awaiting the babies' arrival home "It was the best party the neighborhood has ever had!" That's the word on the street, according to my mother, after 50 local residents came together to celebrate two newborn babies.
The fathers, Rick and Marwan, have lived in their house for some time - but their demanding careers and many interests have meant they haven't often mingled with the rest of the tight-knit two-block neighborhood association. Their three-year home renovation had attracted lots of curiosity but few connections with the busy occupants.
The fathers, Rick and Marwan, have lived in their house for some time - but their demanding careers and many interests have meant they haven't often mingled with the rest of the tight-knit two-block neighborhood association. Their three-year home renovation had attracted lots of curiosity but few connections with the busy occupants.
neighbors: Marwan & Rick When my mom learned that her immediate neighbors were expecting twins, she decided it was time for a change. The daughter of immigrants, my mom spent much of her life considering herself rootless. But since moving back to New Haven in retirement, she's thrown herself full-time into community building.
Knowing that the babies would spend most days in the care of nannies, my mom thought it would be good for the neighborhood to get engaged, extending the network of care and concern from house to house. After another neighbor wondered, 'When is the baby shower?" my mom proposed a neighborhood affair to the expectant fathers. They embraced the idea.
Knowing that the babies would spend most days in the care of nannies, my mom thought it would be good for the neighborhood to get engaged, extending the network of care and concern from house to house. After another neighbor wondered, 'When is the baby shower?" my mom proposed a neighborhood affair to the expectant fathers. They embraced the idea.
Marwan & his mom From the 30 or so households in the neighborhood association, about 50 people came, toting kids and presents. Marwan's mother, in town to help with the babies' homecoming after their prolonged stay in the neonatal ICU, treated everyone to her wonderful Lebanese cooking. There was cake and a short speech of gratitude from Rick, who introduced the surrogate who had given birth to their babies and has, along with her husband, become a part of their lives.
Marwan and Rick told me, "The excitement and joy that our neighbors had for us and our twins Zizi and Zayd were palpable. We are grateful to Jane and Norman for organizing this event!!"
It was a wonderful occasion for the neighborhood, my mom reports. New folks met old-timers, and everyone got to connect with Rick and Marwan and celebrate their entrance into parenthood.
As the saying goes, It Takes a... Neighborhood.
Marwan and Rick told me, "The excitement and joy that our neighbors had for us and our twins Zizi and Zayd were palpable. We are grateful to Jane and Norman for organizing this event!!"
It was a wonderful occasion for the neighborhood, my mom reports. New folks met old-timers, and everyone got to connect with Rick and Marwan and celebrate their entrance into parenthood.
As the saying goes, It Takes a... Neighborhood.
congratulations, Rick & Marwan!
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