Romee, aka Braveheart, knows that something exciting is about to happen, but she’s not sure exactly what it is.
Last winter, Danni began to feel like her abdomen was swelling. She took a pregnancy test. The positive results thoroughly surprised her—and everyone else in the family. What a miracle after many years of infertility and having to resort to In Vitro Fertilization! Danni and Barrett went to the local hospital to get an ultrasound which revealed a 12 week old baby boy. What joy!
Now, at 14 months, Romee seems to be on the verge of talking. Although she understands much of what is said to her, she is trying very hard to speak by mimicking various sounds. She knows a few words, and she uses a bit of sign language to communicate. She smiles a lot and seems to thoroughly enjoy her life.
Barrett’s dad, Tom Dwyer, came from Silver City, New Mexico, for a visit. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he wasn’t able to join us for Romee’s first birthday, unfortunately.
Tom and Barrett had a happy time together.
“Okay, guys. I’m all set. What are we doing today?”
Romee got excited when she learned to walk just before her first birthday. She liked to walk very fast and even run, but fell down frequently and hit her head. She refused to wear a helmet, but accepted the padding on her head which helped her avoid a concussion. At this stage she has good balance and no longer needs the padding, but she likes to wear it anyway for fun.
“Oh my gosh, Mommy. The baby boy is enormous!”
“I’m so excited about my baby brother, I can hardly wait!”
“Im going to do some organizing here for my little brother. I’m going to help get everything set up, including his diapers.”
Danni’s mother and father, Denise and Michael, came to help out for a few weeks. They arrived just before the baby was born on September 26th, 2024.
Romee loves to “read” books or have books read to her by her favorite people.
Even if no one is around to read to her, Romee entertains herself by looking at her books and trying to make sounds similar to real words.
Surprise!! No Name Baby Boy arrived!
BENJI MICHAEL DWYER
My heart melts just looking at this image! No words needed.
Baby Benji, you bring tears to my eyes. By the way, you look a lot like your sister.
Baby Benji ready to go outside on a stroll
Five-day old Benji, out for a drive with his big sister Romee, 433 days old. They are 14 months apart.
Life is good!!
wow, Erica, thank you so much for these incredibly adorable photos and wonderful narrative! What a beautiful and joyous family! I love Romee’s little outfits too! I’m so happy for all of you! What an incredible blessing these two beautiful beings are to all of you! And, they are so very lucky to have you as their grandma. Love and hugs, Linda
Thank you so much, Linda!! See you soon. Hugs, Erica
So wonderful to see the unfolding of this great joy for you all. thank you for sharing it all!
Thank you, dear Kaye, for those kind words! Love you, Erica
From Ann and Willa. Such joy to see these pictures. Mazeltov to you and your family! Sending much love.
Toda Raba!! Thank you so much. Sending you much love always. Erica
Beautiful pictures, wonderful heartfelt story! Happy for the whole family. Blessings and love to all.
Cathy Louisell
What a treat to hear from you, Cathy!!! Thank you for your kind words. Love, Erica
What a beautiful post! The pictures and narrative are precious. Thanks for sharing the stories.
Thank you, Linda!!! Much love, Rickie
What a nice surprise to get your lovely photos and remarks about the newborn and the kids. Lovely indeed. Great good lucky best wishes to all.
Thank you so much for your good wishes, Judy. Much love, Erica
What a beautiful, heartwarming message! Thank you so much for sharing your joy! I am so happy for you and all around who can witness these miracles life is presenting. With love, Traude
Thank you, Traude. Yes, it does feel miraculous! Sending you much love, Erica
Oh, my God! Romee is such a beauty, and obviously bright and cheery. What a blessings after her and her parents’ ordeal to welcome such a gorgeous boy. Congratulations. Thank you for the beautiful photos.
Aw!! Thank you, Teresa!! I am profoundly grateful for these two special beings in our lives. Much love always, Erica
These are the most wonderful pictures of a joyful happy family and two beautiful children. I’m so happy for you Erica! Happiness shows in every face here. We’re celebrating with you and so grateful for these beautiful healthy children for Danni and Barrett!
Thank you so much for those kind words, Christine. Sending you and Kenn much love. Erica
U started my day with big smiles and a few tears. Big hugs to u and Barrett and Danni. I can’t write as well as u, but I will send pictures when Ryan and Kelsey’s little girl is born the end of this month. I love our family.☺️🤗
Thank you so much, Dorothy, I will pass on your touching comment to Barrett and Danni. Sending you much love, Erica
Youe beautiful family is growing, Erica, and that beauty is expanding inside of you, as well! I see it reaching into all the tiny crevices of your being, touching and spreading the feeling of joy and its heavenly balm to all your cells, aligning and reordering all into perfect alignment. It’s nothing less than you truly deserve, Erica, a recompense and balance for all you’ve given to others. Much love always, Daniel
Dear Daniel, what a pleasure to hear from you!! I always think of you fondly, even though I haven’t seen you in ages. Thank you for those beautiful words. I let every word soak into my marrow.Sending you much love, Erica
What miracles for all! Thanks for posting.
Thank you, Sue!
What wonderful news, what wonderful images. I am so happy for this joyful arrival and Romee’s continued health!
Blessings to all the happy family!
Thank you, Margo, for those kind words and good wishes. Love, Erica
I’m so very happy for all your joyful news and your loving family 🥰
Thank you so much, Sue!!
What a great post, Erica! I love seeing these images and following along with their beautiful journey. What a lucky grandma you are!
XO,
Esha
Thank you, Esha! I feel very lucky indeed!
I have the biggest tears in my eyes, I am so happy for Danni, Barrett, Romee and all the family, including the doting grandparents! Baby Benji is adorable, so precious. And Miss Romee is such a big girl now with a mischievous smile! Congratulations all around!
Yes, indeed. Romee is full of mischief! Her behavior reminds me of my behavior when I was little.
So happy for all! Lovely story.
Thank you, Susan. Love to your whole family!!
Blessings be! Congratulations to the whole family.
Many thanks for your good wishes, Jeraldine. Love to your family.
Wonderful news and photos of those two SWEETIE PIES 🥧 🥧 much love, many blessings. Sherie and Dylan💛
Thank you so much, Sherie!! You have been right with us all along.
So happy for all of you!
Congratulations!!
Elizabeth Grace( Zia) was born on September 25 th, so, she and Benji were almost born on the same day!!
I hope they get to know each other some day!! Love you! Erica
Omigosh, Erica! How thrilling! The pictures are fabulous. Thank you for sending them. I always look forward to your updates.
Romee is as adorable as ever, and Benji is every bit as captivating. Heartfelt congratulations to Danni and Barrett. What a wonderful family, and what a terrific grandmother Romee and Benji have in you. Much joy to all.
Love,
Janet
I am grateful for your kind words and good wishes. Much love, Erica
Love the pictures and captions ❤️ what a blessing 😇
Thank you, Anthony!!
Wow! They are both so adorable! Romee looks super healthy and happy!
I just saw that the Montessori school kids here are all wearing the softstar mocs, so I thought I’d pass along the link,
https://www.softstarshoes.com/kids-shoes/classroom.html
Thanks for sharing this blast of goodness!! It really made my day.
Hi Han! Thanks for your kind words. I will pass on the information about the softstar mocs. I hope you’re doing well. Love, Erica
There’s so much beauty and joy in those two small bundles.
Thank you for the update and congratulations to the whole family.
Thank you so much, Jane!! Your kind words mean a lot to me. Love, Erica
I’ve been thinking about you the last couple days. Pictures are beautiful
Thank you, Lynn!
Oh my goodness! You are the luckiest and the most deserving! Lots of love from Chris, in Seattle on today, St Francis day, visiting my two sweet girls born in 88 and 92. Tomorrow is Petra’s birthday.
Thank you for your kind words, Chris. How exciting that you with with your two daughters. Please give my love to Zoe. Love, Erica
Erica,
Thank you for sharing these precious photos and the wonderful news. What unexpected joy! Keep us posted.
Carol
Will do. Thank so much, Carol. Much love, Erica
Great photos and perfe commentary.
My goodness, that Romee is irresistible, isn’t she!!
Yes, she certainly is irresistible. She’s also got a good sense of humor at this young, preverbal age. I see the mischievous girl written all over her adorable face.
What absolute joy and excitement for all!!
I’m thrilled for you—! Sending love, nita
What a treat to hear from you, Nita. I often wonder how you are doing and send heartfelt thoughts your way. Love, Erica
Congratulations to a vibrant happy extended family and cheers to the new Buddha Boy. Your photos show that despite shocking setbacks and an outside world busily collapsing, persistent love conquers all.
Dear Bob, your words rang true to me. The world is indeed collapsing, yet persistent love conquers all. I always love what you write. Warm hugs, Erica