Sugarplum

A sweet soul joined us on November 29 at 6:36 p.m.: Leslie and Jon's first child, Caroline. No frail wisp, she weighed a healthy 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was as ruddy and solid as a ripe plum.

Jon brought us inside the delivery room less than 90 minutes after Leslie delivered. They were still waiting to be taken to a regular hospital room.


Leslie, Jon, and their firstborn, shortly after delivery

Because Caroline had a slight fever, she was wrapped loosely in only a single cloth so that she could cool down. Into Michael's arms she went. The look on his face as he gazed at this first grandchild says it all.


Michael and Caroline

Later it was my turn. I sat in a chair by Leslie's bedside with Caroline cradled in my arms. I wanted only to murmur, nuzzle, kiss, and marvel at this new baby -- a child who had been conceived shortly after Mom Diffily's death and now bears the middle name "Sally" in her honor.

The next day, Kevin bragged to his classmates that he is now "Uncle Kevin." Melinda came with us to the hospital and was clearly as entranced with her new niece as we grandparents are. Such joy! Glad tidings indeed.


Melinda holds her niece