The Adventures of Baby Arthur

by Lincoln

Merry Christmas Everyone! As I begin writing this blog, I am in the presence of my parents and my good friends Julio and Sanjay Brown:

Julio: You all look like a very happy family.
Grandma: Of course!
Grandpa: I'd say we're about average.
Grandpa: Hmm, let's go eat.

Today also happens to be the 41st anniversary of my parents. I'd say that in order to last 41 years, you probably have to be a little happy! Or as Julio puts it, it is my father's ability to "tax" my mom and my mom's ability to "put up" with it. Regardless of their secrets, I am grateful for the family we have and for all that my parents have given me. I'm also grateful for Liz, who is a wonderful Mother. Arthur is lucky as well!

Family has a funny way of bringing out the various sides of our humanity. It's not always a bed of roses and conflicts can bring out some serious heat and anger. We're "stuck" with family aren't we? But holidays bring out the goodness and in these times, we can appreciate that we have each other.

However, children are the initiative! This is will be Arthur's second Christmas. Not coincidently, this will be the second Christmas tree of my adult life. I never put up lights, wreathes or decorations before. But now that we have Arthur, it's a mandatory ceremony in our home! Liz's family never even celebrated Christmas OR Thanksgiving together. Not coincidently, that tradition started last year as well! And now that Liz's sister is expecting, the holidays will no doubt become a very important time of year for her family. I poke fun at Liz and point this out: "We have two places to visit?? You guys never celebrated the holidays before!!". I don't mind, her sister is an amazing cook!

Family can be both a unifying power and frustrating quagmire at the same time. However, now that we are expecting multiple additions to our extended family, perhaps the power of children can melt whatever conflicts we have away.

So let me raise a virtual glass, say cheers and wish everyone Happy Holidays!

Labels: family