Eddie and I and our new little boy have everything working right and all our dreams coming true. Just a few days ago, I had complained to my dad about a gross tree we have in our back yard and the next thing I know, a beautiful avocado tree appeared, soon to be transplanted into the twisted tree's vacant spot. And just today, Jim was stapling up lights to our patio cover to make sure our Thanksgiving would glitter just perfectly. They, together, made sure the downstairs bathroom remodel got finished before Dominic arrived. And both of them are such doting Grandpas to little Baby D! Most of all, they give the most loving hugs and look with loving eyes that make me feel safe and cherished. (By the way, Jim wanted me to mention that Dominic was able to be sleeping comfortably in this picture because by this moment in the the Thanksgiving Day USC football game, the Trojans were well ahead of the Arizona State Sun Devils.)

The Etheridge Cousins: Kaylin, Kira & Karoline. These guys are tempted to fight over who gets to hold Dominic first, last, longest, etc. But instead, they cooperate and take some of the pressure off me to keep things fair and decide. I wonder if they can fully grasp how helpful it is to me for them to be so nice to each other? With Dominic, they are so attentive, careful, and above all, near-perfect examples of sweetness and respect that I hope he will emulate. My favorite thing of all is how they actually run to kiss and greet me whenever I see them. There's not much can make a person feel better than that enthusiastic, warm reception. And we never part without all three making a special effort to kiss me, Uncle Eddie, and Dominic and to say "I love you."

Kaylin is nearly babysitting age, and she is very responsible and detailed so I know she will be a fantastic sitter when the time comes. She is always helping the other girls with pointers on how to position their arms to keep his head supported and all.

Kira can't take her eyes off Dominic whenever he's around her. She always asks to hold him, and she looks deeply into his eyes in what seems to be true love whenever she does get a turn. But when the answer has to be no and she can't hold him for whatever reason, she never pouts. She is always understanding and patient for her next opportunity.

Karoline is not only a great cousin to Dominic, holding him and pushing the stroller very carefully when it's her turn, but she is also tuned into Aunt Maggie (that's me) and is always looking for ways to do helpful things for me. She massages my shoulders and arms; she carries a bag I may be struggling with; she runs to get me a glass of water when I'm immobilized feeding Dominic. Really, all of the girls have been taught so well to unselfishly put their attention to others, and it makes them a sheer joy to be around (whether I'm getting fussed over myself or whether they are fussing over someone else). Totally gives me hope in their generation.

My sister-in-law (Eddie's little sister), Maryke Santizo ("Tia Nini"). Maryke often appears with Cleo to take care of Dominic so I can rest. She never seems to mind that the minute she arrives, she often gets saddled with diaper duty. She has the unique perspective on life with Eddie, and her stories and insights always help me appreciate him more. Like my own brother, Maryke always has something encouraging to say, and those comments boost my confidence and help me keep a positive attitude when I'm running on less sleep than I need. And like my sister-in-law, Karla, Maryke has a remarkable delicate and loving demeanor when she's holding the little prince.

There are lots of other family that I should mention, but if I kept typing until everyone who helped, cooked, visited or sent advice, wishes, or gifts was represented, then this entry would never get posted. All of you who read this, please do know how much your love, support, encouragement and time has meant to Eddie, me, and baby Dominic. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!