Tuesday, March 1, 2011

augie

it's an autumn day, sunny, but crisp enough to remind lutherans not to get used to it. it's 1994, i'm my nephew's nanny because for some crazy reason my sister-in-law trusted me. we read, we play in the leaves, i change him trying not to gag too much. he wakes up from his nap, smiling up at me, pure innocence, beautiful, perfect.

then, one by one, they all come home: his mom, his grandma, his dad, my dad. mom makes porkchops and boiled potatoes, dad and i do the dishes. then we all go down to the basement to watch tv, to be together, to laugh. and cry during the hallmark commercials.

and all's well.

i'm so very proud of you, august allen marlow.

28 comments:

Cindy said...

Nice! Very nice!

(and yes, I have gotten the very clear idea that Tia is, indeed, brilliant!)

rundeep said...

Awesome Augie Allen. And you, Uncle Diaper-Change. Amazing how babies turn into, you know, people, isn't it? I'm still in shock that my daughter is, suddenly, a babe, and not a baby.

Keifus said...

Whoa, this Clint kid (a) isn't funky enough for this, (b) looks a little like recently-egregiously-eliminated Top Chef Dale, and (c) looks even more, with those glasses, like Herr Toht from Raiders of the Lost Ark. I hope his face doesn't melt when they mercifully eliminate him. Keep those ojos cerrados, bro.

Congratulations to your nephew, swits. They do grow up fast. My baby girl is going to her first rock concert tomorrow. I was changing diapers in '97. Clearly the peak of human civilization right around there.

[And holy crap, I knew they shouldn't have gone dual guido back on the runway round. There's your evidence right there. Holding out hope for Geddy Lee Jr.]

Sorry I missed the Oscars dealie, not like I had anything to contribute. Been busy.

K

David Marlow said...

my oldest nephew, noah, is an airforce captain. my youngest nephew, augie, came out to his parents last week. whom to be more proud of. this world is not good enough for either of them.

tia said...

Your family rocks. You're not half-bad yourself, switters.

David Marlow said...

ps., moonpie found a skunk; i've lost electric to most of the house; i'm close to giving up; the view is actually really good; miley hosting snl; out of firewood.

tia said...

What did Moonpie do with her skunk?

tia said...

And how about that Casey whateverhisnameis? Love that kid.

rundeep said...

March 1, my dear. Warm during the day, freezing at night. Longer days. Chin up toots -- you have that great big wonderful family who loves you. And we the computer imps too, you know. You seemed really happy in the warmth -- just need to get through what's left of winter.

rundeep said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
David Marlow said...

he's out to all his buds. such a good boy. tia knows him.

David Marlow said...

been seeing lots of geese the last few days. forgot how comforting their squawking is. flying right out of the southwest sky.

tia said...

It's almost startling, hearing birds in the morning after a winter of silence.

David Marlow said...

al's truck broke down.

tia said...

What did you do to it?

A friend rescued some puppies while on vacation and brought them home. They spent most of the day here at the house. The last thing I need is a new puppy. Right? Please back me up here.

bright said...

Temporary Puppy would be a great name for a band.

rundeep said...

Everyone needs a puppy. Always. Toddlers and puppies are a ridiculously cute and natural combination.

Though it is mud season where you are, and puppies and mud is a combination from hell, I admit.

David Marlow said...

ah, cellar's full of water. that would explain the power outage. matt damon on ellen; not bad.

topazz said...

Ugh. Nothing worse than a cellar full of water. Are you alright? Can you get a couple of sump pumps installed? These are the drastic times that call for opening a (gasp) Sears charge.

David Marlow said...

long story short: mom and dad have 5 kids; the oldest boy marries an exceptional person; they have 2 kids, girls; and the younger of the 2 calls her stupid uncle when he's at his lowest just to say hi and that she's pulling for him.

blessed.

tia said...

Indeed.

Uncle Goober Switters.

David Marlow said...

moonie got sprayed; whole house smells like skunk; good thing there's no heat.

tia said...

Things have been skunky around here, too. Tonight and two nights ago. I can't even blame the dog, although I'd like to.

Also, the puppies are here: http://ourgirljane.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-apologize-in-advance.html

David Marlow said...

if moon were not so alpha, i'd be in the market for more collies. sarah jane marlow is an angel.

rundeep said...

Hmmm. Just have her swim around the basement. Haven't seen a skunk round these parts in a while. I think the cat (and the fox) keep them away. I did see a deer miscarriage on our walk the other day, however. My arms are now 3 inches longer, thank you very much.

Tia -- we have friends who live on a Carribbean island and who had pals very involved in the shelter there. All the Anglos had adopted these street mutts, called satos (sp?). Everyone agreed that the satos were the best dogs they ever had. Sweet, and smart, and truly street cunning. Not always great with cats, but awesome dogs.

bright said...

It's skunk season. Also saw a dead opossum in the road today. Must be spring!

topazz said...

things I can live without:
1. seeing a deer miscarriage
2. a dog getting skunked
3. cellars full of water

things I can't live without:
1. A daughter who is looking forward to spending her spring break with me next week. (And we're not even going anywhere)

Cindy said...

I'm thinking you have a pretty wonderful family. And am guessing they feel the same way about you.

I still have an image of you plowing the field behind a pair of draft horses one day.

So, don't give up yet.