Friday, May 22, 2009

who's that boy?

I received many emails from my last post asking me who the cute little boy is. I am proud to say that's my nephew Ben, my brother's son...the first grandchild for my mom and dad...and today he is two.



And, oh!, how our lives changed when he arrived. To see the world, new and fresh, through the eyes of a child...there is nothing quite like it. To see my brother become a father...it is still quick to bring lump to my throat when I watch them together. To see how this little boy's face lights up when his mother, my sister-in-law, walks into the room...it is a love that is palpable.



The joy he brings to our weekends together at the cottage is tinged with recollections of our own childhoods. My brother, sister and I have fond memories of another time, another cottage and another summer spent outside...running with the wind, dancing with sun....exploring trails, lakes and forests with a great dog named Jed, that belonged to my Aunt.


I can feel my brother wishing for those kind of memories for Ben...for his son. That he hopes Ben will look back, thirty years from now, and have a snapshot in his mind of his own summers at the cottage when he was little boy....and how his Aunt had a great dog named Sophie who was his faithful companion on all of his sunshine and wind adventures.



Happy Birthday, Ben.

20 comments:

The Write Girl said...

What a sweet post...very lovely. He's a cute little guy. Little ones bring so much joy to the ones around them. I love how you capture your family in brilliant words.

BCxFour said...

Lovely post and as usual wonderful photographs. I especially love the one looking down on Ben with his cute pink nose and cheeks. Adorable...

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

As a grandmother to five, with another due in a month, the oldest two being five and three two year olds, I can wholeheartedly agree with your feelings. Childhood is a treasure.

Woos, the OP Pack's mom

Maria said...

Happy Birthday Ben, very sweet post

Anonymous said...

Happy 2nd birthday to Ben. I don't have children but am so thankful for nieces and nephews and now great nieces to share happy times and memories with. I know Ben loves to visit with you and Sophie.
When my great niece first met Kaboodle, she thought we were saying KaPOODLE!!!
Have a great weekend Andrea.

T said...

Very nice post. Happy Birthday Ben! He really is a handsome little guy!

Holly said...

happy birthday Ben, my wish for you is....many more!

Robynn's Ravings said...

What precious family times you describe. And what a great family. Love that little cutie!

Sharon said...

There's nothing like seeing the world through the eyes of a child...unless you are seeing the world through the eyes of a dog!
Either way...it's a whole new beautiful & exciting world!
Happy Birthday Ben:)

gigi said...

Beautiful boy. Children really just light up our lives. I sometimes just can't get enough of them and their uncondional love.
Happy weekend.

laurie said...

your kid photos are just as nice as your dog photos!

you asked (on my blog) what food the vet put boscoe on for his diabetes: he's on something called W/D, a high-fiber food in rather massive amounts because he lost quite a bit of weight before he was diagnosed.

previously, boscoe had been eating 1 cup twice a day of California Natural lamb and rice kibble.

now he's getting 3/4 cup of dry W/D and 1/2 can of wet w/d twice a day.

he's gained a pound already. this is good.

Barry said...

I know those very feelings well, what a tender post. I love it.

Bruce said...

Happy Birthday Ben:)

Joanne said...

Those summer memories at a family cottage are the best, aren't they? It just seems like it's life the way it's meant to be. Enjoy your time there, have a great weekend!

Far Side of Fifty said...

What a handsome boy! Happy Birthday Ben! I hope he always remembers his Auntie Andrea and her wonderful dog Sophie.

What a wonderful post this was, very heartwarming! :)

pam said...

Happy Birthday Ben! I love that last photo!

Rajesh said...

Very handsome kid.

Jan said...

I love the rare glimpses we get of your personal life. Oh believe me I love all the animal pix and beautiful nature pix but you are such a private person I am always intrigued by the real you. Nice post.
I have a great niece and great nephew that will turn 2 in June (twins) and I havent even seen them yet! I feel bad about that and hope to see them in October if all goes as planned. Wish me luck.

Libby's Library said...

That is one seriously cute kid...and your brothers not bad either!

Hilary said...

Awww what a sweetie. Such lovely family times.