The Men In My Life

Yesterday, my baby grandson Ted had his Naming Day, a day where we came together to celebrate this new little man in our lives.  He is a lucky little boy with lots of people who love him from both sides of his family.  Both of his paternal great grandparents were there which made the day really special bringing four generations of his family together.  We had a lovely day which reminded me just how blessed I am to be surrounded by people that I love so very much. 

Seeing my own sons Freddy and Joseph together makes me so proud.  Joe always wanted a baby brother when he was younger, but instead got three younger sisters.  He was a fabulous big brother to them all, but he always hoped for another boy in the family.  It wasn't until the year that Joe left home to live with his girlfriend Jade, that Freddy came along.  But although they have never lived together, the brotherly bond is just as strong.

Now Joe has a son of his own, a new generation of McDonald men has begun.  Seeing Ian , Joe and Ted together is wonderful.  It makes us so proud that our son is now such a great dad to his boy.  Joe now understands what it is like to be a parent, and understands just how much we have always loved him.  It tightens the bond between us all.

 The best part of the day for me, was seeing my own 80 year old dad with his grandson and great grandson.  Baby Ted has been given my dad's name Stanley as his second name, which is such an honour for my dad.  It is also Joe's middle name so it is a lovely family tradition.  

Initially my dad was nervous about being there because he suffers terribly with arthritis in his legs.  But thankfully, he changed his mind when my in-laws offered to drive him down with them, saving him the two hour drive.  It was still a long day for my dad, but we looked after him, keeping him comfortable!  He was glad to have been a part of Ted's special day and relished being surrounded by his family.  Due to the distance, he doesn't get to see Joe very often, but it means the world to them both when they get together.  Beautiful memories were made which will last forever.

My family means everything to me and these Magic Moments are what makes my life worthwhile.

Brothers #Project 52

Yesterday we visited Joe and Jade in Northampton.  We took a car boot load full of stuff for the new baby and had a look at all the things they have packed away ready for the baby's arrival.  I even got to feel my little grandson kick which was wonderful!  

But the thing that made the visit so special was seeing the relationship between Freddy and his big brother.  From the moment we first saw Joe, Freddy ran up to him and Joe swept him up into his arms for a massive hug.  

They enjoyed playing on Joe's iPhone together and playing in the garden.  My boys have a lovely bond and however long it is between visits just doesn't matter as the time melts away in an instant.  Joe will be a wonderful dad to his new baby and Freddy will be a fabulous uncle to his little nephew.  I look forward to that new and exciting phase in our family dynamic.

Seeing my boys together and seeing their sibling bond was especially poignant yesterday as it was the 17th anniversary of my eldest sister's death.  I was so close to my sister.  She was my confidante and I trusted her more than anyone.  I've been thinking about her so much at the moment and missing having her in my life more than ever.  I will never stop thinking about her.

With Joe's impending wedding and the arrival of his first baby at Christmas, I know my sister would have been a big part of the proceedings.  Losing her has left a big hole in all our lives.  

However, I am so blessed with my five beautiful children, my future daughter-in-law and grandson, my absolute hero of a husband and my own parents, who I treasure.

Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday