The Calm AFTER the Storm

     Wow!! What can be said here. The day of your birth was exhausting for everyone.  The "hectic"excitement is over, now we are all just excited.  All  I can say is GOD was thinking amazing thoughts when he invented babies, especially grandbabies. You are perfect.

   
     You, mom and dad stayed at the hospital for 48 hours until your release into your new life at home. The pediatrician had checked you out many times and all was good. With the exception of ONE little heart murmur, which never was an issue, you were 100% ready to go home.

      I was working on Wednesday morning and got a picture text from mom. It was a picture of you in your car seat heading home. How exciting. I guess dad finally figured out how to get the seat in the car. I don't know how people do it with all of this complicated equipment anymore. :) I stopped by the bank to make a deposit and your Aunt Natalie showed me an email with a picture of you in your outfit ready to go home. Mom had sent it out to our home email and I hadn't seen it yet. It was very cute!! 

     I was a nervous wreck thinking about you arriving home and Tyson and Allie going crazy and maybe being rough. They are your dogs that mom and dad have that will definately have to be second best now. Mom knew I was concerned and called me to tell me all was good. Allie took a sniff, checked you out, and dad gave her a new bone. Life was good for her. Tyson, I guess, didn't want anything to do with his bone, layed down beside you and didn't want to leave your side. I guess you have a new bodyguard. Your mom said he was definately crazy about you already. Allie is the Dingo on the right below and Tyson is the boxer.

    Aunt Natalie took some really cute pictures and did some nice editing of them. I fell in love immediately with a black and white close up of you with your sparkling eyes. I immediately said "I want and 8X10 of that for my living room". One day later, it was done and in a black frame and hanging where I can see you every day. AWESOME and thatnks Natalie and Grandma Beth for that gift.

We are making a trip to see you at your home tonight. Taking dinner to mom and dad and coming to see how you have adjusted to your new home and your protective dogs.  It will be nice to see YOU in your room that everyone worked hard to prepare for you. There is now a sense of completeness that I'm sure mom and dad feel having you home finally.  See you tonight around supper time. Love you Taylor!!!! 

Taylor Elizabeth Zickafoose Nov.8, 2001 Welcome

     When the world beats you down and keeps kicking, God has a way of making it all better.  He did just that for me and my family yesterday.  One of the greatest experiences and gifts he gives us is the birth of a newborn baby. My first grandchild was born at 12:44 in the afternoon to Jessica an Matt Zickafoose. Welcome to our world Taylor!!! What a gift you are.

     Your mom called us about 11:30 pm on Nov 7th and said that they were on there way to the hospital. Her contractions were 2 minutes apart and the strongest she has had yet. Mom said she would have Dad call us and let us know if things were progressing. A little while later Dad called and said they were keeping her and were going to observe her for progress.  We had a feeling that they could send her home and that this was just another false alarm.  A few hours passed as I got a few catnaps and grandma couldn't sleep. The phone rang again, it was Dad saying Mom wanted us to come. This was it. We were dressed and on the road for our 1 hour drive at 5 a.m.  
  We arrived at the hospital about 6 a.m. and Dad was waiting outside. I think there was a lot of relief that the calvary had arrive cuz Mom was wanting "her Mom" for comfort. When we got in the room the nurse told us Mom was 4 centimeters and still under observation but they did have her on a pain killer.
     At 7, the nurses scheduled changed and you got the sweetest nurse (Amber) and the entire atmosphere changed. A positive outlook, parents relaxing more and we knew we were on our way. She communicated with the doctor and around 7:40 they gave your mom and epideral shot and said she was having you today. Texting and phone calls began as your mom rested in her bed. 
     The Doctor soon arrived and examine mom. He checked her and she was about 5 cm so he broke her water and said "we are committed now. We are having this baby." Excitement was even greater and we were preparing within hours to seeing you.  The wait was very long however as mom and dad grew more anxious. Great grandparents Jackie and Larry, Aunt Natalie, and Jason a friend of Matt's were waiting anxiously as well.   Around 11:30 everyone was kicked out except the participating cast members, Mom, Dad and Grandma Beth. I was on the list to go in in emergency.. whatever that meant. ( never needed  I guess haha).
     AT 12:44 God's gift to us arrived. YOU TAYLOR ARE PERFECT!!!!

Having FUN waiting :)

     Well things have slowed down this past week after a few days of anxiety setting in.  Mom went a day without contractions and seems to be progressing as Dr.'s think she should.  It's like the calm before the storm kinda sorta.  She's losing her mucous plug which is another indication of an 8-9 month time period. Mom's cousin Brittany has her google handy and looks all of this up for me.

     We are having fun through this time period of waiting for your arrival.  I send texts to mom asking "is it time yet?".  Your dad is making calls and testing the grandparents to see what their response time is.  Your grandma  Zickafoose failed the test and didn't return his call for 3 hours. He told her she is off of the call list. haha. Yeah right, Dad, like your Mom still isn't going to be the first person you call???  Everytime the phone rings and the caller I.D. pops up with mom and dad's phone number, I like to answer like I'm in a panic...... "Is Taylor on the way?"  Anyway, It's ALL GOOD.

     I take time to pray daily now for God's protection for you and Mom during your arrival.  I also pray that HE will take you under his wing for a lifetime of good health. But most of all I praise and thank him for the blessing you will be to me, grandpa!!  See ya this month Taylor.

A Little Panic Feeling?

     We were heading out for dinner this evening to Ft Wayne with a couple of good friends of ours, Jon and Carla Trout.  On our way to their house Grandma got a call from Mom.  "So, Matt's freakin out.  I have been having a few pains today that seem like contractions and was just wondering what you think".  As she explained things to us,  it seemed reality is checking in for your parents (and us) that time is closing in on the big day :).  Mom had, what she thought were contractions, a few times today. Once in the early morning, then later walking on the golf course with Dad and another on the way to Wabash to meet grandma at Uncle Curt's house. 
          Mom and dad, knew from what the Dr. told them, what the pain of a contraction would feel like.  They have read books on how long contractions should be apart before a real panic arrives that they should get to the hospital. They've studied, studied, and studied to prepare for the moment. Then, BAM BAM, "Matt, I think I had a contraction".  I would have loved to see dad's face at that moment. The surprise that the time is drawing nearer and reality of being a dad is coming.
      I remember an "I Love Lucy" episode where they practice like a fire drill, so when the time is near, there will be no confusion on everyones jobs. Lucy calmly says "Ricky it's time". He goes to the phone (once again calmly) to let Fred and Ethel know. He walks calmly to the closet, gets the suitcase. Fred and Ethel arrive at the door and open it for the couple. They walk arm and arm out to the car together.  Well when the real time happens, you can imagine the confusion. They even leave the room to the hospital and forget Lucy. hahahahaha.
    I can see this. Mom texts Dad from the bedroom while he is watching ESPN.  "I think it's time".  Dad text back "yeah right,  let me finish watching Green Bay, they are driving, then I will be back." After a few seconds, Dad jumps up and runs to the bedroom, "what did you say, what do I do,  want me to call 911, why don't you call your mom and ask her what she thinks, OMG what to do!!!!"  Not really but that would be funny!!!!!
     Well since you have started giving signs that you want to join us soon, we can only wait until it is your time.  We are all getting anxoius and excited to welcome you with open arms.  It could be sooner that Nov. 11th, but I'm standing my ground. See ya shortly Taylor!!

Waiting

      Every year around the Christmas Season I have thoughts of what people back in Christ's time felt. They knew by the prophecies that a savior/messiah was coming.  Who this would be, when this would be was not known.  Just the wait in itself would have been too hard to handle.  How must it had felt to wait........

      Waiting for the arrival of my first grandchild is similar.  However, my time period is limited and I know that within a small amount of time,  I will have a grandaughter, she will be born in the Logansport hospital, Jessica and Matt will raise them in their home in Fulton, Indiana and they will name her Taylor.  Even though I know some specifics about your birth I can still ponder since I do have to "wait" until the day you are to arrive. Will you have characteristics of your mom when she was a newborn?  Will you be blonde or brunnette?  Will you be blue eyed or brown?  Will you be a tiny baby or large?  Will you this and will you that?

     Just as the Messiah came, so will you.  He came to make a difference,  so will you. He changed the life of whoever he came across, so will you.  I know from experience you will change the life of your mom and dad. There will be nothing more important to them than YOU from now until the end of days. Priorities will change everyday for them because they want to love, teach and nuture YOU.  Without even knowing, you will return to them so much joy and happiness that they will realize you are one of the greatest gifts that God has given them. From a grandpa's perspective, all of the above pertains to me and the affect you will have on me also. Since I haven't got to experience the grandpa thing yet, I can only "wait" to see what is in store for me in this chapter of my life.

     As the people waited for the Messiah, they would eventually know that HE was the greatest gift that God has ever given them.  As I wait for my first grandchild, you Taylor,  I have to assume the story will turn out similar. The gift of you to our family from God will be the greatest!!!!

     See you very soon. November is right around the corner. I CAN"T WAIT!!!!

Taylor Shower a Successful Day

     Sunday was a great day!!!! 

     Even though grandpas don't got to baby showers, Sunday for me was a busy and exciting one just getting ready and seeing everyone else's excitement for your arrival.  No alarm clock needed!!!! Up at 4:45 as always but with things to accomplish before church.  I had a pot of chili to prepare for the girls to eat an early lunch.  Also, dad, Bryce, Jeremy and whoever else was gonna stop by for NFL games while the girls were away at your shower. Got the chili ready with some of my homegrown jalapenos and tomatoes included.  I had to load the van so the girls could make a quick move after church to set up for the 2:00 event.  Everything got loaded except for the 40 or more cupcakes that grandma Beth picked up Saturday at her famous bakery in Muncie, Concannons.
     It was kinda funny that your mom wanted to drive the car but dad insisted on bringing his truck. Good choice dad!!! After the shower the back of dad's truck was FULL of gifts. God is good with the amazing friends and family he has placed in your life.  People that don't do from obligation, but, are there for you out of  LOVE.  We are blessed and you will be soon. Thanks to everyone who took time from their weekend to come and share this special moment with Jessica. Grandma Z and great grandma V came all of the way from Michigan and then took Mom and Dad to Lunch.  Cousins from South Bend and Kendallville were there, Great grandma Armano came in from Florida for the weekend,  college friends from northern Indiana and many more to list. You won't be without people visiting for a while once you decide to grace us all with your presence.
     After the shower mom thought she would have me touch you in her belly. She said it was your BUTT that was pushing out of her side. I felt a bump, really couldn't define it as a butt, however, it probably was....... :) It becomes more exciting and real in times like those. I keep telling them you would be here by my guessed date.  I even got down to mom's tummy and whispered in a deep grandpa voice to you. ***November 11th*** . ahahahahahaha. Funny Funny man grandpa is :)   The sooner the better!!!!!!  Mom wants you to follow her planned schedule so schooling and all will be easy to plan.  She will soon realize you have a plan of your own!!!!!  I'm sure she will adjust to YOUR schedule of things soon enough...and then dad adjust his schedule??  He doesn't know what's gonna hit him.............BUT ALL IS GOOD!!!
All in all... Another successful pre-celebration for YOU!!!  Can't wait Taylor   *hugs**

Anticipation

Well the pictures have been posted that Aunt Natalie took and edited. I think they turned out good. For the most part it wasn't too bad of a day for mom. She said some of the positioning for the pics were uncomfortable and she couldn't get up very easily when Natalie had her lying on the ground.  Mom is definately showing signs of excitement but I'm thinking personally she wants your arrival to come sooner than not. She is very excited to be a mom and to welcome you into her family.  I know the grandparents are ready to have you here to!! I'm still saying November 21 is too far away and we will be seeing you sooner. Dad's birthday is November 17th, maybe you are shooting  for that?  Well Mom's due date was suppose to be on my birthday, March 20th, and guess what?  She was born February 2.... hmmmmmmmmmm could we see a repeat performance of an early delivery? Mom says you need to "bake" a little longer. hahahaha  that was cute to hear her say.

I'm also looking for some time in November where I have a couple days off in a row. Maybe you'd like grandpa to be able to be there in minutes? Pick one of those days and I will be there in 45 minutes. (It's normally an hour drive to the Logansport Hospital hahaha) Ironically the two days I have scheduled off in a row is Nov 10 and 11 (the day I picked). 
Well for now we will let nature run it's course and God's plan of your arrival to continue in his will.  I'm confident his hand of protection is with you and you will arrive healthy and ready to make a difference in this world of ours. I'm praying for that daily, now that your time with us is that much closer.
For now rest up and sweet dreams Taylor. See ya very soon!!!!!!