There are two things I cherish on this planet.
Children and dark chocolate.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while now, you know how much I honor and adore children.
When I first began Vent, I wrote a post about a zany idea for starting my own business called, “Rent-a-Baby.” A place where you could rent a baby like you would a tuxedo, for those of us who will never have children but would like to rent one for a special occasion or simply the weekend. And then when you returned it, the baby would be steamed cleaned and re-rented. I actually think it’s a fabulous idea, however I never went through with it.
Anyway, there are several people who I blog with, who have at one time or another shared a post about the children in their lives, whether it be their children or grandchildren. And for me, these are some of my most favorite posts to read because they always warm my heart and make me smile.
Today, I would like to share three of the children from some of my wonderful blogging friends.
So, without further ado, allow me to present (and BRAG) about these three little angels from heaven.
----------------------------------------------
Hope - grandchild of Dianne
The thing I LOVE about Hope is that not only is she a flawless beauty, she’s also smart as a whip. She brilliantly combines beauty and brains, and tops it with a dose of humor.
Hope was born July 3, 2009. Her dad was hoping for a July 4th baby but Hope arrive at 10:39 PM, showing her own independence.
Hopes loved just about everything. Her curiosity is endless. She loves books and will go to her book shelf, pick on and lead you to the sofa to read with her. She doesn't like anyone turning the pages though and will be stubborn about that. Her daycare teacher has had to discuss this with her a few times.
She loves pigs. We think it started with the Christmas viewing of "A Christmas Story" - she was just 6 months old and the scene where the little boy sticks his head into his plate of food and snorts like a pig really caught her attention. She has several stuffed pigs and she hugs them and snorts - then she giggles.
When you hold Hope in your arms she will always pat your back. Even if she's cranky or tired or hurt - she pats your back and nestles as close as possible. I think that may be my favorite thing she does.
Okay.....is this not the most PRECIOUS face you EVER saw??? Doesn’t this picture make you wanna reach inside and just squeeze those adorable rosy cheeks of his?
Likes: Chewing on his favorite blanket, running around in his baby walker, pulling the cat’s tail, drooling, Cheerios, smiling, talking in nouns, Grandma & Grandpa, bath time, pounding on dad’s computer and being a chick magnet.
Dislikes: Nap time, Cookie Monster (scary!), Emeril Lagasse (unsure why, but he makes Tyler cry), strained green beans.
Life Lessons Learned So Far: Falling down sucks. Mommy doesn’t like having her hair pulled, and apparently neither does the cat. I’m unsure if my name is “Tyler” or “buddy” because mommy and daddy call me both. When I smile I can make everybody else smile too.
Upon first seeing this little cherub, I knew she was a very special soul. And as you read her bio, you will see why.
I'm not sure what to say about the bug.....other than she is a gift from G-d. Her mother had been diagnosed with cancer -- and treated, successfully to date (G-d is gracious, eh?). Pregnancy was not suppose to happen.
When she discovered there was a peanut--she chose.
The bug is a gift from G-d....a brilliant child of G-d that shines into all of our lives and graces us with smiles and warmth and great joy.
She is not 'ours', but a gift on loan--she is treasured and revered.
And she is love.
Pure, powerful......love.
--------------------------------------------
I would like to thank Dianne, Herman, and Mel for allowing me this opportunity to share the children in their lives.
Because through them….I love children.
What a lovely tribute you have given to your blogging friend's children. As you know from my many posts and constant references, my children are the guiding light of my life. I never imagined I could love someone so much it actually kind of hurts (in a good way!) And though you don't have biological ones of your own, your appreciation and love for children is a true gift. There is so much to be learned from children. We always think we are the ones teaching and guiding them, when in fact most of the important lessons I have learned in life came from them.
ReplyDeleteYou are a kind and gentle-hearted man Ron. And that is something you should be so very proud of.
xo Susie
Good Evening Susie~
ReplyDeleteOMG...I JUST THIS MINUTE finished posting this!!
Thank you for stopping by!
Oh, you said it....
"There is so much to be learned from children. We always think we are the ones teaching and guiding them, when in fact most of the important lessons I have learned in life came from them."
You are soooooooo right! It is my belief that children are on this earth to teach us to never lose our child within. And they remind us how to love with abandonment.
Thank you so much for your sweet and kind words, dear lady. They truly brought a tear to my eyes.
(((( Susie )))))
Hope you had a faaaaaaabulous day!
X
Ron, this the first time I've seen a blogger highlight the children of other bloggers. Wow. I've seen other bloggers being spotlighted, but never their children. What a nifty concept.
ReplyDeleteOf course, all three of these darlings are cutie pies and special in their own ways.
And I think you could be onto something with the rent-a-kid idea. There are plenty of frazzled parents out there who I'm sure would love to get a few hours of peace and quiet, and get paid for it. LOL
It's lovely to know someone of your calibre, Ron. I so enjoyed reading this post and having the opportunity to read about young children. I don't have any around, but that's another story. Blessings to you, my friend.
ReplyDeletewow these babies are really cute! and so is your blog. Very unique and original. I am a polyglot living in France who loves to teach french through my blog. Bon courage for your 'Rent a baby' project. :)
ReplyDeleteThree adorable babies.
ReplyDeleteI love children too Ron and am lucky enough to have five grandchildren to enjoy. :)
What gorgeous legacies. And how cute are they! Thank you for asking to include the bug. She's special to my heart for some reason.... She's a joy bringer, that one.
ReplyDelete201 little trick or treaters graced our door last evening. They were all gorgeous, all bringers of joy.
I think 'rent a baby' is an excellent idea, actually. People's demeanor change when babies show up. Attitudes shift. Sometimes people's voices go up an octave. LOL (never was one of 'those' kind...LOL) They bring out good things in us and we mostly feel 'safe' to let that happen with children.
That's a very cool thing.
Now if we could just transfer that same thing to bigger kiddos, that'd be really, really awesome.
((((((((((((( Ron ))))))))))))))
Blessings to you, sir.
And much love!
Good Morning Matty~
ReplyDeleteThank you. I've been wanting to do this for soooooooooooo long; gratefully everyone agreed to partake. It gave me much joy to share this.
Aren't they ALL cutie pies?
"And I think you could be onto something with the rent-a-kid idea. There are plenty of frazzled parents out there who I'm sure would love to get a few hours of peace and quiet, and get paid for it."
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHA! I would LOVE to do that. And they could call me Weekend Uncle Ronnie.
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Always great seeing ya!
Have a super Monday
Good Morning Valerie~
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear lady. And the feeling is mutual!
I just adore children. So what better way to celebrate them, than to BRAG about other peoples children!
Thank you for stopping by this morning, dear lady. Always a delight!
Blessings to you too!
Happy Monday!
X
Greetings Polyglot~
ReplyDeleteWelcome! Thank you for stopping by and sharing a comment. Nice to meet you!
Aren't these babies ADORABLE?
"I am a polyglot living in France who loves to teach french through my blog."
Oh, how WONDERFUL! I have several blogging friends living in France - it looks like such a gorgeous country. Especially Paris!
Stop by anytime, you're always welcomed!
Have a nice Monday!
Ciao!
Good Morning Akelamalu~
ReplyDeleteAren't the adorable? Three little cherubs!
"I love children too Ron and am lucky enough to have five grandchildren to enjoy."
Yes, I know you do, m'dear. And I bet they love you to pieces. And you them!
Thank you for stopping by!
Happy Monday to you!
X
Hellooooooooooooooo Nana Mel~
ReplyDeleteOh my dear....thank YOU for allowing me to share the bug. It was truly an honor!
(((( the bug ))))
"201 little trick or treaters graced our door last evening."
OMG, you're kidding me? How WONDERFUL! My mother said she hardly had any trick or treaters last night.
"People's demeanor change when babies show up. Attitudes shift. Sometimes people's voices go up an octave. LOL (never was one of 'those' kind...LOL) They bring out good things in us and we mostly feel 'safe' to let that happen with children."
I agree, dear lady. They have a magical way of bringing out the good in ALL.
Thank you again for allowing me this honor. I had soooo much fun putting this post together.
((( Mel )))
Have a marvi Monday!
X to you and the bug!
I love the story about Hope having her say in life from the very start, and popping out when she so hoped.
ReplyDeleteHope is a beautiful thing to have in life... I'm hoping for even better days. The current ones are already so sweet, but well... glam gals always strive for more!
Ron, your comments always warm the heart. So deeply. Thanks for being there!
I also like children as long as the are someone else's and are not near me. So I can say that those are some of the cutest grandbabies in the world and actually mean it!
ReplyDeleteMy idea for renting out children was that they would be the absolute best form of birth control. I was going to do it with mine but realized I'd probably get arrested. It definitely is a good idea, though. ;)
Bonjour Susu~
ReplyDelete"I love the story about Hope having her say in life from the very start, and popping out when she so hoped.
Hope is a beautiful thing to have in life..."
You said it, Susu!
Hope is a beautiful thing to have in life!
Thank you for stopping by, beautiful lady! Always a pleasure to see you here, and also at your magical blog!
Wishing you a beautiful day!
X
Hiya Nitebyrd~
ReplyDelete"I was going to do it with mine but realized I'd probably get arrested. It definitely is a good idea, though."
HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!
Oh, I have a feeling that children absolutely ADORE you and LOVE to be near you!
Listen, I STILL might start up my business.
Uncle Ron's Rent-a-Baby Service.
And Wednesday a 2 for 1 special!
Thanks for stopping by, Sis!
Hope you're having a FAB Monday!
X ya!
Hope is thrilled to be spotlighted on your blog with 2 other amazing babies, she told me so this morning as we blew bubbles
ReplyDeleteshe got a tiny pumpkin full of buggle making water yesterday and it is her new favorite thing
and she says 'bubbubees' and giggles!!
I love that you put her pig face photo up, she does such a good pig
we both love you to the moon and back
Gooood Morning Lady Dianne~
ReplyDelete"Hope is thrilled to be spotlighted on your blog with 2 other amazing babies, she told me so this morning as we blew bubbles."
HAHAHHAHAHA...oh, how CUTE!!! And please tell Hope that I am honored to have her here and thank her for me. Also, please tell her that I LOVE blowing BUBBLES too!
"I love that you put her pig face photo up, she does such a good pig."
OMG, as soon as I read the bio and then saw the photo of the cute pig face, I KNEW I had to use it - PERFECT!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady!
X ya both to the moon and back too!
What a beautiful and touching tribute and what an unselfish and wonderful post. All three children (grandchildren) are GORGEOUS. Can't wait for my own!
ReplyDeleteJust had to share that #2 had the same idea on the rent a baby thing. She says she will NEVER have a baby on her own but thinks being able to rent one every once in a while would be great. She told me this several years ago. She should have been YOUR kid! LOL
Oh, me again... I have also NEVER seen the "disco" version of Wizard of Oz before but seeing that it is one of my all time favorite movies, I absolutely adored this little snippet! Thanks SO much for posting that! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteHello Peg~
ReplyDeleteAren't they ALL GORGEOUS???
I have been wanting to share a post highlighting the childern of my blogging pals for the longest time. I may do this once every couple of months. I had a blast putting it together.
"Just had to share that #2 had the same idea on the rent a baby thing. She says she will NEVER have a baby on her own but thinks being able to rent one every once in a while would be great. She told me this several years ago. She should have been YOUR kid!"
OMG, how FUNNY! Maybe she and I can start the business TOGETHER - HA! I actually think it's a cool idea!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear friend!
ALWAYS so FAB seeing ya!
Have wonderful Monday.....X
Hello again, Peg~
ReplyDeleteOoops! I just noticed your second comment in my moderation.
"Oh, me again... I have also NEVER seen the "disco" version of Wizard of Oz."
Back in the mid-80's this version of The Wizard of Oz was very popular in the gay clubs (go, figure) - HA! It's by a recording company called Meco. They also did one on the I LOVE LUCY theme song.
Me too....LOVE the movie The Wizard of Oz!
*especially the Wicked Witch of the West*
"I'm melting...melting...oh, what a world...what a world..."
X
Hey Ron, Don't mention the rent a baby concept too loudly in front of Cindy because she would have them here and adopted before the rental time ran out.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful kids you displayed here and Thanks to the parents who allowed you to do so, you probably could have used one more but I wont mention any names because I'm just kind of partial to this one Ha Ha.
Seriously this was an awesome post and I really enjoyed it Buddy.
Howdy Jimmy~
ReplyDelete"Don't mention the rent a baby concept too loudly in front of Cindy because she would have them here and adopted before the rental time ran out."
HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Tell Cindy I LOVE her for that! I have a feeling if I ever started this business, I would end up adopting them too!
Aren't the children beautiful? Hey listen, I may be doing this once every couple of months, so I may be emailing you about the "one more."
Thanks for stopping by, bud! ALWAYS a joy!
Happy Monday to you and Cindy!
X
Emeril Lagasse makes me cry, too; but I'd get over it if he cooked for me! This is a precious post, adorable kids!
ReplyDeleteHey SuziCate~
ReplyDelete"Emeril Lagasse makes me cry, too; but I'd get over it if he cooked for me!"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Me too!
Aren't the kiddies adorable? I think I'm going to see if Dianne, Herman, and Mel will allow me to RENT them. One each weekend!
Thanks for stopping by, dear lady!
Hope you're having a great Monday!
X
what a beautiful post and gorgeous babies. well done ron. that might not be a bad idea of yours. people get to experience mother/fatherhood before actually having one. i wonder how many people would go through with it after the experience though. some kids are a joy
ReplyDeleteHello V~
ReplyDeleteIt's sooooooooo FAB seeing ya, girl!
Yes, aren't the ALL gorgeous babies? I had a hard time selecting the photos because they were all so great.
"that might not be a bad idea of yours. people get to experience mother/fatherhood before actually having one. i wonder how many people would go through with it after the experience though."
Hey, that's a great idea about people getting to experience mother/fatherhood BEFORE actually having one. I never thought of that?!
Yeah...I wonder how many would go through with it too?!
I think this is a great idea for people like me, who want to be Uncle Weekend Ronnie's - HA!
Thanks for stopping by, neighbor!
Hope you had a super Monday!
X
ZOMG. These children are absolutely, insanely, preciously, adorable!!
ReplyDeleteNow that my son is 14 years old, I sure do miss the days of him being so little.
Hellooooo Meleah~
ReplyDelete"ZOMG. These children are absolutely, insanely, preciously, adorable!!"
(love ZOMG)
I truly love all children, but the wee little ones are just so extra precious, aren't they?
Thanks for stopping by, girl! GREAT to see ya!
Hope you had a super-duper day!
X
What special little angels they all are. What a beautiful post, Ron.
ReplyDeleteHey, if you ever decide to do that rent-a-kid thing, let me know. :-)
Hey Chrissy~
ReplyDeleteYou said it, girl...what special little angels they all are!
(((( Little Angels )))))
Listen, if I ever decide to do the rent-a-baby thing, I will definitely let you know. And I'll give you a HUGE discount on your first rental, ok?
Bwahahahahahahhaha!
Or better yet, maybe we can go into business together!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by! Hope you had a FAB Halloween and a great Monday!
X to you, Bern, and Mr. Vinny!
Awesome post, Ron! Many thanks for thinking about us when this idea struck. Here's a late night hot chocolate toast to Dianne and Mel for contributing!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I submit this comment I'm going right back and read this post again :-)
Oh, and as for your idea of "rent-a-baby"...genius! You can turn it into a franchise, with "Rent-A-Baby's" from coast to coast.
Howdy Herman~
ReplyDeleteAnd MANY thanks to both you and Karin, for allowing me to post this - it gave me tremendous joy!
(and thank you too, Tyler!)
Aren't Dianne and Mels grandchildren the BOMB?
If I do eventually start my rent-a-baby business, you better believe it'll be coast to coast!
Thanks for stopping by, buddy!
X to you, Karin, and the chick magnet!
You are a pretty special guy there Ron. This was a nice post. And if you want to rent a baby (well, mine are 4 and 5 1/2 now, but...) you can borrow mine ANYTIME!!! I am one of those frazzled Mommies on many a day. Ha. I love my girlies though and they really do keep me sane and here for this journey called life.
ReplyDeleteKatherine
xo
Hi Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteThis is SOOO cute! Thanks to the proud families for sharing these pictures and profiles :)
No, I am not do hot about the idea of "rent-a-baby". Because if you want one, you want one forever! I was not in my destiny either, Ronnie.
We can console ourselves by a gentle pat on each other's shoulder ( mind you, not a burp!)
Please take care and wishing the best to all these beautiful babes and their families.
XOXO
Ron, of course children love and want to be near me! They're like cats, they torment the people that don't like them! LOL
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Katherine~
ReplyDelete"And if you want to rent a baby (well, mine are 4 and 5 1/2 now, but...) you can borrow mine ANYTIME!!!"
HA! Okay!
"I am one of those frazzled Mommies on many a day."
Yup! I do know that parenthood can frazzling at times. That's why I like being Uncle Ronnie!
"I love my girlies though and they really do keep me sane and here for this journey called life."
((( Katherine )))
Your girls are beautiful! And I can tell from your posts that you have such a great time together.
Thanks for stopping by, dear lady! Always a pleasure seeing you!
Have a grrrrreat Tuesday!
X
Bonjour Barbara~
ReplyDeleteAren't they cutie pies?
"No, I am not do hot about the idea of "rent-a-baby". Because if you want one, you want one forever! I was not in my destiny either, Ronnie."
No, not in my destiny either. However, I make a great Uncle - HA!
"We can console ourselves by a gentle pat on each other's shoulder ( mind you, not a burp!)"
Tooooooooo funny, Barb!
Thank you for stopping by and celebrating these little angels!
Have a TERRIFIC Tuesday, my friend!
XO to you and D!
Good Morning Nitebyrd~
ReplyDelete"Ron, of course children love and want to be near me! They're like cats, they torment the people that don't like them! LOL"
Bwhahahahhahaahhaha!
So true! I remember a time when I was not too keen on cats; yet, whenever I was near one they were on me like a magnet - HA!
Thanks for stopping back, Sis!
Have a fab Tuesday!
X
What a adorable loving collage of little ones you have hnere. If you are child like then you know God.
ReplyDeleteI could feel the energy of innocence and awe as I scrolled through your photos.
Your concept of rent-a-baby may have some true value, if it could ever be implemented. You could open a shop that would have all the tykes in rows and catagorized by age sex and race. Yep, aisle three could house the yellow boys 2 and up.
At the back of the store you could have the colicky kids and give out buckets when they are rented. Perhaps you could have bottles of that green baby food in the window along with a fully loaded saggy diaper and offer these to people who don't know shit. Then we could have kids that whine all the time be utilized as the baby alarm clocks. But the best is that you steam clean these adorable little people. Then what do you get? Prunes R Us?
Just some random thoughts from a dad, a granpa and a warped man.
Harry Huggies
Howdy Mr. Dave/Harry Huggies~
ReplyDeleteAren't these little cherubs adorable?
OMG...I laughed so hard at your suggestions for my rent-a-baby business, I was HOWLING!!!!
"Perhaps you could have bottles of that green baby food in the window along with a fully loaded saggy diaper and offer these to people who don't know shit. Then we could have kids that whine all the time be utilized as the baby alarm clocks."
Bwhahahahahahahaaha! Too funny, Dave!
"But the best is that you steam clean these adorable little people. Then what do you get? Prunes R Us?"
Bwhahahahahahahahahah! HILARIOUS!
Thanks soooo much for stopping by today and adding your brilliance, my friend!
Have a terrrrific Tuesday!
X
What a lovely tribute to your friends children/grandchildren! And such adorable pictures too. :)
ReplyDeleteWe had alot of trick-or-treaters on Sunday and some of them looked so darn cute in their little costumes. Kids ROCK!
I remember rent-a-baby! You should do it sometime, I'll send Alex over! LOL Your apartment will never be the same! Pancake syrup on the chairs, crayon drawings on the walls... haha
Wonderful post, Ron. They are all very sweet children who are very loved!
Good Morning Crystal Chick~
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend. Aren't these photos ADORABLE? I had the hardest time selecting just three of each.
"We had alot of trick-or-treaters on Sunday and some of them looked so darn cute in their little costumes. Kids ROCK!"
OMG, you're kidding? Everyone I've spoken to at work said they hardly had any trick or treaters this year, so I'm so happy to hear that you did. My mother had none, and she LOVES to hand out candy to the kiddies!
"I remember rent-a-baby! You should do it sometime, I'll send Alex over! LOL Your apartment will never be the same! Pancake syrup on the chairs, crayon drawings on the walls..."
Great! And no worries, that's what I have 409 Spray Cleaner for - HA!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend! Always GRAND to see ya!
Have a FABU Wednesday!
X
P.S. aren't you lovin' this cooler weather?
What an absolutely uplifting and beautiful post, Ron! I want to pinch each and every gorgeous cheek. And Rent-a-Baby. Genius! :))
ReplyDeleteChildren are truly God's rays of sunshine and inspiration. Their eyes of pure love always offer such joy and truth! To quote el maestro, "Never lose the child in us. It's the most important."
(((to the biggest child of us all))) ;)
p.s. Have you seen the commercial with the child in its walker zooming through traffic in its walker to the music of Melanie's "Brand New Key" from 1971? Absolutely precious!
Hellooooo Petra~
ReplyDeleteIt's ALWAYS so wonderful seeing you, dear lady. Thanks for stopping by!
Aren't these little angels ADORABLE? Yes, I wanna pinch their cheeks too!
"Children are truly God's rays of sunshine and inspiration. Their eyes of pure love always offer such joy and truth!"
That was soooooooo BEAUTIFUL!
"To quote el maestro, "Never lose the child in us. It's the most important."
You said it....never lose the child in us!
Funny you mentioned that commercial, because someone at work mentioned it this week; asking me the same thing. No, I haven't seen it (because I don't watch TV), but I can only imagine it being faaaaaaaabulously precious!
Hope you had a flawless day, my friend!
((( Petra )))
X
Thanks so much for sharing those great photos! It was so fun to see Herman's little one. I'm a follower of his as well. Wow! He is so cute. Next time you will have to do one for those of us who have the four legged brand of child. I have several of those to share.
ReplyDeleteHey Jen~
ReplyDeleteYes, actually Herman and I met through YOUR blog, so thanks for introducing us - he's such a super-great guy!
Isn't Tyler adorable? He's as cute as a pea in a pod.
I had soooo much fun putting this post together, and am soooooo grateful that Dianne, Herman, and Mel allowed me to share their little cherubs.
"Next time you will have to do one for those of us who have the four legged brand of child. I have several of those to share."
Excellent Jen! You just gave me a GREAT idea!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you had super Wednesday!
X
These are precious babies! Thank you for sharing, what a sweet heart you have.
ReplyDeleteI love other people's children, if they're not messy or fussy (or stinky). But otherwise I swoon over babies. Probably not a very admirable confession, but it's true. And maybe that is one reason that I am not a mommy.
But these angels are adorable angels! >swoon<
Good Morning Diane~
ReplyDeleteAren't they PRECIOUS?
I had such a blast sharing them with everyone and BRAGGING.
Oh, me too...I LOVE children with all my heart and soul, however I know that I truly don't have what it takes to actually HAVE one. That's why I make a GREAT uncle.
That's where 'Rent-a-Baby" comes in!
Thank you for stopping by, Diane!
((( Diane )))