Happy Birthday Twins

It's hard to believe how fast a year can pass. A year ago today, I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I say that with no exaggeration, there are few things I have gone through that have impacted me as largely and deeply as being present when my best friend gave birth to two beautiful twin boys. It was more than magical, deeper than spiritual. It was amazing.

You can read all about that day here - I felt nostalgic and teary reading over it again. It's a great entry (if I do say so myself!)

These boys are growing into such sweet little things. They each have very distinct personalities, one the showman, one the shy-guy. I am honoured to be their godmother, along with each of their big brothers. I love watching them grow, seeing them become their own people, and wondering what they'll be like as kids, teens and adults.

As they each turn one, I have some words for each of them.

Ollie, keep that smile big, every time you send one my way it melts me inside. You have a light within that is going to shine bright and touch so many. You have the ability to make people feel amazing and I can just tell that will get stronger as you get older. Delight in the happiness and the love that is you.

Bassy, you're a sensitive soul, happy to stand in your brothers shadow and besotted with your Mama. You're going to be a creative, and gentle boy, a bit like that boy of my own. Your big brothers will look out for you, and let you develop into the perceptive and sweet man I know you will be.

I love you, my darling godsons. Happy first birthday xx

An Atheist Godparent?!

This past Sunday, I became godmother to two gorgeous twins. My best friends babies. How does one become a godparent when one is an ardent atheist? It sure is a challenge to one's morals and values. To be sitting in a church, and asked (in a group, thankfully) do I believe In God? And being required, as a godparent, to answer 'yes.' To be asked flat out directly if I believe that Gods son Jesus was nailed to a cross and crucified for our sins. Terrified someone will be watching to make sure my lips utter 'yes' but I can't bring myself to do it. The question I am asked about helping raise the godchild to be a good person, and to be there for them - even spiritually - I can answer with a booming YES! The others, I simply skip answering and hope no one notices. Awkward. I don't want to lie, but nor do I wish to decline the honor of being a godparent to some children that mean a hell of a lot to me. It's sort of hard.

I struggled seeing a 3 year old baptised last Sunday, he wasn't happy about it. Fair call. The babies sleep through it and I cope with that far better... The congregation laughed at the 3 year olds screams. I didn't really like that either. A baptism is by definition, is the rite of immersion in water, as admission into the Christian church. So, basically, an initiation. The certificate I receive states that my role as godparent is to pray for my god child regularly. To set my god child an example in Christian living. To help them to grow in the Christian faith, and to help them look forward to Confirmation (a further rite to full communion with the Church). Can I fulfill these duties? I'm not sure that I can.

Thankfully, the friends that have asked me to be a godparent, not only to their first child, but also to their second, third and fourth children, are not strictly religious themselves. They recognise the rite, but they see my role as a little different to the Church. They see me as Honorary Auntie. Which I think, is how I see my role as well. My friend said to me: "We're so lucky to have such a wonderful person in our boys life. Someone we know will always love them unconditionally, care for them and be there for them no matter what. A safe place they can always turn to. You have no idea how comforting it is to know that."

And I love being there for them! Not only did I take the babies gifts on Sunday for their baptism, but my older two as well. Because I adore them. I want to see them happy. I want to be someone they know and love. Someone they know is there for them, always. A child can never have too many of those people in their life. I wrote a letter to the parents of my godchildren, telling them how much it means to me to be chosen for the role. I'll copy it below.


Dear M & A,

I just wanted to write and thank you for today. I was sitting there, holding the delicious sleeping S, and I thought about what a privilege it was. Not only to be his godmother, but to have him named after me, and to have watched him come into the world. What a special bond I have with each of your 4 boys. I thought about how it seemed only a blink of an eye ago that I watched J be baptised in that church. Each time I see him, his face lights up and he shouts: "Kell!!" with such genuine love and excitement. It makes me melt every single time. I have loved being a part of his life, and of L's and now another two entrusted to form a relationship with. How special that is. How lucky I am.

I not only have my own 2 gorgeous kids, but I have 4 amazing boys, my "nephews" that I simply adore. I have tears! I just wanted to thank you both for your friendship. There are no 2 people in the world I care so much about and who are so valuable to me as you two are. Thank you for making me such a special part of your family. A family of so much love and sweetness. Mischief and laughter. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I hope that your day was as special and wonderful as you hoped, and that you and the boys felt loved and cherished by wonderful people.

Love, Kell xx


No mention of religion, or my role as a spiritual guide. Just love. Surely that is the better gift for these children? For any child? I hope that their parents think so. I hope that the boys think so. I hope I do them all justice and reward their faith in me. I certainly intend to give it my all.

Pardon my fainéance

And admittedly, I did look to the thesaurus for that word. To save you hunting, it means I am: n. An irresponsible idler; a sluggard. Fairly accurate wouldn't you say?!

Anyhoo, so where have I been? Nowhere, really. Completely lacking in motivation and with naught to report is all. I am slowly slipping behind in weekly tasks for uni also, and need desperately to catch up but just don't seem to have the time when I DO feel like it, or the inclination when I have the time. This is not good. I did do an exercise for travel, and finished the assignment for same. I have an assignment due each week now for a few weeks and also need to be posting drafts for others. It is a tad stressful to say the least.

Yesterday I became godmother to precious baby Jack, which was pretty cool. It was a good day, and Megs outdid herself in all the finer details (cake, little gingerbread in the letters JACK to take home, she made the gown even, for goodness sake!) One very clever cookie that girl.

So, have I written anything? Not a sausage. Second semester is painful, the difference between 3 months and 3 weeks break I guess. I haven't even started any of the creative pieces for this semester. Sensing a touch of panic? Me too. Need to get these next three assignments out of the way. I swear I will work this week. At LEAST one assignment finished. Promise. Mostly.

And still this entry is scattered! Hopeless!