Family Tree?

Many years ago, I was really into Geneology, tracing my mother's family back to 1700's Switzerland. I learned a lot, such as the difference between second cousins (the people in your family who have the same great-grandparents as you, but not the same grandparents), and cousins twice removed (there is a two-generation difference). It is all very confusing but eventually, you get the hang of it.

There is one family relationship that can't be explained, however.

My daughter-in-law's first child gave birth so that would be my "Great-grand", right? So far, so good.

Now, here is where it gets tricky. My mother adopted the little girl, so that would make her my "little sister"?!?

Yeah, my mom took on the responsibility under protest by my dad! He said, "absolutely not!" when they discussed it. He thought that it was too much trouble, and would take up a lot of time and effort, and they would lose their freedom. But once her saw her, he fell in love. So they became proud parents. They dote. They fuss. They spoil. They adore her! (All ad nauseam, I might add.)

However, my parents like to travel and sometimes it is not possible or appropriate for my great-grand/sister to accompany them. When that happens, they slyly ask if she can stay with us. Of course I say, "Yes"; she is no trouble at all. She practically takes care of herself and she loves the cats (We have 3). Plus we have a big fenced in back yard to play in and I can sew little clothes for her.

When they arrive, so does her little bag containing her washcloth, towel, toothbrush, hairbrush and hair accessories, and special toys. Her pillow also comes along, as well as a thermal bag filled with individual daily servings of pre-cooked oatmeal (I gag thinking about cooking the stuff).

She sleeps with Big Daddy and me; she loves to snuggle. My mom is a little annoyed about this because now she won't stay in her own room at home. Oh well!

She's so cute with curly black hair and black eyes. One can't help staring at her; everywhere my parents go, people remark how cute she is--even with the rather dominant underbite. Oh, would you like to see a picture of her?

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I think she is the best thing that ever happened to them; she gives them another reason to get up every morning, and is going to keep them young.