Meeting Vallanee Rose

Ed, Vallanee and Wanda

Will sent me a text in the middle of the morning yesterday. We knew that Wendy and Will were at the hospital, so it came in a time of waiting. Here's how the conversation went:

Will 10:46 AM: Did grandma spell her name valanee?

Wanda 10:47 AM: Shd I be crying yet. With joy?

Wanda 1047 AM: Vallanee Rose Luedtke Hayes.

Will 10:49 AM: Yes! You are 1st. Vallanee Rose Eichler. 7lb 7oz 10:32 am. 20" long.

Wanda 10:50 AM: Oh my. I'm sobbing, Will. Mom would love to hold her.

Wanda 10:51 AM:  I miss her so much yet. Still. So little Vallanee is such a blessing!!!!

Then came a picture of the little bundle that Wendy delivered into this bright world. Cozied up in her mother's arms, there was little Vallanee Rose, my mother's namesake.

It was an incredible moment, this naming of a child for someone whom I hold so dear in my life. My sisters have been texting their joy and tears since yesterday's announcement. Even today, as I write, I can only wonder at the great satisfaction and honored memory that my Dad must be feeling. I can see Stan's big grin as he announces Vallanee's birth to all who cross his path for the next months. He will be so proud.

Just a word to Wendy's family. We share this child as a testament to the good of our families. And, as a child of Vallanee Rose Hayes, I wish for all of us, together, that this little one will become as precious to all of us -- the Matas and the Eichlers and the Filbrandts and the Hayes' -- as is the memory of her namesake, my mother.


And now, for my Dad and those of you who read this Willow blog, some more photos of a tiny little one who joins her sister, Hannah, and her cousins, Max and Finn, into her Grandma Wanda Jean's heart.

Vallanee Rose Eichler

Wendy, Vallanee and Will