Week 7: Baptism and Big Eyes at Night

With the pouring of water, a cross drawn with oil, and a glory to you lord, Charlie entered the group "People Who Qualify for Heaven." (Catholics only, please.) I have mixed feelings about taking him through a rite I don't fully support. Part of me feels good that those in his life for whom these beliefs are important will sleep better. It's a terrible thought that a loved one would end up down the wrong path simply because a simple act was not done in time. But part of me feels like a louse, letting my baby take part in something that I'm not on board with. As Father Moran said, the child isn't there to profess his faith. He's there because the parents had him take part.

Most people will say, "Well, it doesn't do any harm." I wonder, what kind of example is that to set, to say it's okay to publicly declare things you don't embrace because no on gets hurt? Isn't that moral weakness, or maybe decay?

Later the same night, Charlie's eyes are extra large. Or maybe I just feel extra small.

Charliepics: Portraits of a One-and-a-Half Month Old

JCL at the AMR

Charlie made his first appearance at my company, AMR Research, today. Lisa came down to the city and brought His Royal Awesomeness. Rather than cause a riot by rolling him through the halls, I reserved a conference room and let my friends come to visit, real Godfather style.

It's so fun to bring Charlie to a new audience. Certain compliments never, ever get old: "He is so cute." "I love this child." "I'm going to take him with me." Okay, the last one I can't say I care for, but I'm not too worried--I'm generally faster than most of my friends, so they won't get too far.

I loved seeing the array of reactions when I asked my colleagues if they wanted to hold him. "YES, I'LL TAKE HIM" was the biggest reaction. Others wanted no part of it: too much nervousness. Still others were content with those they had at home.

I'm not ready to get Charlie going in proofreading and editing our research, but at least he can find his way to the office now.

Week 6: Brandon and Charlie

I must say I am proud of Brandon. He has shown himself to be a very loving and supportive brother. I feel it important to state this considering the perspective of others.

I've found incredible consistency in the No. 2 question I'm asked related to Charlie. The first is some variety of how is he/how am I/am I sleeping. The second, almost verbatim, is "how is Brandon doing with him?" It dawned on us that jealousy was something to watch, him having to step aside as the youngest in the house. What didn't dawn on us was what a major concern this was for the rest of the world. I am grateful for the concern everyone who knows us has. I am equally grateful for the answer.

Sometimes Brandon wants some attention. But sometimes I want some attention, as does Lisa, as do Dija and Stephan. I'm pleased that Brandon is turning out to be just like us. Pleased, and not surprised at all.

JCL in NYC

We recently found ourselves in New York for a couple of days. Here's a sampling of Charlie in the Big Apple.

Team Leary crossing the street in Manhattan.
Radio City Music Charlie!
Happy Pappy.
The coolest guy on the planet. And then there's P Diddy behind him.
Dija, Jason, and Charlie in front of Charley's in Times Square. We asked the restaurant to change its spelling.

Charliepics: Lisa's Birthday

For Lisa's birthday, we went to Red Rock Bistro in the sadly named Swampscott, MA. Here are a few pics from our night out.

Charlie in style, ready to hit the town!
...okay, maybe not quite ready to hit the town.
Jason and Jason.
Michael and Dija at Lisa's birthday dinner.
Lisa and Brandon in a nice moment during dinner.
Charlie waiting patiently for Mom to open his gift.
Charlie's gifts: Irish-themed bibs and shirts!
Okay, fun time over...
Family pic in Swampscott, Massachusetts.

Charliepics: Emergency Posting

I've had an unusually busy week, so I have been remiss in updating my blog. Unlike other blogs of mine that gain virtual dust with almost no notice in the outside world, Jason Charles has a serious, and easily angered, contingent. To quell possible violence, let me post some pics, stat. I've got some new stories coming up as well, including our trip to NYC. For now, enjoy some beautiful randomness.

Dad singing something ridiculous to Charlie. Photo by Brandon
This face is saying something emotional: not sure if it's horror, shock, or mock terror.
Charlie and his Uncle Mikey
The boys of Lynn