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Sunday, January 5, 2014

And life goes on...


I see my mother in myself at this time of life, when she came to America during the time I was pregnant with Brian.  She even looked as I do. She was as burdened with ailments as I am. Yet, the joy, the joy of a new life was the same.

Not once did I hear her complain about the baby's crying bouts, the many chores that needed done with a newborn and two other children. She jumped right in, and was most helpful,  especially at a time when people did not get the benefit of paternity leave.

I'm enjoying every minute holding my new grand-baby Nico. (He is named after his two maternal grandfathers, Joseph Domenico. I was a little surprised and most proud to hear this news. The tradition of naming children after their grandparents might still exist in some parts of the world; but here in America, we all break new ground by constantly concocting new names to bestow our offspring. This child nods toward his ancestors and his roots in a big way. I may have to write another memoir to capture my father's life more fully for Nico's sake.

Nico's parents are musicians/songwriters/teachers. His grandfather Domenico was a musician/singer always ready with a song at the slightest opportunity. I remember vividly the times I would be lulled to sleep by one of his songs; or the times he and his mother would liven up a party with a song and a dance.

Ninna, nanna, Little One. May the songs and love of your ancestors guide your sleep and every waking moment of your life.





21 comments:

Helen said...

Dear Rosaria, it has been almost eighteen years since I held a grand baby in my arms, I miss those precious times. I know you are savoring yours. My Jennifer's middle name is Louise ... as is mine! Hope your Sunday is perfect.

joeh said...

Nico sounds like the perfect name.

congratulations!

Unknown said...

What a precious post, Rosaria. Auguri on the birth of piccolo Nico. The picture of you with him says it all. Do write that memoir!

ellen abbott said...

sweet. I love newborns. they are magic. I don't see my mother in myself, however. The last thing she wanted was to be a grandmother and she didn't like babies or young children. it's not that she didn't want her kids to have kids, but she equated being a grandmother with being old and her vanity would not allow that.

Teresa Novy said...

Such beautiful words my friend!

Brian Miller said...

ah, going to be a good life growing up around music and teachers...nico is a cool name as well..have fun with that little one....

Rian said...

There's nothing like holding a new grandbaby in your arms. The first time I held my first grandson, he looked so much like my son did at birth that my thought was, "Oh God, this is MY BABY..." (Mind knew better, but heart was speaking)

yaya said...

Congratulations Rosaria and family! I love the photo with you both...so sweet. Life does go on and how wonderful that they chose to give him a name that means so much to you. It's a lovely way to greet this new year. I hope you have improved health and much happiness with this new addition!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Congratulations.
Nico is a cute name. God bless the new addition and the families of new parents. Ameen.

pink dogwood said...

Love he name nico. You are a beautiful grandmother. I can't believe I have been away from blogging for so long.

Velva said...

Congratulations! They tell me that having grandchildren is like falling in love all over again.

Velva

karen said...

Hi Rosaria
Lovely photo of you and Nico! I also enjoyed the rather different photo in the previous post.. I've been reading back and enjoying all your writings, as usual! Nice to be back here.. Wishing you much happiness with little Nico, and hoping 2014 will be a wonderful year for you and the family!

rjerdee said...

how utterly sweet!

The Broad said...

Congratulations, Rosaria -- how wonderful to see you with little Nico. My eldest grandson was named after his grandfather. One of the most moving things my mother did was to give me my father's wedding ring to keep for him! I was named for my mother and my grandmother and feel as though that naming gives me a connection through the family.

Vagabonde said...

What a sweet post. Little Nico will grow up well with so much love around him.

janis said...

How precious!!! What a wonderful precious Blessing indeed.
My Emily is named after my Maternal Grandfather's Mother, With her middle name (Sheri) after my best friend/ her Godmother. Our Annie is not named after anyone. But we did discuss heavily some namesakes.

Mary said...

seventeen months ago I became a Granny for the first time. The love I felt for this little one completely bowled me over. Being a granny is the best gig EVER :)
XXXX Mary

quilterliz said...

G'day Rosaria. Congratulations. How wonderful. Nico is a fine sounding name. Take care. Liz...

Rob-bear said...

A wonderful family for Nico! Tradition, and heritage, and roots — good things like that. And a Grandma who adores him. And parents who will sing songs to him, and maybe even write some of him!

Blessings and Bear hugs, to you, and Nico, and his parents, and all the rest!

Hilary said...

That's a very lovely and tender image of you and your beautiful Nico.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosaria - what a lovely photo and story line of the generations - how fabulous that he got to be named so so appropriately, apparently ...

Lovely to see him and you - so happy .. enjoy the year ahead .. Hilary