Justin

Our first baby!! I was due on May 14, except I had other plans. I was graduating that day from McNeese State University and really wanted to be there. I was setting a record of my own since I was the first person (and first grandchild) on the Lyons side of the family, a large and motley group - to earn a Bachelor's degree (Aunt Helen told me so). So I hoped that the baby would be late. And he was. Justin was born the next week, on May 20th, weighing in at a healthy 8 lbs. 8 oz., and quickly became the center of our universe! That was many moons ago, but I still remember what it felt like.

Each baby changes a family, but the first one is amazing. It's not like no one has ever had a baby before, but when the first grandchild comes along, it just seems like it. That's what happened when Justin was born. He was a cute and happy baby and everyone adored him...my whole family delighted in holding him, playing with him, talking about him to anyone who would listen.

Having a baby changed me and Don too. We went from being a couple to having a little family of our own. Everything seemed sort of magical to me...(well, not the sleepless nights or diapers, but everything else!)...almost like I got to live my childhood over again, but better. There were kittens to laugh at, swings to swing on, round fat pumpkins to pat, and Christmas lights, filled with wonder, as I saw them all through Justin's eyes. And I loved falling into the world of children's storybooks.




I love being a Mom. And I love you, Justin...Happy Birthday son!