Welcome to the world Robert W. Lannan, IV !

Please say a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for the birth of my nephew Robert Woodrow Lannan, IV!

My sister-in-law Maura gave birth to Robert, or Bobby-4, on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. He weighed 9 lbs, 9 oz. He is a big boy so we know he is a Lannan for sure. Robert's big sister Peggy, who is turning 2 years old in April, is very excited to have a baby brother. One of the interesting things to see is how an only child reacts to learning that there is another "baby" in the family. My brother Bob made the first brother-sister introduction by placing his newborn son on one leg and Peggy on the other leg. The "hallmark" moment was hilarious as Peggy tried to knock her newborn brother out of her Dad's hands--just too funny. When you think about it, that is one of the best examples of original sin. Peggy is no longer the focus of attention in the family. She quickly realized he is a special little gift and gave her baby brother a kiss hello. This kiss being evidence of the ability to express God's love, in its earliest state.

Bobby-quatro will be baptized right away, as soon as it can be scheduled with their local parish in Washington, D.C. I am very excited and happy for Bob, Maura, Peggy and Bobby-4. I had the chance to meet Robert two weeks ago during my visit to D.C. for the Pro-Life March for Life Rally. He is a special little friend of mine and I love him very much! Thanks be to God.

I can now say I have had the privilege of knowing 3/4 of the Robert W. Lannans. The first was my grandfather who died before I was born. My Dad and my oldest brother Bob are very proud to know that a particularly special name in our family will continue. Our family has known three Patrick Lannans, one Sean Lannan, and of course, one James Lannan.


Irish-Catholic names are the best names that parents can give their child!

B-B-4 is a "sleeping machine." He occasionally wakes to eat, toss out a few goo-goo-gaa-gaas, and then go right back to sleep. Maura is resting and doing terrific.