Sunday, June 21, 2009

The Ultimate Act of Creativity

We had the most wonderful Father's Day that anyone could ever have. Today Howie and I became grandparents for the second time.

Our son Matt and his wife Karla gave birth to a 6 lb 9 oz beautiful baby boy this morning. Jackson Kyle Streger made his appearance in time to be the ultimate Father's Day gift. Howie said it's the best Father's Day gift he ever got. It's going to be hard to top this next year.

Here's the little guy sweetly sleeping off the exhaustion of his long journey. His little hands are covered, but he has the most exquisite long fingers I've ever seen on a baby.

And here's Jackson's leading lady, our dear DIL Karla. I can just hear Karla thinking, "I can't believe this was inside me just a few minutes ago!"

Big Brother Michael's first glimpse of his little brother. I can just hear Michael thinking, "Oh, boy, the two of us can get into a lot of trouble together." Michael is 8 1/2 and when Jackson is 8 1/2, Michael will have just gotten his driver's license. Oh, yes, I see lots of adventures, or should I say misadventures, in the future for these two guys. Daddy Matt is looking on with pure joy on his face. Yes, life doesn't get better than this.
Gramps, AKA Howie, is absolutely glowing with happiness.
Here I am holding Jackson for the first time. No, Howie and I did not coordinate the color of our shirts when we got dressed this morning. In fact, we were in such a rush to get out of the house when we got the call at 6 AM that the baby was about to be born, that we barely spoke to each other as we rushed around getting dressed.
This is Karla's mother, Marty, beaming with joy. Speaking of rushing, she and Karla's sister, Teresa, had a 6 hour drive in the middle of the night as they flew across Pennsylvania to be at the hospital in New Brunswick, NJ when Jackson made his grand entrance.
And here is Aunt Teresa who is Karla's younger sister. Yes, Teresa, it's payback time. Now it's your turn to babysit for Jackson since Karla babysat for you when you were a baby. Look at that big grin on Teresa's face.
Here is a picture of three generations of Streger men which is sure to become a family treasure in the future. Henceforth, they shall be known as the "Tool Boys." Howie has always been a great Do It Yourselfer and Matt has followed in his Dad's footsteps. There's nothing that the two of them can't fix, build, or refurbish. Michael is quite the willing apprentice and has been getting a lot of on-the-job training. In fact, he has his own toolbox and tools. Jackson, you have great role models in your life. You're a very lucky little boy.



17 comments:

  1. Look at all that hair! What a gorgeous baby. Great pictures. I am so happy for all of you. You do have some priceless pictures there. Congrats to everyone.

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  2. what great photos of everyone...I can tell Jackson is going to be loved and spoiled in a good way...congratulations!!!!
    jean

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  3. Congratulations all around!!!!
    What a great day...lots of family love! thanks for sharing this special event.

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  4. Aww, what an absolute blessing. Congratulations on this new handsome bundle of joy in your lives!

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  5. It doesn't get any better than this. Love and joy to all of you.

    Joanne

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  6. What an extra-special Father's Day! Congratulations to everyone!

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  7. judy...how wonderful. Me thinks you need to scrapbook Jackson!! The divas will help! You have great pictures and well, what can I say about the narrative...the gift of words...written and spoken!!!
    Love to all...
    andi

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  8. Congratulations Judy! What an amazing Father's Day to always remember! He's beautiful... and it's so hard to believe my boys were ever that small. Jackson (a name I had also picked out!) weighs about the same as both my boys when they were born. Amazing how tiny they were!!!

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  9. Oh Babies! I love babies! Congrats! Look at that HAIR! (And the long fingers....all the better to art with my dear...)

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  10. Congratulations Streger Family! What an exciting Father's day gift! Little Jackson is beautiful. I'm sure Little Michael will make a great big brother...my oldest son and second son are 8 years apart and they are close!
    Big hugs to you all!!

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  11. Precious, Judy! He is beautiful!

    Hugs,
    darya

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  12. Judy, I could not be more overjoyed for you and your family! Look at those precious little features and that abundant head of hair!! Jackson is just too adorable!! It is wonderful to see all the love and pride and joy in these photos and as always, your gift of writing adds even more to this joyous occasion!! Congratulations to each of you!!

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  13. I've been away from my computer for a few days so I'm just now reading your happy news. Jackson is beautiful. I am so happy for you. Congratulations!

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  14. That is a wonderful Father's day gift and you are so lucky to have such a handy family! Congratulations to the whole group and I can just imagine how sweet he smells!

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  15. Aw! that's the sweetest gift ever! i can tell, you are all so happy to see the little guy, healthy and getting stronger evrey minute.

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  16. I can still remember the wonderful feeling the first time i saw my son and my daughter, there's too much emotion, tears of joy and stuff. all i can say is congratulations!

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  17. Everyone seems to take a good picture when they are genuinely smiling!!!!!!!!!
    Beautiful, congratulations!!!

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