I wonder if Cookie and her mom are alone today. I know her mom is working and so she must be with her grandmother or her aunt (that the mother doesn't speak to, but will use as needed). The mother said they'd have turkey tomorrow.

I told Matt I couldn't wait until we could just invite them here to be with us. I felt bad that she could be alone on a holiday. He was quick to point out that she had her daughter and it occurred to me that he simply had no clue how lonesome you could be in that situation. He's never actually been alone on a holiday... or ever. Unless it was by choice. He has no idea how helpless and alone you feel--how left out. And for Cookie's mother, that's particularly hard. Everyone has noted her distaste and upset at being on her own.

But I've been alone. Not by choice. It's just sad. I've even NOT been alone on a holiday, but not been with people who really mean something to me. It's still unhappy... and weird.

And her mom is reaching out: today she texted me and referred to the baby as Cookie. That was our name for her and while the mother knows it, we've been VERY careful not to use it in front of her too often. We use the baby's real name. But it was sweet.

The new baby has been having gas problems. The doctor noted that she had a hernia. She's losing her hair. But she's a complete love and everyone is thrilled to have her in the family.