This year has again been eventful for the Pearce household, with the birth of Daniel Victor Ambrose. He was born on the 6th of the 7th of 8th (with remarkably little pre-planning involved), and is our fourth child. So far. More than one person has said that I should watch more television. I’m not sure what they’re driving at – but if it’s about something on cable, then forget it. I’m too cheap to fork out that sort of money for Simpsons reruns.
Daniel is (for a Pearce) a surprisingly placid little boy. He has the features of a wombat, and a charming smile. He is a most welcome little brother to his older siblings. He was baptized on a wonderfully icy day here in late July. The district president was kind enough to come and perform the rite, and we had many friends from the church and the community for a big celebration lunch. The ‘Victor’ in Daniel’s name is partly after his Great-Grandfather Victor. Daniel got to meet him in September, but did not get to attend his funeral later in the year. The end of an era.
Oscar (8 ½) is growing with great rapidity (just assume all our kids are, OK?) Oscar has a maturing taste for Cricket, and his favourite player of all time is Adam Gilchrist. Oscar’s batting, well…he follows in the footsteps of Glen McGrath (and he fields like a Sri Lankan slip), but his bowling is coming along nicely. I was down in the nets with him today, and am starting to think that I ought to pad up when facing his fast deliveries. For an eight year old he handles a leather cricket ball rather well.
Francesca (6 ¾) is developing into a sweet-natured girl. She continues with her love of the pony realm, and has recently started taking stuffed animals to school. Not stuffed real animals – she’s not into taxidermy, if that’s what you’re thinking. No – stuffed animals like fluffy dogs and cats and the like. Apparently her friends have powwows via their polyester-filled totems. I think that’s how it goes – I never studied anthropology. For some reason Cesca calls Daniel ‘Logan’. Actually, I think the name ‘Logan Barry Pearce’ would be rather memorable.
Emmanuelle (2 ¼) is a blonde bombshell. With the emphasis on the bombshell bit (Margaret calls her ‘Todzilla’). She is a lot of fun, and her siblings enjoy playing with her. And shutting the door on her, truth be told. I already find a source of amusement in considering that one day a young man may ask her to marry him. He won’t know what he’s in for. Emmanuelle calls Daniel ‘Daniel Baniel-Baniel’. If we owned a spaniel it could get really interesting.
Meg is enjoying motherhood and life in Bendigo. As you can imagine, she needs all the resources of energy she can muster. She regularly leads the singing in the liturgy, and has started singing on some new home recordings (under duress, let me add). In a vocational capacity she sings nightly to Emmanuelle before bed.
I am continuing to find serving at Bendigo, and all the routines of the pastoral life, a real joy. I’ve particularly enjoyed doing chaplaincy at the university once a week, and I’ve also enjoyed getting to know a fellow called David Kennedy who comes over once a week to lead me though Latin readings. Fun for me. Purgatory for most of humanity, I understand.
God give you a joyful celebration of the Lord’s birth!
With love,
Fraser
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