Mimi's New Boy...

Meet my nephew, Declan Charles Rhatigan...How cute is he?  My sister Jamie, her husband Brian, and their four-year-old daughter Ava welcomed him to the world on March 2, 2011.  Mother and baby are doing great, and reports from Miami indicate that everyone is in love with this little guy, who happens to look just like his Daddy!

Declan's birth is extra special for my Mom and Dad, who were at the hospital in Miami to greet him just moments after his birth.  He is their 9th grandchild, 4th grandson, and 1st boy in 8 years since my sisters and I have been on a crazy girl streak since my Luke was born in 2003. Declan shares his birthday with my Lily Grace, who turned 6 on the day he was born. This will make at least 2 birthdays easier for Mimi and Granddad to remember with all of these kids! (Declan and Lily also share their birthday with Dr. Seuss and Jon Bon Jovi....Random, I know!) 

 

 Mom and Dad are enjoying some very special time in Miami with Jamie, Brian, Ava and baby Declan.  Spring is coming to the mountains, finally, and Mom is ready to be home, much as she has loved the warmth down south.  Travel plans are still a bit tentative, but Mom will probably spend a few days with us in Tallahassee before heading back to Boone at the end of the month.  I know her sisters and dear neighbor Wendy can't wait for her to be home!  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
-Shannon