What an Adventure!

It has always been my intent to keep up with the blogs and let my friends know what I am up to. However, sometimes the adventures of my life take over and I find the time to write less optimal.

I have added a precious granddaughter to my collection of grandchildren since I last wrote in this blog. She arrived on July 21, 2010 at 5:02 AM. Even though I normally use code names for this, I shall reveal her true identity this once...her name is Faith Elaine and she is beautiful! She weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and is 19 inches long. The birth was normal, without incident and she was "perfect" in every way. She took a long time to arrive, making for an eventful few weeks. Hereafter on this blog, she shall be referred to as "Baby Girl" as her cousin is now "Girlfriend". I shall post pictures as soon as I find the cord to the computer and phone and camera! AGAIN!

The last few weeks have been quite exciting. I boarded a plane on July 5th heading for Long Beach, CA, due to the fact that my daughter was having contractions that had been strong enough to be monitored at the hospital. Since this had occurred only for three days with her first child, it was assumed that Baby Girl was on her way. The next few days went the same...and then the contractions stopped...and started again...stopped and started again. The Dr. thought on Monday that it would definitely be that week. Baby Girl liked to tease us...the contractions kept us up several nights, and two more trips to the hospital worth...She seemed to be saying, "Yes, I coming on out to play today! No! I'm not! Just kidding!" This went on for several days.

I was beginning to feel discouraged. Seeing my daughter in actual pain, with strong contractions and even some breathing issues for so long was difficult enough in itself. Thinking I would have to come hoime before the birth was very disturbing. Fortunately for the children on the AZ side of my life, they had their aunt available as well as a "sister" and her family visiting. (Another day, another story) So, I was able to stay another week.

I made some "cook ahead" freezable dishes for my daughter to bake and eat on days when her husband, a doctor, has to work late or overnight. I cleaned everything I could find to clean. I washed up all the laundry the closets and drawers would hold. Apparently that worked for Baby Girl. She must have realized that Grandma had done everything necessary to perpare for her arrival.

So, on July 20, the water broke! YAY! Into the hospital we went, knowing we would not be sent home this time! There was still a long labor ahead, but our Baby Girl arrived in perfect order.

In the waiting time, I had quite an interesting time. We took public transportation all over Long Beach. Met lots of interesting people. It was obvious at times that certain types of people did not want to sit with certain other types. But overall, most people were friendly and courteous to one another, especially a pregnant woman with a toddler in tow.


We visited the library for story time. (I will try to post video of that later...I promise...not too much later...just check in a few days!)
One day we went to the pier and watched some boats take off for Catalina Island. It was a speed boat race. Quite a sight! There was a fireboat spraying water for a display of its powers and to make its prescence known should there be a need. Due to the crowds there, we decided to go on to Seal Beach, where Mr. Boo could play in the water. We had such a blast! We and I jumped the waves and waded out as deep as we dared. We found shells, seaweed, and some interesting critters. We built sandcastles (more or less) and had a great time. We had hoped that Mommy walking in the sand might trigger Baby Girl to decide to come out and play with us...

But the great thing is, that she came at just the right time! You see, her middle name, Elaine, was given in honor of her daddy's grandmother, Elaine, who passed away a few years ago. Grandma Elaine's birthday was July 21, so I guess our little one wanted to share the date as well as the name. This did make Great-grandpa very happy!

Well,now I am back to the drawing board as they say, which, actually, is quite appropriate right now. I am in the final stages of planning Handsome's third grade school year. And of course, Girlfriend's preschool year as well.

Hope all is well with the readers of this blog. I did learn a lesson through all of this: All things good are worth waiting for...and God has a better plan than I do!