I must admit I was worried when I first heard. The info came in a phone call from my brother some three plus years ago. My only nephew and his lovely bride were expecting a child...no, make that twins...oops, triplets...wait, there's one more, that's four...YIKES, QUADRUPLETS!!! It was astonishing information to say the least, and also a bit sobering. They had endured more than their share of difficulties in the often unsettled realm of procreation. For all intents and purposes, this was the last gasp prior to adoption. I was numb. I've never been married, and children rarely cross my brain scan as a concern or interest. This was different. It was family and it involved risk. The subsequent events have promoted a variety of positive emotions and created four junior rock stars.
The inspiration for this particular blog came directly from my nephew. Whereas his father and I can charitably be called technologically inept, he pushes all the right buttons. He and his wife made an early decision to start their own blog in order to keep friends and family up to date with quad progress, and also maintain a visual and written record of the pregnancy, birth, and experiences to come. Since the family resides in Sacramento, the blog (Welcome to Quadville: A Beautiful Place to Live) has been the direct line of communication for all interested parties. I never begin or end a week without a quick check of the latest pictures and updates. In essence you see the wee ones grow and develop before your eyes.
Being a teacher, I suppose I should be more enlightened as to child development and growth patterns. But until quad arrival in May, 2006, I had never given the subject a great deal of thought. Babies and young 'uns were all about the same to me. That attitude changed quickly when I first saw the new crew. We have had several face-to-face sessions since their arrival and each visit brings different insights and development. The evolution from babies to little people in such a short time is truly astonishing....kind of an 'If you blink you missed it' deal.
Those of us privileged to be related to or friends with the family may take some of this miracle for granted. I plead guilty on occasion. Yet I continue to be astounded by the absolute devotion, patience, love, and attention lavished on the Fab Four by the parents. Yes, I realize I'm biased -- so what? The thought of marriage always scared me (one huge reason I've never taken that plunge) because I feared the ominous responsibility of possible parenthood. Taking care of myself was enough of a burden. Watching nephew and bride deal with Quadland would inspire Scrooge Squared. In several years the three lasses and a lad will understand what remarkable parents they have acquired.
For the time being I'm going to be an interested observer. This is one spectator sport worth following on a regular basis.
Christmas is just around the corner.
MM
2 comments:
What a beautiful and a "spot on" tribute to remarkable people. You are correct re "if you blink, you miss it." Keep writing, Mike.
Mike, I just found your blog! It brings back fond memories of working for you when I was an undergraduate in the late 80s. I hope to read more from you.
Post a Comment