Even better than brown thistles

So here's the reason we visit Ontario so faithfully:

There are twelve grandchildren and one on the way (that's not an announcement). The oldest is eight and the youngest, to whom I'm trying hard not to be partial, is three-month-old Katja Martina:

Three of the grandchildren are younger than Ariana, and that felt strange. It was odd not to pack a diaper bag and not to request 4L jugs of whole milk whenever Pete's mom headed out to the grocery store. I enjoyed not being responsible for keeping a little one from falling headlong down the spiral staircase to the basement or knocking a glass of red wine onto the cream carpet. Caring for three kids was ridiculously easy, relative to previous years.

My kids have one cousin in BC, but little PJ is regrettably infantile and has yet to realize any potential as a playmate. The Ontario cousins can play Stiga hockey,

* Josh & Saskia

have identical Webkinz (which can be identified by their peculiar scents, according to their owners),

* Saskia & Elle

and share confidences while lounging on the couch.

* Ava & Ariana

One of the best parts of Christmas was watching the cousins open their Christmas gifts at Opa and Oma's place. The afternoon sun slanted in the windows, Uncle Jack handed out the gifts from under the tree and the room overflowed with delighted squeals, shredded paper and one very big and blessed family.

* Opa & Katja

People often ask why I have "so many kids" - "stacks of babies" as one colleague puts it - and, while I think three is fairly modest, part of the reason is that I wouldn't mind being in the position of the matriarch in that first photo myself, one day.

Comments

[Amy H.]

I loved this post:) That is a gorgeous photo of you and Katja, too!

And I totally agree with your last statement. I occasionally wrestle with whether or not I'd like to have another child (or children, in my case...) someday - and it's images like this that make me really want that for myself and my husband. Purely selfish, but also a noble ambition in my eyes:)

[Sheri]

I love all those photos!!!!

[Elizabeth]

I just wanted to say that I've been checking out your blog occasionally for awhile now and think its fabulous! I don't know how I found it, but you are excellent at describing experiences from your area (geographically and professionally) in a way that is so enticing. Thanks for that.

[Tessa]

Sweet! Your kids, your name-sake, your family...
I'd love to be a grandma like that, too, one day!

[JeanMac]

Love all the photos but the family group is special.

[Mary Smith]

Nice photo of you, Martina:) What sweet, sweet kids! Your in-laws must feel proud. Isn't it so great to see all the kids playing together? I'm sure you will a wonderful "granny stack" as well. Glad you enjoyed your trip and got a chance to relax!!

[Mom S]

Yes it's great to be a matriarch. What a great feeling to see all those little kids together!

[sharilyn]

wow, people are so funny! (three children = stacks of kids?) It never ceases to amaze me how freaked out people get at the thought of children (or parenthood) (or breastfeeding) in our culture... what IS that all about, anyways!? A society of overgrown adult-children, we have here!

I only have one kid and I think that I still weird out some people I know... whoa, motherhood. crazy!

i think you're great. 3 kids and all! :)

[lynn]

Beautiful photos Martina! I thoroughly enjoyed them.

[wendy]

This is an absolutely delightful blog! I love all your sweet little angels.
I hope one day you do become the matriarch and have a house full of lovely grandkids.

I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 more on the way - that's 2 more grandchildren, not children. LOL!

[Thea]

Hello, you don't know me, but I sure know the Oma and Opa in your Christmas photos. I went to school in B-rlingt-n with them many, many years ago! How weird is that, I find a blog by sheer chance and I know the blogger's relatives. Weird but nice!