My coworker asked me this morning if I had any new pictures of baby Eliza.  While I thumbed through photos on the iPad my coworker asked, “Do you have any baby pictures of your mother?  I mean, I see you in Eliza, but does she look like your mother or father too?” 

 I’d never thought of that question.

When Eliza was weeks old Katie and I held up her photo beside my baby photo from around that age.  The resemblance was uncanny…and a little flattering to me, not so much to Katie. 

Looking at my Mom’s childhood picture I can see her in Eliza.  They have the same eyes, and nose.  They share similar smiles.  Looking at Eliza, you can see that the “Power of Helen is strong with this one.” 

It is moments and discoveries like this I know my Mom would love to consciously be part of.  She would have a fun laugh comparing pictures like this.  The sad reality is in the near future these two women will not remember each other.  Eliza Helen met Helen Katherine too early, and Helen Katherine met Eliza Helen too late.  As Eliza gets older my mother will be a memory, a spirit haunting picture frames, existing as lore told in stories by Matt, Katie and me.  However, it is comforting to know they will share more than their name.  

Eliza, I believe, will grow up to be headstrong, kind, stubborn, able, compassionate, patient, determined, and have an unwavering sense of family.  Some of these traits she will get from Katie and me.  If you ever wonder where she gets the rest of her character just look her in the eyes, and remember she is a Helen.