You Are Here!

Dear Alex,
In all the excitement of last week, I forgot to post again.

Last Thursday, June 7th at 9pm, Dr. Baker decided your mommy had had enough 'torture' and decided to assemble the c-section team.  You were born at 10:50pm, and I snapped your first picture when they carried you to the nursery.  I watched the nurse give you a bath; you clearly did not like it, although you quieted down when she washed and dried your back, and again when she washed your hair.  You were born with a full head of dark hair, which we think should lighten up.

At first glance, I thought you looked like your mommy, but by the time we could hold you, we could tell you had your daddy's chin dimple; his eyes; and possibly his nose and ears.

You are such a good baby!  You hardly cry; you fuss a bit, but no prolonged screaming fits.  And you don't mind being passed around.

We had your photo taken before you left the hospital, and I've also shot several short videos of you interacting with your mommy, daddy, and grandpa.

You are now a week old and this week has flown by.  I'm looking forward to taking you to your first baseball game; to the Farmer's Market; and to church on Sunday.

You are holding up your head fairly well, and you turn your head to see who's talking or walking around.  You also finally got the hang of nursing, so bottle-feedings aren't so frequent anymore.

Til your next milestone...

Love,
Grandma

The Waiting Game

Dear Alex,
On Monday, your mother was still dilated at 2cm and since Dr. Baker is leaving for vacation soon, he asked you mommy if she'd like you to be born today, June 7th.  She happily agreed, so we arrived this morning at 7am.  The doctor broke Mommy's water around 9am, and it's been a slow progression.  Mommy requested pain meds around noon, and an epidural around 1:30.  It is now 7pm, ten hours later, and she's finally dilated to 4cm.  Looks as if your Uncle Kyle may get his wish; he wants you to be born on the 8th, which is his half birthday.

Your father and I are enjoying a quiet day; he's on your mom's laptop and I've been reading.  I bought breakfast this morning (Burger King) and your Grandma Sandi gave your daddy money for lunch and dinner.  I left for about 90 minutes this afternoon, to retrieve my phone and Kindle chargers, and to eat lunch myself (McDonalds).  Not sure what I'll eat for dinner.  Your mommy's had a popcicle and some jello.  She's napping at the moment, which is good.  She only got 2 hours of sleep last night, due to having a long talk with Uncle Kyle.

Everyone is awaiting your arrival sweetie:)  And after you're born, Grandpa and I will finally go get your stroller/car seat!

Your crib arrived; no word yet on when it will be set up.

Hoping your entry into the world is smooth and effortless:)

Love,
Grandma

Miss Alex?

Dear little one:

Last week, we saw another picture of you, and early indications point to your being Alexandria Nicole.  It also appears you've inherited your father's features, but it's still early yet.  Doctor says you now weigh half a pound are doing great.

Your mother caught the stomach flu the other day, but I think is now finally able to keep food down.  I just pray you develop into a healthy child, despite your mother's nutritional ailments.

Until next time,
Love,
Grandma

Holiday Happenings

Dear little one....
I am so sorry to report your great-great-grandmother passed away on Christmas Day, before we even got the chance to let her know you were on the way.  Granny Jean Dilly McIntire had fallen and cracked her pelvis early in December, and contracted pneumonia a week before Christmas.  She got to spend Christmas with Jesus, your great-great-grandfather Norman, and your great-great-Aunt Julie, who passed in 1994 and 1993 respectively.

I will admit, your parents went their separate ways the first part of December, but before Christmas, they were communicating again.  They are just babies themselves, but know your grandma has every intention of doing what's best for YOU and your MOTHER.

Your mother is still losing weight and having problems keeping food down, or eating very little.  We saw the doctor last week and heard your strong heartbeat.  We'll be seeing you again tomorrow, and finding out if you're to be named Alexandria Nicole or Anthony Edward.

Your father has moved to Rockport with his Aunt Tina, and is in his first week of working at Grandy's as a cook.  Your mother speaks to him on a regular basis, and so far the drama has been minimal.

I looked at the saved baby clothes yesterday; whether you are a boy or a girl, you will have plenty of clothing when you're born, as well as baby blankets.  We are still deciding if you'll follow your Uncle Will and sleep in a pack-n-play, or set up a crib in your mother's room.

And joy of joys....she's beginning to feel you move around!  I'm looking forward to the day when I get to feel your tiny foot against her abdomen.

I will probably write to you again in a few days.

Love,
Grandma

1st Picture!

Dear Little One,
I saw your picture today!  You are 'waving' at us in it, and we can tell you might have your father's chin.  Your heartbeat was strong and healthy, and everything looks good.  You are now into your 13th week of conception and we want you to continue growing and becoming a healthy baby.

Your father fainted when he first saw your picture; I think the reality of the situation has finally hit him.  He wasn't hurt or anything, but your mother and I found it extremely humorous.

We'll find out in another month whether you will be named Anthony or Alexandria.

So until next time,

Love,
Grandma

Child's Best Interests

My darling Sara,
This is a tough letter to write.  You're right; I DON'T know Eddie as well as you do.  All I can do is offer you insight.

You stated several weeks ago his main goal in life was to 'get high and stay high'.  Do you really want your child to be around that sort of person?

I applaud you standing up for yourself and the little one by insisting he not smoke anything in your presence.  I also applaud you for pointing out flaws in his 'rationality' toward who will baby-sit the child while you're in school or working.  To ensure a safe environment, I would hope you never leave your child unsupervised while in Eddie's care or at his house.  I bring to the table 20 years of (safe) child-rearing, not to mention I've been taking care of children since age 12.  Do the math; that is 34 years of experience.

Yes, your father is still angry with you, but that's to be expected.  You have a choice to make:  Leave the child with admitted pot-smokers and unstable relationships, or grandparents who have been married for over 20 years and provide a safe haven for half the neighborhood.  I think the choice is obvious.

One of these days, most likely in January or February, we will HAVE to sit down with Eddie and Sandy to discuss financial arrangements.  I don't care if all he can contribute is a sack of diapers or box of baby wipes, but he will contribute SOMETHING every week.

I've been approached about people wanting to throw you a baby shower next spring.  I will be more than happy to include Sandy, Dawn, Hannah, and whoever else in Eddie's family in the plans.

Remember I love you and I'm praying for you constantly.

Love,
Mom

Week #8

My darling Sara,
You're experiencing your first morning sickness.  Welcome to the 2nd sign of pregnancy!  So far, you've taken one of your nausea pills and consuming PopTarts in the morning.  I remember having to eat dry toast or crackers before getting out of bed.  I don't think you've actually gotten sick; just experienced that queasy feeling.

When I was first pregnant with Kyle, I learned I had to eat within two hours of getting hungry.  You've all heard me tell the story of when Uncle Craig and Aunt Bev took me to the Spaghetti Factory and Craig took too long to get me there.  In some ways, I hope you are spared that indignity; other times I want you to suffer as a reminder.  Yes, I'm still upset, but you're my baby girl.

Your dad would fix me toast in the morning before he left, and I remember a particular instance when I waited too long to eat it:  Remember our cat Tag?  He happened to be sleeping on the back of the toilet and pushed the toilet seat down on my head.  I guess he didn't want to look at it!

When I was carrying you, your dad was still working and was often gone before Kyle or I awoke.  Kyle used to go into the bathroom with me and pass me toilet paper when it was all over.

And you remember the nausea I had with Will at all hours of the day, as we traveled to White Rock, Yellowstone, and Cody!

Yes, the next several weeks will not be fun.   And that is why when I wake you up in the mornings, I ask if you need anything.

And I know your brand new jeans are getting tight.  I will go downstairs and try to locate the maternity pants I saved.  Hopefully you'll be able to fit into them; otherwise, we'll have to piss off your father and go on another shopping trip.

Love,
Mom