My Grandson, Elie Lev Cohen

I thought that this blog posting would be the easiest one to write because of the joy and love I feel for our first grandchild, Elie Lev Cohen. But I was wrong. Sometimes one is so filled with emotions that mere words cannot describe the intense feelings of love, pride, and joy. I never thought it was possible to equal the feelings I had when our children were born, but the news of Elie's arrival and the first time I held him were two of the most powerful moments of my life.

Elie was born on January 17, 2011. Numerically, that is a pretty cool date...11711...eleven -seven-eleven. Seven or Eleven is the desirable roll of the dice, on the coming out roll, when you are playing the pass line in craps (as I always do!). He weighed in at one-half ounce shy of 8 pounds and a healthy 20 inches. And, did I mention that he is absolutely gorgeous? He is definitely his Father's son as baby pictures of Brad could be mistaken for Elie!

We've just returned from a wonderful week visiting in Baltimore and I can't wait until we go back! It was very special celebrating his first Shabbat. And it was truly a blessing to have four generations of Cohen's there to celebrate!














The Bris and welcoming of Elie into the community was outstanding and was highlighted by Brad and Claire's wishes for their son. With their permission, I am posting it below:

Our Dearest Elie:

Chickey Monkey, Chickey dough, Cookie Monkey, Little Bubba, Elie-belly, Elie-bean, Smelly Elie, Levvie......these are only some of the endearing names you'll be called. But today, we wanted to take a moment to explain to you the significance of your given name, Elie Lev Cohen.

Although to us you will always be Chickey Monkey, your first name is Elie. There have been some important Elie's in the world including, Elie Wiesel, Elijah the prophet, and Elie Zarem, your Aunt Lisa's first boyfriend. The name Elie literally means "high", "ascended" or "my god". Our hope for you is that you always strive for big dreams and have the confidence to be your best and highest Elie. We hope that you have the strength, heart and ability to impact the world in your own creative and unique way.

Your middle name and Hebrew name is Lev. Lev is short for your Emmie's family name, Levitch. Your great grandmother, Ruth, who would have loved to be here today and have you call her Bubbe, carried the Levitch name with Yiddishkeit & joy. She loved to laugh .. may you smile with her lips. Lev in Hebrew means heart. May you have the love in your heart of Bubbe Ruth. May you have the strength, determination and wit of your great grandmother, Nana. May you appreciate music as did your great grandma Sylvia. May you give of yourself, as did your great, great grandmother, Mimi, who at the age of 90 volunteered at an old-aged home. May you cherish and value family with warmth and care, just like your Poppi & Sharon.

Know that you are loved so much by so many. Know that you are blessed to be surrounded with such incredible support and affection. Know that you are so lucky to have such kvelling grandparents; Saba, Grams and Mumah.

A doctor, a lawyer, a rabbi, an educator, a chef, an artist, a football player or even a garbage collector.....we wish for you that whatever your passion, you follow your dreams with integrity and find happiness in all that you do. We love you, Elie.

One of the great things about having a grandchild is that my son now can truly understand the depth of love that Connie and I have always had for him and his sister. But, he also has to understand that per Saba (grandfather) rule number one, I will always side with Elie!!





And The Journey continues..........