The Return of the Prodigal Papa

My dad found his way back to Charlie's arms again this weekend. Mind you, he doesn't live in the same state, same region, or even same coast. His commitment to his grandson is staggering (my mom's too--they've both been out here a lot, which Lisa and I love).

As I watch my dad watching Charlie, I get somewhat emotional. My dad always talks about what it means to really enjoy your kids, truly take in everything about them and love it all. As I see him change diapers and feed Charlie with endless patience, I understand that he's not just doing it because he's supposed to, he's doing it because he loves it.

First Words: The Race Is On!

Folks, you've never seen anything more sad than all the adults in Charlie's life trying to coax him into saying their name as his first word. His parents, grandparents, and siblings all take turns coaching this poor child in efforts to be Charlie's favorite. I'm not without my association to this foolishness: I have a midnight campaign going, when the rest of the house sleeps, slowly repeating "Da-ddy, da-ddy" over and over into his ear in hopes he'll say it back to me. Lisa is less subtle, putting Charlie on the couch and trying to get him to repeat "Ma-Ma." If anyone comes near during these lessons, they risk an elbow in the face. When my dad was here recently, he spent every available minute working with Charlie on how to pronounce "Pa-Pa." It's getting intense. Poor kid. He'll probably smite our hopes by saying something random as his first word. Any guesses?

Charliepics: Uncle Todd!

My brother Todd was finally able to make it out here--he was the last of the biggies that needed to see Charlie. What a great visit. I saw a side of my brother I can't say I remember seeing, which warmed my heart. He was just here for a couple of days, but it was enough for Charlie to get close to his uncle and godfather.

Charliepics: Gram and Papa's October Visit

My dad is suddenly involved in all sorts of business in the Boston area...I'm sure it's real work, but I also am guessing it's no coincidence that he's booking this work as an excuse to get out here to visit his grandson. "What's that Rex? We could have this meeting on the phone? Oh no, I insist I fly out to see my Boston team in person"...

Charliepics: Visiting Springfield

A long-overdue trip to bring Charlie and his posse out to Springfield to visit my grandmother and aunts. Had a lovely time, of course.

Charliepics: Visiting Sienna and Mark

This are pictures from our visit with my cousin Mark. Mark and his wife Shannon live in Northbridge, MA with their two boys, Jackson and Caden, and their new baby Sienna. I didn't get any pics of the boys for some reason, but here are some nice ones of Sienna. Great visit.

Charliepics: Will and Jodi Visit!

Close friends Will and Jodi made the trek up from Canton to see homeboy. Look close at one, where my sweet son is giving the camera the middle finger.

Here Comes the Flood

Friends, Romans, countrymen and women, I beseech you to forgive this time-besieged father for his lack of posts. Without any more words, I'm pleased to provide you with a pictorial of the last month. Charliepalooza!