Familia...

I feel so lucky in love. When I fell in love with G , many years ago, I had no idea how wonderful his family would be. They were immediately warm and accepting from the first time I met them. They care deeply about their son and would do anything for him. Our little boy to be is going to be overwhelmed from the beginning of his life.

Yesterday I went on a date with my father-in-law, aka Grandpa to be, Papa Glen. He is an amazing and wonderful man, smart and funny. He has loads of friends, because he is the kind of person people like to have as a friend. He is recently retired, looking younger everyday and getting better at golf by the minute. Watch out Tiger!

We went straight to Sids & Me Furniture somewhere near Playa del Rey. This is the place where they bought all their kids' furniture. Glen looked great behind one of those fancy baby joggers, I think he needs to get one to parade his grandson down on the Strand. We found a crib and a dresser and were out of their quick. Since the crib we both liked was actually called the "Molly" we felt it was serendipitous. Now he will sleep like a little prince in his stylish, new sleigh crib. Well, we can only hope that he will sleep.

Marty, aka Grandma to be, is very special too. When G and I were first dating in San Francisco I noticed that they spoke on the phone at least once a week, even if it was just to check in. The guys I knew either neglected their moms or talked to them a little too much. G seemed to have a nice balance. I also noticed that he never spoke one unkind word about his parents, he conceded that they were supportive and non-imposing. I've always been in awe of their relationship, it seems so easy.

My grandparents were spectacular people. I only had one set for most of my life, my father's parents in La Jolla, Phil and Gretchen Rudnick. They were both scientists and I always felt challenged and enriched by the time I spent with them. They nurtured a love of reading, history and science in me from when I was very young. Most of our outings and conversations revolved around science and learning. My grandmother sent me monthly environmental reports all through college. We hardly ever talked about social events or the everyday aspects of our lives and they were not very warm and affectionate. I think this had the most profound affect on my mother, she never felt welcomed into their family and I can understand more now what that must have felt like. Even if they were not overly affectionate with my sister and I, they were at least very interested in us.

Being a part of the McIlvaine family for several years has had a major impact on me. I no longer see family as a burden or something to be tolerated around holidays. We get together at least once a month for one reason or another. I truly doubt I would feel ready (or as ready as I imagine one can ever be) to have children if it was not for the love and support of Glen and Marty. Of course it won't be easy, of course we are going to make mistakes and feel that we are in way over our heads, that's just par for the course.

Posted by Molli at July 24, 2002 08:34 PM