It was Jane’s dog Ryder’s 3rd birthday.  January 30, 2005.  I was standing in Jane’s kitchen in Rhode Island and we were singing Happy Birthday to Rydie while circling her with a little cake.

My cell phone rang… showing a call from Audrey who was living in New York City with Matt and 4-month old William.

I will never forget the phone call.

It was Audrey, practically singing the news that she was expecting another baby.  Did I mention that she had a 4-month old baby boy?

Audrey’s voice, her happiness, her joy immediately superseded any what??!!??!! reaction.

Audrey was expecting another baby and she and Matt were over-the-moon ecstatic.

This baby would be another boy and he would be named ALEXANDER DIMITRI in honor of their dear friend Dimitrios Gavriel who had been killed in action in Iraq on November 19, 2004.  Audrey and Matt’s boys never met their Uncle Dimi, Alex’s namesake, but he is their hero… forever.

Alex was born in New York City on a beautiful late September day, just like the day we’re having today in Rhode Island.  Audrey labored all day long while Barry, Auntie Jane and I pushed William (who had just turned one 3 days earlier) in his little red stroller all around the streets of the City.  We ate breakfast, we ate lunch, we ate dinner and we finally settled into the waiting room when William fell asleep in his stroller.

At almost 10:00 in the evening, Matt called my cell phone to tell me that Audrey wanted me to be there for Alexander’s birth.  I was.  Even 6 years later I tear up at the most miraculous and ethereal experience of my life… watching a grandchild be born…

Our Alexander.  Perhaps the happiest boy ever born.

6 years old.

Amazing beyond words.

Our Alexander…

From the very first moment I heard that another baby was on-the-way to this very moment… I have celebrated the life of our Alex!  He has brought more joy, happiness and laughter than I can put into words.

Alex is…

Oh, by the way… there would be 3 more joyous, surprise announcements soon after Alex came into our lives.  One is a little being who was not strong enough to come into ours lives but remains an angel.  One is beautiful Benjamin.  And one is beautiful Henry.  All precious gifts!