From left, Owen Noga Henderson, Cari Noga, Audrey Henderson Noga enjoying a gorgeous second day of autumn
The late afternoon sun on the Boardman Lake Trail between the Traverse City library and Oryana made for some fun shots on Wednesday, 9/23.
The online encyclopedia gets a lot of flak, especially from academics. I’ve never had much problem with it, taking it for what it is and not much more. But I was surfing around preparing an article about this blog (look for it in the Nov-Dec issue of Grand Traverse Woman magazine) and encountered this definition of matrilineal surnames:
“Matrilineal surnames are handed down from mother to daughter, similar to the more familiar patrilineal surnames which are handed down from father to son in patrilineal cultures (or societies). See the article Family name for an in-depth treatment of fathers-line family names or surnames.
Matrilineal surnames don’t merit an in-depth treatment, evidently. Hence the grrr.
You sleep so soundly
Unaware tomorrow is
your first birthday. Wow.
Dear Audrey -
I just went up and checked on you in your crib. One year ago, almost to the hour, I began the labor that ended with meeting you, Audrey Henderson Noga. From your smooth, uncomplicated birth to the surprise of your red hair to your sunny, easy-going disposition, you’ve been such a welcome healing force in my evolution as a mother. Thank you.
Before you were born, as a trio, our family never felt unbalanced. But when
Audrey celebrates the big O-N-E
we brought you home, somehow it just felt more right. Maybe it’s having one child of each gender. Or one with each of our names.
I’m so deeply glad your dad and I reached that decision about your last name. Really, it’s going to be you who makes the decision whether matrilineality continues. Of course I hope you do decide to pass Noga on to your children. But that’s a long time away.
Now, as an almost-walking, blueberry-loving, big-brother-adoring one-year-old, you’ve ensconced yourself as a full member of our household. I’m so grateful you’re here, little one. Happy birthday.
Love,
Mommy