Babies

We’re back from a week in California highlighted by meeting our first-ever granddaughter.

Colette Jean Cordrey Sammons. Born July 2, 2025 in Ventura, CA.

Her nickname is Cookie, and she is the sweetest morsel you will ever see. We were with Nick and Rachel and Cookie for 3-days and she never cried. She did a mini-fuss once but it never evolved into crying.

As a nurse told them when she was a day old, why would she? This little girl is so loved and I think she knows it.

A full head of hair, a sweet disposition, and a cute smile with a hint of a dimple. Blue eyes, impossibly tiny fingers and toes, and that baby scent that makes you want to just hug her and stare at her forever.

We’re over the moon and so blessed to have this little one in our family.

I couldn’t help but think about how excited my Mom and Dad would be. Sammons girls are somewhat elusive, but they come along now and then. Our own Mary broke the drought over 17 years ago (what?!) and Colette is equally loved and adored.

Mom would have knitted booties and a blanket, and probably a hat and a dozen other things for her. Dad would smile and hold her and bless her, and made a connection with his own blue eyes that only he could do.

Her middle name includes Cordrey, which is a nod to Pop Pop’s mother…my grandmother. Nick’s great grandmother. Colette’s great great grandmother. She was born in 1914 and named Anna Cordrey and we called her Mom Mom Ann.

Having the family name continue on 24 years after she passed is an honor beyond words.

While we’re on the other side of the country, Colette is fortunate to have Rachel’s wonderful family nearby and I am already watching for special deals from the airlines. I want her to recognize my voice and my face and I can’t wait to hear her call me G-Pop.

I chose G-Pop because Pop Pop will always be my dad. G-Pop sounds fun and like the old guy who shows up with gifts and always has those Werther’s caramels in his pocket.

We said our goodbyes to Colette (and her parents) and made our way down to the San Diego area to spend a few days with our daughter Nadiya and her husband Nic. Nadiya got our of the Marine Corps last year and Nic finishes up this fall.

At dinner the first night, they let us know they’re expecting and granddaughter number two should be here in early 2026!

They’re moving to Florida once Nic is officially discharged so at least they’ll be in the same time zone as us.

Julie already has shoes for this little one, and I’m stocking up on Werther’s.

It’s a wonderful season.