She Is

Pearl Chamberlain Reagler entered this world at 6:06 a.m. on March 9th, 2004, the Year of the Monkey.  She was born under a full moon on a spring day when azaleas and redbud trees were pink and blooming.  She is a healthy baby with dark brown hair and assessing eyes.  Pearl flaps her arms like the wings of an ambitious little bird. We adore her.

We named her after my Great Aunt Pearl, a wonderful eccentric from New Iberia, Louisiana, who wore colorful ribbons in her hair and cooked Cajun food with gusto.  When we were children, she spoiled us with gifts and baked biscuits shaped like gingerbread men and animals. 

Smothered Okra, Cajun Style
A Recipe from Great Aunt Pearl

Wash fresh okra. Cut both ends off & throw away. Slice okra. Put in skillet that has been greased with vegetable oil. Sauté okra, stirring frequently.  Season with pepper. Chop some onion, garlic, celery. After okra is cooked until almost no slime, add other vegetables. Be sure to have enough onion, garlic, and pepper in it. Sauté all together until done—30 to 45 minutes.  If you want to, after you add the onion mixture, add 8 oz. of tomato sauce or canned tomatoes.  Stir all together and cook for an hour on low fire. Le bon temps roulé.

I cannot believe that I have a daughter.  Every time she coos or cries, I am surprised and reminded, here she is. 

Comments

[Stacy]

She's gorgeous! I'm in love and I haven't even met her yet. I'm so happy for the two of you.
(I've never posted to a "blog" before. So I hope my post isn't inappropriate somehow. Please know that we're thinking of you, and we can't to see *all* of you.)

[aunt beans]

Oh she is splendid! And I can see she already has such reach, such brilliant grasp! We are smiling, smiling, J and I, so happy that she's in this world with you, and all of you with us.

[shannon and mike]

this is so amazing. congratulations to you all -- robin, marcia and pearl. and of course, your animals. we're happy for you. pearl is gorgeous! and your narrative of her birth and your expectation of her birth was eloquently written.

lots of love,
shannon and mike

[Betty & Ernie]

YEA!!!! We've been anxiously awaiting the announcment & as usual your style is unique/creative. We shall think of your little Pearl each time we eat okra & see all those little pearls floating around. Look forward to hearing more. CONGRATULATIONS! Love, B&E

[Joanne]

Such a wonderful start for Pearl and what a glorious keep-sake she will have with this journal. Robin -this is a fabulous treat. It makes being so far away a little easier.
Much love to you and Marcia.

[citymama]

I love the name and the history behind it. Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures with Pearl. She's gorgeous!