Niece Nicola

I just received word from my aunt in Austin my half brother's baby has arrived. There were some complications during delivery, but she's doing OK in neonatal. Her name is Nicola Ann Petalas, after our late mother Nicky. Nicky, only 27 when she passed, was named after her great aunt, who died at the age of 15. Hopefully three times is a charm!

My half brother knew our mother for the first seven years of his life, but I had no idea he felt such connection with her still. I was very touched by this news. I don't have any memories of our mother.

You know, come to think of it, little Nicola's birth officially makes me an uncle. I have plenty of friends and cousins with children, but no siblings with kids until now. Pretty cool.