Change

For many years my patio has had cracks—big cracks! Actually, there were a couple of medium-size ones when I bought my home nearly 14 years ago. For some reason, I just didn't notice them until I had actually moved in. I checked into having a new patio years ago, but I couldn't afford it at the time, so I covered it up with outdoor carpeting, which served me well for a number of years.

I decided to finally replace it and add a screened in porch. It won't be a three season porch—those aren't allowed (association rules), but it will be nice to be able to sit outside in the summer and not be bitten by mosquitoes. Both Nels and I are going to enjoy it.

This morning the old patio was removed. I don't know how long it took or how much noise was created, but I'm happy the project has started. Next, footings have to be installed and inspected by the city, then the new cement will be brought in. It has to cure two weeks–staying off of it the first week. Following the two weeks, they will come back to put up the framework. They will be using green treated wood, which has to age for three months, and then they will come back to paint it and finally install the screening. So, come September, I should have a screened in porch with a new, level floor.

This Wasn't Easy

Imagine taking everything you own in all your closets and drawers to the dry cleaners at once and having them delivered back to your home. Last summer after my Aunt Liz had died, if you recall, the basement of her home flooded and then a week later one of the fans drying out the lower level caught fire and caused smoke damage to the entire two story house. The cleaning company, provided by the insurance company. took all the window coverings, contents of the closets and drawers, window treatments, and even yard goods, and sent them to the dry cleaners. EVERY SINGLE ITEM was returned on a separate hanger – even each handkerchief! They bundled approximately 10 hangers into each dry cleaning bag. This was the scene this past Sunday: my cousin Pat invited my sister, my cousin Linda and me to Aunt Liz's house— hoping we would each take a bunch of things—and we sat on chairs in each bedroom and sorted through two full closets, plus shopping bags and boxes from the dry cleaners. Pat would open a dry cleaner bag and hold up each item and each of us could say, “I would like that,” or “No thanks” or sometimes, "What is it?!" It was all very peaceful – and exhausting! I managed to come home with 2 vintage skirts – from around the late 1800’s, three vintage aprons – one very old, the others from the 40s, some linens, and a special quilt given to my Aunt Liz at her surprise 70^th birthday party—back in 1995.

I had planned the surprise party – inviting everyone in our small family and a few good friends – and well before the event, sent each head of each family a 3” x 3” piece of fabric, and asked their family to sew, draw or paint their names on it, to be joined with the others in a small wall quilt. Once they were all mailed back to me, I sent them to my cousin, Diane, who pieced and quilted it. Aunt Liz was so surprised, and proudly hung it on the wall of her family room. I was thrilled to be the heir of this quilt.

Memorial Day Parade

Austin boasts of SPAM, not parades. Regardless, my family has made it a tradition to travel there each Memorial Day, when possible, to witness the small parade and observe the dedication of the wreaths at the cemetery in commemoration of the veterans of the past as well as the current service men and women. Today was a beautiful day - blue sky with puffy white clouds and pleasant temperatures. Joining us this year were my cousins Pat and Linda, and Linda's granddaughter, Claire. I was so proud of Claire, Aurelia and Felix as they stood, hands over hearts, while waving their little flags as the American flag and veterans and scouts passed by.

Later on at the cemetery at my mother and father's grave, I mentioned it was my dad's 104th birthday today. Claire quietly began singing "Happy Birthday" and we all joined in. It was really sweet.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day continues to have special meaning for me. I love going to Austin, my home town, to see the flag raising, the parade, the ceremony at the cemetery, and to put flowers on my mom and dad's graves. Jerry and Janet come, as well as Peder, Sarah, Aurelia, Felix and now this year, Leo. We see other family members there and dear friends. It's a special time. This year our cousins Pat and Linda are joining in on the events of the day, so I'm looking forward to that.

This year, as was last, is a day when the passing of my Aunt Liz is felt deeply. Oh, I have been lonely for her since she died, but it feels especially fresh on this weekend. Sunday we cousins will gather at her, Uncle Vic and Wayne's graves to commemorate them. It will be my first time back to their cemetery since Aunt Liz's memorial service.

I want to share with you part of a message my Aunt Ginny sent today:

I am reminded of Memorial Day they way we used to celebrate it. Liz and Pat, sometimes Tony Dadey, always came down to Lake Crystal with lots of flowers to put on our parents and other relatives graves, like Aunt Ett and Uncle Johnnie. We tried to meet and then ended up with a picnic at the park in Lake Crystal. Liz would then go on to New Ulm to visit the Reed family graves. I think the men had gone up North to fish!


I guess Memorial Day was celebrated then for the reason for the day, to remember those killed during wars, and also to remember family members that have died. There was always a program, included marching bands, that ended at the lake and wreaths were placed in the water as names were read of military men that were killed in different wars. Lake Crystal still has a program similar, not sure if they have a parade. I think Austin does too. I seem to remember that the Kiewatts always went to the 15 minute parade, I believe that is what they called it. We met them at Austin one year when we were in Lake Crystal so we could visit Dorothy and Art's graves.

Now I think Memorial Day seems to be the first get away for the weekend day, at least in the Chicago area by listening to the traffic report. I know times do change but as we get older we seem to remember happier times.

I want to take this time to say how thankful I am for the men and women who over the years have fought for the freedom of our country. I salute you!

My Backyard Has Become a Maternity Ward

When I arrived home this evening, I noticed a little pile of twigs on my patio. What? How on earth did they get there? It couldn't have been the lawn service, since it has rained most of the day so they couldn't have been around to cut the grass. Just then a male Robin landed on the patio, took a twig in his beak, and flew up to the rafters of my roof. I watched him, as did Nels, and sure enough — he is building a nest! Just 6 or 7 feet from it is my bird house which now has "no vacancy." It has been rented by Chickadees. Across the yard from us is the Cardinal nest. I find this very fun!

Mein Auto ist im Laden

Again at the end of my workday yesterday, my steering wheel/ignition seized. I tried and tried to turn them, to no avail. I called my VW dealership who directed me to call the road-side assistance (part of my warranty). “Wait time” before a flat-bed truck could come to take my car away: 90 minutes. I had no choice but to wait. THANKFULLY, it was 1) daylight, 2) I was in a safe place where I could sit and read, and 3) I had no pressing engagements – other than to give Nels his dinner and choir rehearsal.


At 7 pm, the truck driver pulled into our parking lot. He got out and asked me what the problem was, so I explained. He climbed into my car and after working on it a minute or so, he was able to force the steering wheel to turn and started the car. Frustrated with this whole deal, I told him to leave it running and no need to tote me to the dealership. I would drive there on my own.

They couldn’t have been nicer at my dealership. They brought up my account and saw the report stating I had been there on Tuesday and that “a problem was definitely diagnosed with the ignition. A part had been ordered from Germany and would arrive within one to three weeks. When it arrived, I would be called to bring in my car and the defective part would be replaced.” Right away they began writing up the paper work for me to have a loaner to use until this said part arrives and is installed in my car.

Poor Nels. I didn’t get home until 8 pm. He was so happy to see me and to have his dinner. I was hungry, too!

Birds in my Birdhouse!

Nels has been a bit agitated when near my French doors lately. I have seen him get behind the plantation blinds and stand on his back feet, while meowing. I couldn't image what was causing him to behave this way.

Last night I noticed the neighbor across the backyard from me sitting on his patio, looking through his camera which was pointed at a near by bush. Not far from the bush was "Henrietta," (a name I call all female Cardinals). She was chirping and chirping - all the while looking at the same bush.

I stepped out on the patio and quietly called over, "Is there a Cardinal nest in that bush?"

"Not a nest, but a young Cardinal."

Just then Henry (my name for all male Cardinals) came on the scene—perched in a tree near my patio. He was definitely looking toward the bush. Both parents flitted from tree to tree, not sure what to do about the gentleman who was sitting so close to their baby (Harriet - once again, my name).

Phil asked if he could come over to stand on my patio to watch. "Sure," I replied. We stood and watched the scene across the way. The parents flew straight to the bush and entered into the leaves, no doubt relieved to be back with their young once again.

While we were talking, a Chickadee landed in the bush by my patio. Could this be the same Chickadee that called back and forth to Aurelia and me a couple of Saturdays ago? Who knows. Anyway, it flew up to a tree not far away, and then came back and made a circle over our heads. "What is he doing? Is he trying to land on your head?" Phil asked.

I told him I had heard Chickadees are known to have landed on people's open palm when one has bird food in them and is holding absolutely still. I held out my palm, but it didn't fly to me. It stayed in the tree while watching us. I said, "Let's move farther away to see what he does." And then I called to him, "Chick-a-dee-dee-dee.  Chick-a-dee-dee-dee." And lo and behold, the Chickadee flew straight to my bird house and went in the opening! I have Chickadees in my birdhouse. I saw one come and go again this noon and again tonight. This is a first for me and I'm very excited!

A Quirk with Buggie Today

Today when my work shift was over, I got into Buggie - my car - and put the key in the ignition. Well, you know how one can lock the steering wheel once the key is removed? Well, apparently I had turned the wheel this morning, for it was locked. For five minutes I tried to turn the wheel while trying to turn the key. No luck. Dan, a co-worker, happened to walk past my car and I called to him to say I may need his help. I should mention, he helped me when this happened to me once before with this car. Just when Dan was turning to come over, voila! The key turned! I drove off and stopped at the car wash near my home.

After my car was washed and dried, I got in it to drive away and the stupid key not only turned - but turned 360°! Not good. I turned it "backwards" the "forwards" and lo and behold, the car started. I have an appointment at the VW dealership tomorrow morning at 7. Thankfully, all work is under warranty.

Grandmas, by Aunt Ginny

I'm pleased to add another guest post by my Aunt Ginny.

I read your blog about Grandmothers.
I too did not ever meet either of my grandparents, all but one died before I was born.   The other one lived in Oregon.
My memory of grandmothers is that they were all much different than the ones today.   Most were so busy like your Grandmother Austin was.    They didn't work outside of the home, but home duties kept them very busy, gardening, cooking, canning (without electricity on a wood stove) cleaning, making clothes.    If they had any spare time, probably in winter months in Minn., they were always putting quilts together, some crocheting etc.
Grandmother Austin also liked to read.   We all were regular patrons at St. Peter's library.   Liz recalled that Mother would have a book in her hand as she churned butter.
My mother died just before David was born so she never met any of my children.    However, they had both of Allan's parents.   They too lived much as I did.    Grandma would like to sew for her grandkids, they could always count on pajamas, and when we went to visit she liked to make treats, cookies mainly.   They never made it to any of their weddings, graduations, etc, like today's grandparents seem to do.  As far as gifts it was always something hand made, not toys, etc.   I think that was better myself.   I do remember each grandchild on their birthdays, do send money as I'm not skilled at making things.
I think if your parents had lived long enough to meet their grandchildren it would have been much the same as my parents were.Liz was unique as you already know.
Just more thoughts of "old times."
Love, Aunt Ginny

 

Happy 8th Birthday, Josiah!

Eight years ago today I got a new title: Grandma. Hans called me from San Diego (I was visiting Heidi in Seattle at the time) to tell me Josiah Snelling had been born. Both Josiah and Rachel were doing well. Letting his message sink in, I thought, "Wow! I'm now a grandma!" Josiah will always be special to me - my first grandchild, and also my godson.

Looking back, I have to admit I didn't really know what to expect. My only grandma, my mother's mother, died when I was six years old, so to remember how I felt about her was tough - really tough. Was she jolly? Did she like to hold me in her lap? Did she come to visit me? Did I stay over night at her house? To be honest, I don't know. I have one memory of her, and that was seeing her at my Aunt Ginny's wedding when I was five years old. I had the example of my children's grandma, Erna (their dad's mother), and my dear Aunt Liz. So I tried to take the best parts of their relationship to my kids and make it part of me. And for the rest, I've had to be myself.

I found this little poem that I think embodies my thoughts about being a grandma.

What Is A Grandma? 

Author: Barbara Cage

A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories.
She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes. She is someone you can tell your secrets and worries to, and she hopes and prays that all your dreams come true. She always loves you, no matter what. She can see past temper tantrums and bad moods, and makes it clear that they don't affect how precious you are to her. She is an encouraging word and a tender touch. She is full of proud smiles. She is the one person in the world who loves you with all her heart, who remembers the child you were and cherishes the person you've become.

Happy Birthday, Josiah!

What a gorgeous day!!

Aurelia and I have had a very nice time today - spending lots of it outdoors enjoying this beautiful Minnesota day. This morning we took a little trip to Target and then a pet store. The pet store had darling puppies and kittens for sale. They also had tropical fish, hamsters, parakeets, and guinea pigs. Aurelia loved looking at all them.

When we got home, we spent some time on the patio - Aurelia coloring and me ~ just enjoying watching her color and enjoying the wonderful day.

After we had our lunch - also out on the patio, I got out my wagon and together, we took Nels for walk. He hadn't been outdoors for a walk since last summer. His little nose was just a goin' - taking in every scent.

Aurelia didn't know there were two swimming pools on my property, so I made sure our walk took us past them. She told me she would be coming over after they open for the summer and plans to stay three weeks! Our association has installed a couple of new benches, so we took the opportunity to sit on one of them for a little rest. Suddenly I spotted a mama cardinal. She flew to a bush where papa cardinal jumped out. They hopped around on the grass for a little spell, and then I noticed one of their babies - well, more like "toddler." The three of them hopped and hopped around for a little bit and then flew into the bush. I was so happy Aurelia was able to see them.

After returning home and putting the wagon away, we sat on the patio for a little fudge bar. A chickadee landed on the tree not ten feet from us. I called, "Chick a dee-dee-dee. Chick a dee dee dee." The little bird called back to me, so I repeated "Chick a dee-dee-dee. Chick a dee dee dee." Aurelia thought this was fun, so she tried it. The sweet little bird called back to her. It sat on the branch, looking down to us, while singing its song. Aurelia really picked up on this. The Chicadee flew from branch to branch, singing and singing. Then it flew away. Aurelia started running out in the yard, flapping her arms, singing  "Chick a dee-dee-dee. Chick a dee dee dee." Very cute.

We have had a good time while she's been here. We've watched "Frosty the Snowman, "Charlotte's Web" and "A Charlie Brown Valentine," - all her choices.

When Sarah and Peder came to pick her up, we all went to the Olive Garden where they treated me for a Mother's Day dinner. This was the cap to a wonderful day. Thank you!!

A sleep-over at my house

Peder and Sarah brought Aurelia over to my home tonight for a sleep-over. She hasn't been over for awhile - and frankly, I am getting to see first hand how grown up she is becoming.

Peder and Sarah report some of the fun things she says, but to be truthful, I wondered if they were perhaps  embellishing the stories just a tad. Well, I have heard it first hand, and they aren't making any of this up.

Case in point: this evening Aurelia and I went out to dinner. We had very interesting conversation during our dinner. But the fun stuff came as we drove home. Leaving the restaurant, we made a mad dash for the car since it had started to rain. While driving away, she told me she had a feeling it was going to storm. I reassured her it was just a gentle rain - not a storm.

"What is a storm?" she asked.

I told her it was rain with wind, strong rain, and hail.

"What is hail?" she quizzed.

I told her it was similar to ice cubes dropping from the sky.

 "That would be okay, wouldn't it, Grandma D?" "

No," I replied. "Once when we had hail, it made dents in my car!"

 "You get all the fun!" she said.

A couple of minutes later she said she wanted to play with the little girl who lives upstairs from me. "She's my best friend and I love her."

"What is her name, Aurelia?"

"I don't remember, but I know I want to play with her."

"Her name is Tony," I replied.

Aurelia told me she has a Tony in her preschool - a boy named Tony. She said he has brown skin and that she's going on a date with him.

"Really! Are you sure about that?" I asked. "Do you mean a 'play date'?"

"Yes."

Well, that was a relief. I cannot get over how quick to respond she is. We're now watching "Frosty, the Snowman" - her request. She has one of my dolls and just finished nursing her. She's so funny!

(There may be more to add to this tomorrow.)

Lily of the Valley

Last week, and again yesterday, I picked a bouquet of Lily of the Valley to grace my workspace. A few years ago I discovered a patch of them growing between some garages in my association. Until this past week, I think I'm the only one who knew they were there. As I was stepping out of garden patch last week, flowers in my hand, a neighbor spotted me while walking to her garage. "Wow! Where did you get those?!" Well, I had to tell her, right? So now at least one other person knows of them.

I was so surprised to learn how many young people - and some not so young - in my office had never seen them before. More than ten people have asked me the name of the flower.

My first memory of these tiny, bell-shaped, sweet smelling flowers was at the home of my Great Aunt Ann. She had them growing in what seemed like a perfect circle around a big tree in her front yard. When we would visit her in springtime, she would allow us to pick as many stems as we wanted. I guess I thought that was really special, for I have never forgotten it.

When we moved to Austin, when our kids were young, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there were Lily of the Valley growing in our backyard. This particular plant thrives in shade. I wonder if Heidi will remember this: when she was about 3 or 4, just before Memorial Day, we picked a bunch of these lovely little flowers and put them in a few home-made vases — baby food jars wrapped in aluminum foil with a ribbon around the rim, and at the cemetery, she placed them at the graves of my mother and dad and her dad's dad. They looked so sweet.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Felix!

Felix turned 2 years old on the 1st of May. Today we celebrated with a party!

Felix opened his gifts and was so pleased to receive diggers and trucks, among some other things. He was so cute when he said "Thank you," to each giver of the gift. Often he or Aurelia would start opening the gift, followed by Felix saying, "Help me, Daddy." I love his little voice.

What a fun gift — a toy camera! It even sounded like a camera when clicked. Felix would put it up to his eye, point it, and say, "Smile." Adorable!

I was so pleased to get to hold Leo for a good part of the party. Pat had taken her turn before I arrived. I must have held him a couple of hours and he was so good - no crying, just a little stretching now and then, a couple of yawns, and a few times he opened his eyes to look at me. His eyes are still a beautiful blue.

Here's another one - just a bit closer. He is so sweet!

Just look at the sweet, little angel. 

The birthday candles are lit, the "Happy Birthday" song has been sung. Felix was really enjoying this time.

Aurelia helped Felix blow out the candles. Just look at his sweet smile.

Felix loved this new toy! It can spin 360° - and doesn't make noise!

Yours truly with 3 of my darling grand children. I am blessed!

3 generations — Leo, Peder, and Grandma D 

Guest post from Aunt Ginny - part 2



[This is the second of two posts from Aunt Ginny. I hope she will consider writing more.]

Yes, Donna it has been quite a "stretch" for me to go back 60 - 70 years and remember how things were! I'm sure that they were impressions from a "young" child. I have especially been thinking of all of the times with Liz. As I tried to describe earlier how different we all were - Dorothy being the oldest - 11 years older than me - had to take over many adult responsibilities and probably missed out on a lot of fun teen age times. Liz, the middle, was always looking for fun, happy, and never seemed to mind me, the youngest tailing along behind her. I was the shy one, always hid behind mother when I could.

Anyway, I hope to put this all together in some kind of form for everyone sometime - don't want it to be a book!

One of the things is how often I have said to Allan and realize now I should have told it to all of you is how proud your parents would have been of all three of you.
Jerry, you have always cared for your sisters, and still do. Your service in the Navy shows how well you did, and then coming home and being there for both Janet and Donna in some hard times for them. I know Uncle Jerry is very important to their family. You are so kind, reminds me of your father often. I am so glad you have found a great church - I still listen every week to the messages from Autumn Ridge.

Janet, you too are a very kind person. I know there have been difficulties for you and you have supported your family so well. It was good seeing Keith and how well he was doing, I had to tease him a little. Also, the way you have supported and accepted Lynn and her family, and a new great grandchild. We hear of so many tragic things happening to babies by parents, and for those of us who do not believe in abortion or abandoning (especially in Chicago) I am so thankful for seeing how accepting you all are of them - Lynn's new husband seems like a very nice man, we pray for their marriage.

Donna, you lost your parents at such a young age. I can well understand how important Liz was to you. I am glad she was able to be there for you, so sorry we weren't closer. Then too I hadn't had a lot of experience by then either. We know you had some difficult times, but are thankful for the way you have handled them.

You mentioned not knowing how to be a mother to adult children. When I look at Hans, Peder and Heidi, you and Steve should be very proud of your family. I don't have to list all of their accomplishments - it was great to hear Peder singing at Liz's service. I did not know he had such a good voice. I am glad you are still continuing in the choir at your church.

This too is becoming a book! Liz and I both haven't always had "perfect" children either!! You know, probably better than I do, how hard it had to be for Liz with some of the difficulties Wayne had and then how tragically he died.

We had struggles with David for many years. It was great to see him marry, when he was 35 years old, and how he and Cheryl are raising their children now. I always said he was the first one, I was only 21 when he was born, and Linda came along less than a year later, so in looking back I am amazed at how well they turned out, only by God's grace I know now.

As I told you earlier, Donna, our family was never the kind to show their emotions too well. I am still thankful that Liz called me the night before she entered the hospital in April and we had a nice long chat - and also that I remembered to tell her that I loved her before I told her goodbye, not usual for me either!

I also look back and remember how glad I am that you all visited us in New York, that was the last time I saw your father. When I think now of our small 3rd floor apartment in New York, and one bath, how did we all manage to get along so well! But then we all had fairly small houses and still got together, a lot of us sleeping on the floor I guess.

I think too, your grandparents, Chet and Hazel Austin, might be proud of their children. I too lost them when I was young. I was 16 when my dad died, and 21 when my mother died, so I always looked to my two older sisters for support and they were there for me too.

Just another chapter in my "book."

Much love,

Ginny!!

Guest post by my Aunt Ginny

[Sometime last spring, a year ago now, my brother, sister and I were sitting in my living room for a visit. It was a very special time -just the three of us - unhurried. We were talking about our childhood and the things we remembered. I told them I didn't have any memories of our mother and dad ever coming to any of my school concerts and wondered if they had the same memory. None of us could recall them having come to hear us sing or play in the band. A few days later, I spoke to my Aunt Ginny and related to her some of our conversation. She wrote back to me with the following, which I have gotten permission from her to print here on my blog.]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Donna, I have thought a lot about your comments about not knowing your mom. It brought me back to the time when we were all three still living together outside of St. Peter. At that time I wasn't in school yet (we moved from there after your mother and dad were married when I was about 8 years old.) We were all children of the "Great Depression."


Times were definitely different then. I do not recall ever being hugged by my dad, a little by my mom. I never felt that I wasn't loved. Allan says the same thing. His parents found it very hard to show their emotions, we finally got hugs when we left them after we were married. Perhaps it was our ancestry of coming from English, Swedish, Norwegian, German - who seemed to be very stoic, not like Italians, etc.


My parents were so busy just providing a home and food for us. As I said earlier we were in the midst of the great depression. That is how they showed their love for us. We never went hungry; mother made our clothes. The work load as I remember (being about 2 - 8) was Mother and Dad were working outside - Dad had poor eyesight from birth, some have said he was given bad medicine for eyes, others said he had an illness, I don't know the real reason. He chose farming as an occupation. Had it been in our lifetime I'm sure other work would have been found for him. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School so I know he was a good student. As long as we used horses he did very well, but mother still worked alongside of him most of the time. This left your mother, Dorothy, the oldest of the three, having to do the housework, cook meals for us, etc. I know mother also did a lot of work too. Mother always had big gardens, canned, etc. I'm sure Dorothy was put to work then too. Meanwhile, that left me shadowing Liz, which I seem to remember doing as long as she was home. We had fun wandering around the farm, our work was to go with our parents to the fields and stomp hay (You may have heard her telling of that.).


There was quite a difference in our ages. Dorothy was 11 years older than me, Liz 5 years older, It might have been hard for Dorothy to all of a sudden having to be put in the place of being in charge of the house. It has only been in recent years where so much has been made of parents spending time with their children, etc.


When I look at some of the statistics it looks like our "great generation" didn't turn out too bad compared to some of what is happening in today's world.


As you say, it doesn't change things but perhaps it might give you a clearer picture of how things were then.


Hope this helps a little. We love and care for you.


Aunt Ginny and Uncle Allan

I have a new baby shoe!

On April 13, Leonardo Xavier was born to Peder and Sarah, joining siblings Aurelia (4), and Felix (2 - today!). What a precious little - well not so little - angel is he! I have had the privilege of holding him on two separate occasions thus far and hope to hold him again this coming Sunday at Felix's birthday party.

Shoes represent L to R: Leo (April), Felix (May), William (October), Marshall (November), Aurelia (August), Annika (February), and Josiah (May).

With the birth of Leo comes my tradition of purchasing a baby shoe for my "grandma" necklace. This new shoe arrived on Saturday and now I proudly wear it next to those of Josiah, Annika, Aurelia, Marshall, William, and Felix. Oh, Leo's seems to stand out a little more than the others because his birthstone is diamond. Welcome to our family, Leo!