Cinco de Mayo

April 5, 2013

WOW!! What a day! A day that changed our family, and the world!

Woke up wondering what kind of fun your Mom and I would have today. We have already gotten all of your clothes washed, the nursery stocked up and all the other "chores" we could think of done. We had been to the midwife yesterday, and she thought you'd be born within the next 24 to 48 hours .... gotta trust a nurse's instinct! ;-)

Your Mom was looking a little uncomfortable, but trying to have a little toast with peanut butter for breakfast. She told me that she hadn't slept much last night, and was having some contractions this morning. Dad had gone to the office to do a few things, but got back around 9:00 am. That's when things got a little more serious, and Mom went to lay down for awhile.

Grandma was trying to stay out of it, and let Mom and Dad handle things on their own, together, because that is the best way to handle baby having (at least that is what I think). It was really tough to sit quietly and read while I really wanted to jump up and DO something! After a couple of hours, Mom came in and showed me on her phone that the contractions had been about 4 minutes apart for an hour, and asked if I thought we should head to the birthing center. One look at her face (she looked really intense and serious) and I knew the answer was Yes!

Mom didn't really appreciate the drive over to the birthing center, and told the midwife, Kathleen, that we were coming on ahead, even if we had to sit and wait for her there. Something about the speed and bumpy roads didn't seem like much fun for her.Dad handled that all really well, slowing down when she asked him to, and holding her hand. I just sat in the back praying that we'd get there soon, and that there wouldn't be much traffic, and that I wouldn't have to deliver you on the side of the road!!

Well, suffice it to say that we were all really glad to be at Bella Births. Kathleen arrived shortly after we did, and I could see that she knew that your Mom was in some serious labor!

Maybe Mom or Dad would like to give you the details some other time, but for now, you should know that it was a fast labor, and we were all really glad about that! We didn't know whether you were a girl or boy until you arrived. At 3:56 pm, there you were, a perfect, beautiful little Abigail Elizabeth!! Everyone was so happy to see you!!

After Mom and Dad held you, Grandma Terri and Grandpa Mike came to visit. Then Uncle James and Melissa. We all had a little sip of champagne to welcome you to the world. A few hours later, after you and Mom had a bath and a "thumbs up" from the midwife, we went home. Grandma Connie and Grandpa James were there to visit within the first hour of your arrival home. And was Mom ever excited about having sushi for dinner!!

The historical highlight for today was a quote from Anne Sullivan, who was Helen Keller's teacher. It was in reference to successfully teaching Helen the word "water" in sign language on April 5, 1887. "My heart is singing for joy this morning! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed!"

April 6, 2013

Mom and Dad were up half the night with you, but they both were still really excited to have you home. Grandma only heard you cry once during the night, and I think that was early on.

I had agreed with Mom that after you were born, I would let Mom and Dad have some time with you alone. So I headed out on that Saturday morning, and got a room down the street. That way, I was close by, in case they needed me, but not right there, "in the way".Felt like crying, but held it together ( ??) I decided to go shopping, to see if I could find any really cute baby girl clothes. Malls are not my thing, and shopping isn't my favorite, either. Sometimes I feel like the worst Grandma ever, but then again, it is the love, not the things .... right? That was one LONG day .... amazing how much you can miss a person who has only been here less than a day! Lots of other people came to meet you, though, so I probably would have been a little grouchy, to say the least!

April 7, 2013

Another long day .... shopping and not really seeing anything that interesting. Went to the house about 5:30 pm to visit. Finally got a long cuddle with you. Mom and Dad had spent all day with people coming to see you and welcome you. It was fun talking to Mom and Dad about the birth, and get their "take" on it. I left a little after dinner, just as Mom was getting ready to feed you. Such a good eater you are! Mom and Dad are really good parents -- yeah for you!

April 8, 2013

Back to see Kathleen for a weight check. Everything was fine, except that your weight had dropped a little more than Kathleen liked. So Mom got some new instructions, and the news that her milk is in! After "smorgasbord" for dinner (Great-Grandmother Sandy's name for cleaning out the refrigerator), Grandma Terri and Grandpa Mike came over to visit. You sure like to eat, but HATE burps and farts! And there is incredible power in your lungs, too! Grandpa Mike and I agreed that Mom and Dad are getting a payback, in spades! ;-)