Happy Birthday Jessica!

Happy Birthday, Jessica!  I'm posting this a day early, and even though you *swear* you read the blog, I know you really don't.  It doesn't matter, although I'm going to harangue you about it especially after this post, because you're going to be dissapointed that I haven't sent a card or acknowledged your birthday aside from a call. 
Suprise, this is your gift from me.  It's not much, but it'll last longer than a card or any other gift I could send, and it's from the heart.
I want you to know just how much you mean to me - something I've probably hinted at, and you might have an idea of, but never fully realized.
As you know, I don't have any human children and won't. That's why you're so special to me.  When your father and I met and I found out that he had a daughter, you weren't as much a part of my life as you've become over the years since - it's been over 16 years since we first met, and I've honestly never been happier to have you in my life.  (Even though at that first meeting, you were far more interested in your gaming system than you were in dealing with me)
I know I've only been a peripheral fixture to the events of your life, however I know you've come to realize that my love for you is as real as your father's - you've accepted me as a psuedo Uncle, and allowed me the privileged indulgence of "adopting" your daughter as my grandchild. 
That in and of itself means more to me than you will ever know, however that's not what this is about.  This is about what you mean to me.  
I've always thought of you as more than just a niece, you've always been something of a daughter to me too, although I haven't had to shoulder the responsibilities of parenthood that Don, Lisa and Joe have.  I guess missing out on those responsibilities was for the best, as my tendency has always been to simply spoil you (and now Andrea) and the only thing my interference in any crisis would have done would have further screwed up whatever was happening, and probably not for the better.  
Case in point, trying to get you down here to Atlanta.  I'll be honest, that's still my selfish goal.  I'd love to have you and Andrea and Chris down here so I could have more time with all of you.
But that's something that will remain my selfish wish, not something that I honestly forsee happening - however I can always hope, and will continue to wish for it, despite what in reality is best for you.  (But let me hit the lottery and you're not going to have a choice in the matter!)
Anyway, I just want you to know that I love you and I miss you and Andrea, and Chris, and you forever have a place in my heart. 
So, before I get even *more* maudlin, let me close by saying that I hope you have the best birthday ever, and that each subsequent one improves on the previous by light years. 
I love you.
Uncle Aldy
(to Andrea - I'm still Grandpa Merlin to you)

Monday, February 25th

Okay, I got slack again.
Sorry about this, Andrea - I had a number of things going on, and blogging wasn't high on the list of "must do today" 's.
On the bright side, I did manage to send up a number of outfits for you - not that at your current age (you're a month old today - Happy Birthday!!) you're going to know or care about fashion - which believe me, is my saving grace - when you get older, if I think about sending up clothing, it's going to be in the way of a gift card - I won't embarrass you with my fashion choices.
Toys are also going to end up being your choice via gift card - no offense, but you're going to know what you want more than I will, and rather than incur your wrath I think it's easier to just send you a gift card. Unless of course, I'm sending you another bear.
Those, you're going to have to deal with.
Anyway, in the time since the last post, I've turned 47, gotten my hair highlighted, gotten talked into playing Bingo at the American Legion with Grandpa Don (and won $100), ordered a MONSTER elephant ear plant (that's going to drive the HOA up a wall), gotten involved in the Paranormal States message boards, and lost more weight.
Elaborations are forthcoming, right now I just thought I'd throw up a quick fill in.
Anyway, I have to get ready for work now...
More later.

Relationships

While I'm on my soapbox, let me address something that you'll realize over time, but lets just get it out of the way now.
I'm not really your Great Uncle, except by love. You see, your Grandpa Don is my very best friend in the world, and I love him like my brother. Since Grandpa Don is my "brother", I get to be your Great Uncle.
And I've known and loved your mother for years, although we got closer after you were born.
Since I'm never going to have a grandchild of my own, I'm pretending with you - but that doesn't make me love you any less because you don't have my DNA.
So, I'm gonna be your Unca Merlin, your personal faery grandparent.
Wishes granted whenever possible. As long as you're housebroken.

Adoption information summary

Well, it arrived - the summary of the non-identifying information about my adoption.
And, as it turns out, the majority of my theories about the circumstances surrounding my adoption were correct, however as it turns out, my biological father isn't listed in the case record, and there is little to no further information about my birth mother's family either.

However, to quote: "According to the case record, the attorney who handled your adoption had handled several legal matters for your adoptive mother's family for years. <side note, this I already knew from Blake, who referred to him as "a crook" - coming from another lawyer, hard to tell if that's praise or judgement> He was aware of your adoptive parents' desire for a child and their inability to conceive children of their own. A few weeks prior to your birth, the attorney notified your adoptive parents of your birth mother's plan of adoption for you. Your birth mother 'was not able to provide a suitable home' for you. Shortly after your birth, the attorney took you to meet your adoptive parents and you were lovingly welcomed into their home. < I love how they editorialize and use "lovingly welcomed"... > Your adoptive parents paid the hospital bills and possibly for some of your birth mother's expenses. "
I was right. I was paid for.
Seems the Department of Public Welfare attempted to interview her, however she wasn't at the address listed in the case record. She signed me over to Sam & Faye on February 18, 1961, with the adoption finalized on August 3rd 1962.
There has been no contact with Georgia Adoption Registry from any member of my birth family since then.

Well, where do I go now? I'm wondering about paying the $300 to try and find her.
I wonder what I'll get with the $300?
What if they find her and she says "no" ? That's always a possibility.
Wow. This even overshadows your birth, Andrea. Sorry about that, I'm still thrilled beyond mortal comprehension that you're here and safe and healthy, but right now I've got this thrown on my plate, all about my birth and my adoption, and the potential for finding my birth mother.
And it's going to be an interesting next couple of months, lemme tell you.
Enough for now, I posted what I needed to, i.e. the verification of my theories surrounding my adoption.
I was right. Hell yeah, that does feel good.

Still more baby pics

Welcome to the world, Andrea Jordan Hutchens.

I've been waiting for someone like you for quite a while - I'm your Great Uncle Merlin - and I'm also your Faery Grandparent - but you can call me Unca Merlin... or Grandpa Merlin.

I have great things in store for you, little one. Think of me as your "Auntie Mame", but male.

And just wait until you're a little older - your Great Uncle Merlin is gonna show you the Happiest Place on Earth - it's called Disney World. (Yes, Jess, you're coming too...although your father probably won't...he's such a wet blanket when it comes to theme parks.)

Time for me to head into work, more in a bit.

Presenting Ms. Andrea Jordan, Diva-In-Training

Presenting Ms. Andrea Jordan Hutchens.

Born January 24th, 2008, weighing 8 lbs, 3 oz and measuring 20 inches in length.

Ain't she something else? See that little finger? It's already got me wrapped around it.

January 21st - MLK Day

Well, it's a little past 7:30 pm, and I'm at work.
It's also a Federal Holiday, Martin Luther King Day, celebrating the birthday of Dr. King.
This means I get paid at the holiday rate for working today (yaaaaaaaaay), and because it's at the beginning of my 10 day stretch, I'll get OT for Saturday too. (double yaaaaaaaaaay).
I have the diabetes class pre-screen tomorrow at 9:30 am at Dekalb Med, and the Diabetes class next week on Monday and Tuesday.
I'm really hoping you're here by then, or else your mom's gonna be bald. She's really over anxious about getting you to decide to be born, young lady. Personally, I think it's a genetic thing. You're all stubborn - your mom, your Grandpa Don, your Grandma Lisa... so I honestly don't know why she expected anything different with you.
I keep telling her I'm seeing your arrival on the 22nd. Don't make a liar out of me, okay?
Hurry up and arrive healthy... I'm waiting to see you!

Snowed In - Atlanta style so to speak

Today, the Atlanta area got hit with what passes here for a blizzard. 3-5 inches of snow.
Thankfully, the temperature hovered around 34 so it didn't stick on the roads.
However, the overnight temperature is expected to be in the lower 20's, meaning that it's gonna freeze over - should be beautiful in the morning, all frozen and crystalline. Because it's gonna freeze, I see no need to be out in it, so I'm "snowed in" Atlanta style.

Additionally, I'm fully expecting to hear any time now that you're here, Andrea.
I'm just worndering how much labor you put your mom through, and whether or not you come C-Section due to your mother's heart condition. Either way, you're an Aquarius, so that's all that really matters.
As soon as i get the birth time and location from either your mom, dad, or Grandma Lisa, I'm going to run what's known as a natal chart on you. I'm looking forward to seeing what your chart says.

I'll add more later...

January 7th thoughts

Officially, (i.e. the Dr's due date) Andrea, you're due on the 18th.
I don't think you're going to make an appearance until around the 21st or 22nd, however we'll see. Grandpa Don says the 13th, and your mom wants you anytime now (I'm theorizing on that point, however I'm basing it on experience with women in the late stage of their pregnancy - so I'm pretty sure I'm right)
You're coming into a really strange family structure, kid.
Lets get that established right off the bat.
However, if you think of me as your faery grandparent, it begins to make sense.

Since I'll never have a grandchild of my own, you're the nearest thing.
I'm gonna spoil you so rotten they'll call DFACS on me.
And you provide me an excuse to be able to do Disney World, and Epcot, and all the amusement parks I never get to go to because noone ever wants to go.
You'll be going, trust me on this.

Second childhood, here I come.

Her Royal Highness, Cleopatra, Queen of Denial

Cleopatra actually named herself - when she first came to live with me, there was the usual territorial dispute with the older cats, ie lots of hissing and spitting (I call it "leaky tire syndrome")

Anyway, one day Cleo was walking down the hallway past Polgara, who was doing her best "leaky tire" impression, and Cleo sauntered by her, completely ignoring the display.

As I watched in amazement, my only reaction was to say "you are such the Queen of Denial! Oh my God, you've named yourself! Cleopatra, Queen of Denial!"

And so, Her Royal Highness, Cleopatra, Queen of Denial she became.

Down to the wire

Well Andrea, it's nigh on 2 weeks until you're expected to arrive (your Mom still says January 18th, but I still think you'll be a little later than that, probably around the 21st to the 23rd - after all, why be a Capricorn when you can be an Aquarius? )

Am I thrilled?

Sweetie, you have no idea how thrilled I am. You're all I talk about to anyone.

My only regret is that your parents are currently living in a frozen wasteland called Missouri, so I can't be there for your arrival. Uncle Merlin doesn't do snow.

Now that the nightmare that is Christmas shipping is over, I'll be sending you some bears - two new ones, and my old childhood friend, Pinky, for starters.

Mind you, this is only the beginning. Because, young lady, I have every intention of spoiling you absolutely rotten (and have the time of my life doing it too.)

I just have to remember that I promised your Mom not to send anything bigger than you until you're walking.

Believe me, that's going to be one promise I'm going to find hard to keep. I'm already trying to figure out how to get some big (and when I say big, I mean BIG) stuffed animals on a plane without having to resort to paying for a seat for 'em - not to worry, given my promise, I still have at least a year and a couple of months to go before really worrying out those logistics.

Regardless of how it works itself out, you'll have some gi-normous bears around when you start walking.
You're going to be one lucky little lady - I think there's going to be some serious competition as to who can spoil you the most - but don't worry, I'm planning on winning that battle.

Christmas 2007

Okay, it's time you were introduced to one of my favorite soapbox topics, Christmas.
I was raised Jewish, however since I consider myself neo-pagan, and I've never been Christian, I have a respect for Christmas as a holiday, but don't really go out of my way to celebrate it - there are exceptions such as this year, when I worked the day before and the day after, and everyone just happened to be staying in town, so I grabbed the opportunity to cook Christmas dinner.
Anyway, this isn't about that - this is about what happened at work today - I brought in presents for a couple of people - I created some gift bags with various "spa" products, and got a lap blanket for another person, my supervisor got a gift card.
I passed out cards to other people, and gave them a little beanie bear Santa -
I gave the presents, and each one of them said "oh now I have to get you something" - which drives me nuts.
I didn't give you something so that you would go out and buy me something - I gave you a gift because I wanted to. I gave you something because I think you need a smile. I gave you something because I love you. I gave you something for whatever reason it happened to be, but I didn't give you something so you'd give me something back other than a hug or a sincere thank you.
(Except in your case, when I expect a thank you letter or email or phone call)
Remember this when you're dealing with me, Andrea. I'll spoil you rotten, but don't ever expect it from me. I'm not a vending machine, after all.
But wait until you're walking. That's when the fun really begins - you see, your Mom made me promise that I wouldn't send up bears bigger than you until you could walk.
That's how you got a bear collection. The old one is named Pinky, btw. - I don't know what you'll end up calling him.
He was my special friend when I was growing up, and I hope he's yours too - he's from the Sears Roebuck on Ponce De Leon catalog center, circa 1962 - nowadays, that's City Hall here in Atlanta.
He travelled by my side until the 5th grade, when I "outgrew" him.
Well, I never lost him and now he's living with you. I hope you enjoy him as much as I did.
Anyway, I'm rambling now because it's late and I'm tired.
I love you, little darling.

This is Pinky - he's a little worn, but still filled with love.
I hope you love him as much as I did.

Miscellaneous chatter

Andrea, you're getting ready to make your appearance in a couple of weeks - your mom says January 18th, but I have a feeling you're holding out for a couple days later, around January 20th, 21st - we'll see.
Don't freak out too badly, you're in Missouri, and it's cold and snowing.
Welcome to the world.
Just so you know, the big fuzzy thing is called a teddy bear.
He's a present from me to you - I'll be seeing you in the spring/early summer, when life becomes somewhat regular there and the snow's melted.
I know you won't remember our first meeting, however I will.
Don't worry, there will be plenty of time for you to get to know me.
I'm looking forward to having a little girl to spoil rotten. I checked the Grandparent handbook, and I get to supply you with the fun stuff, like dolls and tea sets. Or trucks if that's your toy of choice.
I don't care, I just get to spoil you. And then send you back to your parents.
(note to Jessica: I still won't be doing diaper duty.)
(Further note to Jessica: This is why I kept telling you to read my blog - years from now you could be prepared for this.)
So, Andrea, if you're not a Diva, you could have been one. .
Regardless, I know you're a Lady.

The family tree (Reader's Digest Version)

So as you can see, I haven't exactly led a boring existence to date.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, Andrea - You see, being gay and a Witch in a family of (alleged) wife beaters, serial divorcee's, savvy businessmen (think Hillary and Whitewater) has made (and makes) me the proverbial "black sheep" of said family.
Of course, the fact that I don't pull punches socially does make me a wild card, however in my defense, I only fire off a bon mot when the situation calls for it.

I'll post more about my spiritual views later - hopefully it'll help you see that indeed, there is more to Heaven and Earth than is dreamt of by mortal man.

Back to the subject at hand, here's the breakdown of my family tree - (use this when I mention a relative) my mother Faye came from a family of 5 children, 2 boys and 3 girls, all first generation American. My father came from a family of 3, two boys and a girl also all first generation American.
Faye's brothers were Julius, & Herm, her sisters Babe and Pattye. Julius married Fanny, Herm married Arlen, Babe married Milt, and Pattye married Harry.
From these unions, Julius' son is Ronnie, Herm's daughter is Jody, Babe's sons are Rodney, Barton and Darryl, Pattye's son is Blake.
On my father Sam's side - his brother's name is Max, and his sister's name is Lucy - Max married Janet and Lucy married Marty - Max has a son and 2 daughters, Matt, Rosalie & Cheryl, and Lucy's sons are Eric, Allan and Jesse.
My mother's family was and is Atlanta bound, while Max lives/lived in Indianapolis while Lucy lives/lived in San Diego.
Make sure your Grandpa Don tells you about his side of the family too.

After all, crazy ain't just a Southern thing.