the jellyball family blog

Hey, baby. Just wanted to let you know that I visit your site pretty much every day. I really enjoy looking at the photos of you - sometimes I go to your photo album and scroll back and look at how you've changed.

So even though we've only met a couple of times, I've been following your development with great interest. You're one of "my babies" so I show off your photos to friends and colleagues and I laugh about your adventures.

Don't ever stop being such a sweet meatball!

Félicitations aux nouveaux parents,
Bienvenue dans ce nouveau monde à Caleb.
J'espère que les parents se portent biens et que les nuits ne sont pas trop courtes.

En passant, Luc est-ce que tu pourrais me donner ton numéro de téléphone à la maison?

Au plaisir de se parler et vivez à fond ce moment magique.

Anaëlle, Annie et Marc-André

Hi, Meatball. I went to high school with your Mommy - and we've stayed in touch. Your Mommy and Daddy came to my wedding - all the way from San Fransisco! And your Mommy never forgets my birthday - she remembers every single year.

Your Mommy's a wonderful lady, Meatball. I guess I just want you to know how very lucky you are to have the parents you do. I don't know your Daddy very well, but I know that he makes your Mommy so very happy - and that puts him high in my esteem.

Whatever happens to you in your life, little one, know that you are loved. And that's the best gift you can have from your parents. You might come to a time in your childhood when you think your parents are being most unfair - they don't let you do anything, you can't have anything you want. But let me tell you something, meatball o'mine: whatever it is you aren't getting at that moment doesn't at all compare to what they will give you every day. They'll give you love. They'll give your dreams wings. They'll give you sunshine, and warmth, and sweetness, and safety.

You should also know just what am amazing woman your Mommy is, Meatball. She'll never tell you, but she's incredibly bright. She's immensely kind. Her beautiful eyes see the world in a wonderful way, and she is able to communicate what she sees through her art. She is creative. She is an excellent writer. She is a brilliant problem-solver.

Treat your parents well, meatball. They are among the best out there.

Love,
Aunt Yumifish

PS: If you ever want a tattoo or a piercing, come see me or Uncle Bundy. We'll make sure you get it done somewhere nice and clean.

Dear Meatball,

At midnight tonight your mother will begin celebrating her first birthday with you in her life. I am sure this will be one very memorable birthday for her.

Your momma is a very special lady. But then you already know that, don't you?

You give her a great big uterine hug for me, will ya?

Lise

P.S. -- Happy birthday, Kimmy! :-) xoxo

Chère Boulette,

Happy Valentine's Day to my favourite meatball in the whole world!

I used to love Valentine's Day as a child because I always knew my mom was going to surprise me with some kind of treat in my lunch. Usually a hand-written poem, some kind of funny and crafty thing (like carrots cut out in the shape of hearts), and of course - something sweet. Today she left me a voicemail singing, "Will you be mine? Will you be mine!"

On this Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share with you why we've been calling you "meatball". Firstly, let me just say that we didn't name you after our friend Jason Flood's somewhat stinky ferret. Yes, his name is Meatball too, but he is not your namesake. Although someday, I'll be sure to introduce the two of you.

A couple of years ago, your Dad had a dream where we had two kids - one was named Meatball, and the other was named Que Pasa. I know - both excellent names! After he told me about that dream, I secretly swore that we would not be consulting Daddy when it came to choosing baby names. But I suppose since it was only a dream, we can certainly try to entertain some of his "serious" suggestions.

My dad used to call us funny names all the time too, and Meatball was definitely in the rotation of nicknames, along with Biscuit and Turkey.

But mostly, we just didn't want to call you "it" or "the baby" all the time. I like that you have a name, even if it's a temporary one. I think once we figure out if you're a girl or a boy, we can start seriously brainstorming on names.

So, my meatball, even though you're just a little wee thing, I hope you will be my Valentine. In fact - this year I am lucky to have two of them - you, and your Dad - who has been such a total angel to me, even before I was pregnant but now even more so.

Lots of love,
Mom