We just finished Christmas 2020, and I’m already looking forward to Christmas 2021. In spite of all the turmoil, I’ve enjoyed this crazy season. David and his family were here for a few days, and Ruth cooked Christmas dinner for three Michigan friends whose families are up north while we reside in Florida. Everyone is watching the coronavirus vaccine roll out with great anticipation, hoping these turbulent times peaked in 2020, but not really sure what’s in store for 2021.
While everyone is hopeful the new year is a step forward, I know for our family it will be. Magnus Strongbeard is due in late March. Exciting times lie ahead for the Tebo clan. Here’s his first picture. It’s plain to see the boy will have dark hair and, if genetics is in full play, he’ll be a handsome young lad.
The future is difficult to predict, but this boy will be loved. Young Strongbeard will be the first male born to Kate’s immediate family. His maternal grandparents, Barb and Scott, have one other grandchild, a girl; and his mom, Kate, is one of two sisters. He’ll be our second grandson and the first baby born to our family in over thirteen years. He’ll be raised during a time I can’t even imagine. He’ll be as old as I am today in 2094 and most certainly see the year 2100.
During normal times, Ruth and I would have traveled to visit the expecting parents, or they would have made their way to see us in Michigan or Florida, but these are not normal times. Predictably, Mike and Kate are being extremely cautious. They sent us a second picture of Strongbeard on Christmas Eve. You can see he’s coming along nicely. Based upon the timeline I’ve pieced together, he may have been conceived, like his Uncle David, on the fourth of July. His arrival date of March 29th falls in line with David’s March 30th birthday.
Kate has been following all the protocols for expectant mothers. She’s eating right, continuing her daily exercise routine, and, I believe, chowing down on at least a half a banana every day. She’s as fit as any expectant mother has ever been. That’s how she rolls.
As for Michael, he’s over the moon. This is something he’s wanted for a very long time, and now, Mangus has joined the long list of Covid inspired babies that will be blowing the doors off our schools five years down the line. He’s reading all the books, studying up on baby development, attending Kate’s doctor visits, and laying out his “let’s get to the hospital bag”. My sincere hope is by the time Magnus makes his appearance, local hospitals don’t have a drop off, and pick up a couple days later, policy. Many young fathers have had to wait until their family is released from the hospital to hold their child.
As we look back at 2020, the news about Magnus Strongbeard has been the highlight. Ruth and my personal life has undergone great change, but nothing as wonderful as the news of our third grandchild. By the time Magnus is born, he may have a more conventional moniker written on his birth certificate. No matter the final choice, he’ll have a lot of people to love him. We’ll leave the final decision to his parents. There are several rumors floating about but nothing as colorful, or creative, as Magnus Strongbeard.
When I started writing this blog three years ago, I did it for Brady and Eva. I wanted them to know a bit more about the people who love them and the people who have impacted our lives. I’ve got more to share, and with his arrival, more to share with all of you. I believe Christmas 2021 will be extra special because we’ll have a new grandson.
I can’t wait to meet him.