Sunday, February 27, 2011

Generations

I am more than halfway through my three-week stay here in Florida. This picture shows the current all-girl makeup of the household at Norma Jean's in Zephyrhills. On the left is the current Norma Jean holding a picture of herself with Farrah Fawcett hair back in the 1980s. Pete was a professional photographer and loved to take pictures of his beautiful wife. This one struck me as being particularly stunning.

Next are Allison and her daughter Lexie, a very interesting part of the Stewart clan. To learn more about Lexie and how she came to be born, click here. I wrote a bunch of information about her conception, which I find to be really interesting and definitely New Age. She will not have her biological father in the picture. Next in the above portrait is me, on the right. Tomorrow Lexie and Allison fly back to Washington, DC. I've been enjoying this beautiful child and her equally beautiful mom.
Since I don't have any grandchildren, I have been lavishing love on my grand niece without reservation. She has captured my heart and then some. She is very smart and just about ready to start crawling as we watch her play, three doting women smiling and laughing at her antics. She's a very good baby but has been teething and in some obvious discomfort. Allison is accustomed to her never crying, and when she is put to bed, she just smiles and coos and carries on until she falls asleep. I don't remember that EVER happening to my children!
Peter, Norma Jean's son, was here when I arrived and stayed through his father's celebration. He has returned to Michigan where he works, but he calls his mother at least once every day. Peter will return at the end of March for a week to do some work around the house and dog-sit the still-to-be-found rescue dog or dogs that Norma Jean is attempting to find. (She is traveling at the end of March for a week in Texas where many of our family members live.) One little chihuahua was scheduled to be euthanized this coming week unless a foster home could be found, so Norma Jean is in the process of getting certified to become a foster parent, and the dog (Chester) has been spared. She also has her eye on another long-haired chihuahua who just captured our hearts through the online pictures. However, it takes a few days for the process to be completed. They vet foster homes carefully, but Chester should be here sometime within the next few days and, hopefully, so will Socks (the other dog).

I think that rescuing these little dogs in need will help to fill the big holes in Norma Jean's life, even if, as she says, as a foster parent she might have to let them be adopted by another family. In the meantime, she will be able to provide them love and affection and can also learn something about herself in the process. More later.
:-)

25 comments:

  1. Wow, I didn't realize Lexie's mom was a single mom, I have an insane amount of awe for single parents. It's hard enough raising a baby with an amazingly hands-on partner, I can't imagine going it alone. Lexie has an awesome mom!

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  2. Wonderful to see the generations.. all of you so beautiful.

    I think it's a wonderful thing to give foster care. I hope it will help to fill the void somewhat.

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  3. Four very fine-looking women there! Look how Lexie is looking at you; clearly the love goes in both directions. Enjoy the rest of your stay.

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  4. These pictures are so wonderful. What a great photo of Norma Jean! I love the way Lexie's looking at you in the first one. I think it's great that you have been able to spend so much time with her; it's one blessing in the midst of the sorrow. I know you will miss them when they go.

    I'm glad to hear that Norma Jean is going to get some dogs. It'll be hard to let them go again, but I think you're right about it filling some of the holes. I think maybe doing something for someone else (the dogs) will help a bit with the grief.

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  5. Three weeks can fly by in a hurry but it will remain with you forever. Looks like you're really got Lexie's attention.

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  6. Your Grand Niece is a doll and obviously you have spoiled her just a a tad! That is a wonderful photo!
    Fostering a dog is both happy and sad..it may just be the company your sister needs for awhile:)

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  7. glad you are enjoying your visit and getting to see all of your family...i think the dogs will help as well...

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  8. The four of you have such a strong family resemblance...a beautiful one too. Love how Lexie is turned to smile and look at you.

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  9. Lexie must be a happy, contented baby if she doesn't cry much. Some babies are so colicky and so difficult to manage. Lucky mother, grandmother, and grandaunt!

    I am not sure being a foster parent is such a good thing. After all, NJ will have to say good-bye all over again. Why doesn't she make a commitment and adopt a dog? Wouldn't that be better? Ah well, whatever! I am still rooting for her!

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  10. I can see the love in Lexie's eyes as she looks over at you. So good that you can all be together. What a wonderful photograph of Norma Jean! I think Pete is probably smiling down on all of you. Beautiful family DJan.

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  11. Very revealing pictures there D-Jan. Norma Jean was a stunner back then, wasn't she. You are all stunners and especially little Lexie. You will miss her, I'm sure.
    Can't wait to hear more about the dogs. They will make a big difference to Norma Jean's life, I feel sure. Give her something to care for.

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  12. You all look alike! Your sister's photo is stunning. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I agree. Stunning photograph of Norma Jean. Lexie is getting cuter and cuter...and YOU, dear friend, look like you have lost some weight!

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  14. I see the resemblance between you and Norma Jean in the picture. Lexie seems to be as taken with you as you are with her.

    Judy

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  15. It seems like Lexie enjoys being photographed, just look at her she knows her perfect angle haha. Anyway DJ, I'd like to say some few things about chihuahua because I adopted one and to be honest I don't like chihuahua because I am used to big dogs. But I never thought that these little dogs are such sweet, adorable and he just captured everyone's heart at home. Norma Jean made a good decision she won't go wrong. Believe me.

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  16. What a lovely post this one is. And dog rescue is really good for all to practice. I will take the first stray that pops around here, my wife and like ir or lump it.

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  17. That's a nice looking family. The little one is so cute and seems to have formed a bond with you already. I hope you will be able to share much time with her. Distance makes it hard for generations to keep in touch as much as we would like. Family time is the best time.

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  18. I just love that photo of you with Lexie as well as the fabulous group photo. You all look fabulous.

    Sigh... I don't have a grandchild near by since my granddaughter is in Illinois. Perhaps one of my nephews here will come up with one for me one of these days.

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  19. It is too bad that there is not a "Like" button on blogs. I really like this post...and your family! Safe trip home!

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  20. That is a great family photo. In spite of all that has happened all of you look happy together. The baby is a real sweetie. You are going to miss those little kisses and hugs.
    Good news finally - I hope Norma Jean gets a rescue dog. It will help fill up that big empty hole in her heart.

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  21. I love the picture of you girls! Beautiful!

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  22. Beautiful women! Those Farrah Fawcett 80's years were great, weren't they! Your sister is beautiful. You two look very much alike. And I can't blame you for falling in love with that adorable baby!
    I wondered if you were home yet. My question is now answered. Have a great visit!
    I think it's a great idea to take in foster dogs. I would have such a hard time letting them go, though. She has a big heart!

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  23. Glad you are having a wonderful time on your vacation with family. You describe happy events!

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  24. What beautiful women you all are !
    Those blue eyes are just awesome.
    Sounds like you are a family of strong women too, being a single, career mum is not for the faint of heart.
    Love this picture, thank you for sharing your family with us.
    `Jo

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