JULY 3--CUTENESS THEN AND NOW

       So this blog-writing has me sorting through old photos, some of which I have already flaunted.  In trying to show how CUTENESS runs in families (mine), I looked for a few comparative family photos.  
    
       My grandchildren are famously adorable, as the world now knows.  I present a few examples, alongside some not-too-exact older photos.

       There's the loving shots of cousins being pals--first my cousin Teri and I--then my grandson Jake kissing his cousin Rosie during their toddler days:
     

     

          The cuteness gene glaringly apparent!  Jake and Rosie have remained good friends, and it's a joy watching them together.

       I have bravely published some bathing suit cuteness from my toddler days...and I now present my granddaughter Bella putting a 21st century "sassy spin" on the bathing suit pose:

 

  

      My life--in these pictures--what a gift!  I'm watching my three grandchildren, Jake (now 7), Rosie (6) and Bella (4) with such awe.  They are embracing their days with fresh new eyes, like my eyes staring out of those old photos.

     

      I wish joy for them, I wish that I could smooth out their paths and guide them around those hurdles which life will clunk down in their way.  But that little girl in those old photos somehow found her way to her NOW.

    

       And it's a good NOW, made up of all the old photos and days among years that lead me to this birthday month.  I wish to celebrate this NOW with every blog this month.

     

     That's my birthday present to myself.