a boy named Thor

So ... a lot has happened in my extended family lately.

Well mostly it has to do with adding to the extended family.

My brother Josh and sister in law Lauren announced they were having their first baby - AHH SNAP YES!!!  A new cousin .. and I was going to be a new auntie again. And I LOVE being an auntie.  

And then, guess what?  

My sister Nati and brother in law Joe announced they were also going to bring a new baby into our world.  AHH SNAP OH YES THEY ARE!!  ANOTHER new little member of the family.  Their third.  Which is perfect .. because I have three.  So she should have three too.

So then the next big day came when my bro and sister in law announced it was going to be a baby BOY!  Oh yes.  This family does baby boys pretty well.  Out of the 7 cousins .. 5 are boys.  Add one more.  It gets loud at family functions.  A good kind of loud.  And I was also glad my brother is having a boy .. because well .. it's my brother.  And a boy is so much more appropriate than a girl.  Because it's .. my brother.  Do you know my brother?  Well .. he should only have boys.  

So then the NEXT big day came when they announced the name of the baby boy.  

Drum roll please ...

GAIUS.  Pronounced "Guy-us".  

Okay.  That's different. So then when they announced that name .. what hit me was "Thor".  Then I said I like Thor. Because I'm pretty sure they'll change their minds based upon my opinions.  Which .. okay they didn't .. but I decided I wouldn't disown them.  Yet.  Because you know - my unborn baby nephew Thor wanted to meet me.

Well brother, I think I am going to call him Thor okay?  I never got an "okay sure" in return.  More like "haha" but I took that as permission.  

So Lauren went into labor right at her due date.  It was a long labor.  It was days of labor.  It was an intense labor.  It was over three HOURS of pushing.  Bless.  Her.  Heart.  And finally little Thor was born. November 29, 2012.   I was waiting by my phone for my mom to give me the green light to come meet him.  I couldn't wait.  Booked it to the hospital minutes after his arrival.  

My sister and I walked into the room together and my brother was holding him.  He leans over and whispers "you are about to get mauled".  He was just so beautiful.  And awake.  Wide wide wide awake.  Alert.  And I looked at that little boy and fell INSTANTLY in love.  I didn't even think I believed in love at first site.  And I didn't even expect the overwhelming feeling of love that engulfed me.  He was perfect.  A little bundle of life.  It was magical.  

 Isn't he perfectly beautiful? He's perfect.  In every way ... This is the very moment I fell in love.

Our conversation.  Our understanding ...

The nurses took him and put him in the little warmer to get vitals and clean him up and make sure he was okay.  And I had a little chat with him right then.  And told him I was going to call him Thor even though his parents did not name him that.  And was he okay with this situation.  We definitely had a connection and he let me know he was good with that.  Because ... after all ... who knew he would make his grand entrance so dramatic ... taking all that time.  Because ... he's Thor.  He's a fighter.  That's right.  Fitting.  

It was a quick visit but I went back to the hospital the next day to hold .. and cuddle .. and chat ... and bond. I brought him a Thor nerf hammer.  To remind him of who he is.

My sister ... holding baby Thor ... my nephews meeting baby Thor ...

Grandmom!

I am shocked at the bond I formed with this little human.  I love him with all of my soul.  Truly.  Deeply.  I am connected to this little boy.  I didn't expect to feel this way. And I am so glad I do.  

You wouldn't even believe the things I see when I look into his eyes.  It's amazing. 

Welcome baby Thor.  I love you.  I adore you.  I treasure you.  I can't wait to watch you grow and learn and discover!  

Oh oh oh ... and he has red hair!  I mean ... the story just keeps getting better ...