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!!!!!!

Picture Day

     Today we got a visit from Mom and Dad.  Aunt Natalie set up a picture session with them at about 12:00.  Then Dad and I played in a charity golf outing for Manuleto.  A childrens home in Honduras that our church, Mt Olive, sponsors.
     We'll get the golf scramble out of the way first since we shot a 65 and tied for 4th place. It was a fun day but we were a bit disappointed in the score. Oh well, we had some good shots and bad ones...
     The pictures went well we thought. Natalie is very creative so we are interested to see the final results after editing.  Mom was not feeling very photogenic earlier in the week, but judging by some of the photos I saw Natalie taking, Mom and Dad were enjoying the pictures and cooperating with Natalie..
     I cut down a nice size tree about 4 years ago and left the stump in the ground.  Natalie had mom sit on the stump for a picture. Mom told her the stump was crushing and I thought she was just joking because of her size. After she got up she said the stump was really crushing under her. I put my foot on the top of it and pushed hard. My foot went through the stump and crumbled into 1000 pieces.  No more stump.
     The excitement is still thick in the air for your arrival.  We are all having the feeling that my guess of November 11th may not be that far fetched after all. There have been some earlier guesses than mine.Nov 21st seems so far away but it will be here before we know it and lives will be changed forever for the new parents.  Dad seemed to be ready as we talked a bit playing golf today. He made jokes about my age all day and even said in a kids voice that soon Taylor would be calling me "grandpa".   Probably cuz I hit the ball like a grandpa today. All of the younger kids outdriving me all day.
     It was a great day for grandma as she spent the day with Mom while we played in the golf outing.  After pictures they came by and walked 3 holes with us before heading out for groceries and back home to relax for a bit.  Next year your MOM will play on our team because we really missed her scoring for us today. Another good visit!!!! Another good day all in all!!!  See ya soon...

Jessica is HUGE!!!!!

     Mom and Grandma Beth were talking the other day and Mom said she was beginning to grow out of the clothes bought recently...  Grandma took this opportunity to shop once again for some more maturnity clothes so Mom could get through the school days left before your arrival.  I'm not real sure about what kind of clothes were purchased here but I think Mom was really excited about them. I think she said she could probably make it now on what she has.

     We were going to meet mom and dad in Kokomo for dinner at Panera Bread.  Mom called earlier that day and said that they would just come to Marion and have dinner with us so her and dad could catch a movie here in town that they were wanting to see.  It was kinda nice to know that there are things to do in Marion.  Mom was a bit bored in her high school years here and regularly said that she didn't want to live in Marion because there was nothing to do here. There is truth there at times, but family and people you know is what makes a hometown great.  Anyway, the most exciting thing I heard of the night was that this would be great, since Marion was only a 1 hr drive, Mom and Dad could come here for their nights out and leave Taylor with us to babysit!!!  (I SAY ONCE A WEEK AT LEAST!!!)  How awesome would that be? VERY!!!  DUH!!!  We enjoyed a nice dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings with them and mom's cousin Brittany was even able to join us. Dad requested to eat there because he really likes the HOTT wings :)

     Anyway the title to this post came to me from remembering what Brittany said when she saw Jessica. "Jessica is Huge!!!!!!!"  Brittany hadn't seen Jessica in a while and her excitement and surprise was fun to see.   Since my pick for your early arrival is Nov. 11, we are only  approx. 7 weeks awakes by my calculations or 8 1/2 away by the doctors, professional estimation. Either way times running out for you to make mommy's tummy bigger. Keep growing, Taylor, and stay healthy :)

All and all, a wonderful exciting visit once again....

Lots of excited friends and family

     Got an inbox today on facebook from Mom.  It was a guessing game on a site for everyone to pick their guess on your arrival date and weight and length. These game are always good to get everyone thinking of your arrival and to stay aware that it is coming sooner than we all think. I pulled up the site and there were already 11 guesses.  This  is how fast now that things travel with the internet.  Communication and access to information is instant these days.  In my days all we had to communicate was the land line telephone and the letter through smail mail that I remember as far back as 6 cents a letter.  (How can a mailman survive on 6 cents a letter these days? LOL) As of now the postage is 44 cents and soon to go up by the first of the year 2011. 

     Anyway the guesses were coming in as fast as could be so I can tell there are many many people getting excited for you join our family.  14 lbs 7 inches and 23 inches long???? That was the biggest guess but we have to dismiss it cuz it was your cousin Bryce being goofy or just really not realizing how BIG of a baby that would be.  After I put my guess in I notice I had you as the lightest guess @ 6lbs 2 oz., and 18 inches.  I know that is a small baby but all I can go on is my memory of our girls. Both were in the 6 lb range.  The only thing that can make my guess seem really low is the fact that your dad is a big boy and probably was a fairly big baby I would guess.  The dates were fun to guess also.  Your expectant date of Nov 21 was picked only once. (Bryce also) The latest date was 23 days overdue!!! Pray that won't happen cuz I don't think mom I was the soonest. (maybe I am rushing it haha). I guess Nov 11 for a couple reason.  That is 10 days early and both of our girls were early,  11 is a very lucky number for me,  and when your mom started here blog she named it babyziggy11.. The next earliest date was your Grandma Z in Michigan. She picked the 12th.

     Nothing else going on right now. Next in plans is the baby shower in 4-5 weeks.  Aunt Natalie was over this weekend filing out invitations.

Here's the site if you want to make a guess... http://expectnet.com/games/BabyZickafoose

    Another fun and exciting day!!!

Player Name Guess From Who I Am



Gender Weight Length Birthday

Jessica girl 7 lbs 3 ozs 20 in Nov 16, 7:00 pm Rochester IN Mom

Uncle Curt boy 12 lbs 5 ozs 20 in Dec 24, 12:00 am Wabash IN Best Uncle in the world

Kim girl 6 lbs 8 ozs 18 in Nov 12, 3:00 pm Sturgis MI grandma

Randy girl 7 lbs 3 ozs 18 in Nov 17, 4:00 am Sturgis MI grandpa

Tonya girl 6 lbs 5 ozs 21 in Nov 24, 4:00 pm Sturgis MI Aunt Tonya

brittany doyle girl 8 lbs 0 ozs 16 in Nov 28, 1:00 am Wabash IN cousin

bryce doyle girl 14 lbs 7 ozs 23 in Nov 21, 3:13 am Wabash IN cousin

Judy Armano girl 6 lbs 10 ozs 20 in Nov 24, 1:30 am Sarasota FL great grandmother

Pino Armano girl 7 lbs 8 ozs 20 in Nov 22, 6:00 am Sarasota FL associate great-grandfather

Becky girl 7 lbs 8 ozs 21 in Nov 22, 4:04 am N. Manchester IN Retired co-worker

Meesh girl 7 lbs 6 ozs 19 in Nov 14, 4:23 am Goshen IN

Chuck girl 6 lbs 2 ozs 18 in Nov 11, 4:28 pm Marion IN Grandpa to Taylor

Aunt Natalie girl 6 lbs 10 ozs 19 in Nov 17, 2:23 pm Marion IN I'm going to be Aunt Natalie to Baby Z :-D

Jeremy Hills girl 8 lbs 7 ozs 21 in Nov 16, 10:00 pm Marion IN Dating Taylor's Aunt Natalie

Grandma Beth girl 7 lbs 5 ozs 19 in Nov 25, 4:30 pm Marion IN


 

11 weeks to go

     Today, grandma and I made a road trip to have lunch with mom and dad.  Mom made some taco salads and we enjoyed a fun visit getting your room a little more prepared for your arrival. 
     We delivered the rocker that we were so excited to get your mom to spend hours of rocking, reading and singing with you in the next few years.  It was almost all put together, with the exception of a few bolts and nuts to put in and tighten.  It was a nice addition to your room that is just about complete. Grandparents Z's had already delivered and set up your crib. It was awesome and Mom said it converted into a toddler bed, so you should get good use out of it.
     A few years ago, grandma ran into some wood letters that she had no idea what to do with so she stored them away.  Digging through things last month she found them and got them out. She tried to spell Taylor but was an A and a L short. She had me do some small cuts to a v, f and t and we were able to create the missing letters to complete your name and post it over your crib. Mom thought the letters fit perfect so we were happy with the outcome.
     We also made a trip to the store and bought mom a couple more maternity tops for work and looked for a bookcase to go beside the rocker. We, didn't have any luck finding one but did find a carpet for your floor and mounting sticky tack to hang your letters. We think if we find a bookcase soon, for all of your story books, your room will be complete for you to come home to.
     Dad was watching his sports and acting preoccupied while we worked.  BUT,  his excitement for things was more obvious than he wanted to show.  He came upstairs and turned a bolt or two,  found me some wood glue to complete my letters and then had an exciting little grin on his face when asked to get his picture beside your new bed and letters we put above it on the wall.  Mom even told us later she caught him in your room just looking around when we left.  He reminds me a lot of me before the birth of your mom.  He has no idea what joy you will bring to him.  He is  in for a very exciting change to his world. There's nothing like a "daddy's girl"  to change a man's perspective on life, goals, priorities, and shrivel up that "macho"  image all of us guys, atheletes have growing up.
     All in all?? Another good day................ Can's wait for your arrival. :)

Rocking Chair

 February2, 1985, Grandma Beth and I were blessed with our first child, Jessica (your mommy).  One of my fondest memories I have from a dad's perspective of a newborn is special.  The rocking chair that I use to sit in and rock Jessica to sleep while trying to sing or hum a traditional lullaby or anything soothing.  We had one of those wicker rockers.  It was fairly comfortable and really did the trick when mommy got fussy or needed help falling asleep.

Today grandma and I went to pick up the rocker that would give mom and dad some of those same precious memories that I still carry in the back of my mind. We found a very comfortable ottoman rocker at Walmart. It has a footstool and is padded for long hours. It looks very comfy so we are hoping mom and dad don't fall into a deep deep sleep while rocking you..  :)

We are planning on a road trip in the next week or so to see your room again and the many things that we hear are being given to you by Dad's family.  We are excited that things are falling into place for you to have an exciting home when you arrive. Dad can put it together. It is still in the box. He needs to get use to putting things together. That's part of being a dad and having tools etc etc etc. I'm sure he doesn't mind.

Grandmother is a SHOP-O-Holic!!!!

So Taylor, 

    We were on our way home from a "quick" trip to the grocery store,    right??    NO SUCH THING as a quick trip anymore..  We were coming down the bypass in marion with 2 gallons of cold milk and a few frozen goods in the car just heading home.  Grandma Beth says she was wanting to stop at this new resell shop in Marion called Boutique 125.  As I glance over toward the shop as we get nearer, the sidewalks are FULL, I mean FULL of baby clothes....... Everything on sale for $1........ Grandma  tells me to stop and she promises she won't go inside the store, she will just shop for the grandbaby.

     We pull in and of course I park right up front like grandpas do.  Within 5 minutes I was holding clothes in my arms that were getting to heavy for Grandma.... Needless to say we found aver 20 items.  As I was talking to the sales clerk grandma tells me she is going inside to look at the maternity clothes for mom.  I told her to hurry up cuz we now had 2 gallons of cottage cheese in the car since temperatures were reaching 95 that day.  She didn't last long inside cuz prices were pretty stiff on maternity.  She decided if she went back there she would take mom with her.

     Anyway we did make it home without spoiling any food   :)   Here are a few photos of the "find" today.

and here is a piece we got in honor of your aunt Natalie. When she was an infant she had a "baby Bunny" stuffed doll and still has it to this day.

Back to Work

     Well,  mommy's summer is finally over and school is back in session.   In the picture below she is sporting a black dress that  grandma Beth found for her to wear to school.  It isn't a maternity dress though, so it's days are probably numbered.  Wear it while you can I think it looks very nice.  :)

     Mom has started calling you Babyziggy.   I can't figure out yet if the name they chose for you is a done deal or not.  Taylor,  is what I've been calling you when I speak to others about you.  Maybe I am jumping the gun a bit,  so I better wait until I know for sure to call you that.   Babyziggy is cute for now.  Mom has even named her blog Babyziggy11!   I will need to find out the # 11 significance.  That was a number I wore in recreational basketball leagues for high school and church  basketballball between 20-30 years ago.  Kinda a lucky number for me so it will do.

     Mom called the other day to tell me she was hit by a golf ball watching dad play golf. She played for about 13 years and never been hit.  The ball took a one hopper and hit her in the hip she said.  No harm done but a close call for the belly where baby Ziggy was resting.  Dad might of had to put a bodyslam wrestling move on the old man that hit the ball if it wold have struck you. :)

Excitement and Preparation

     I remember the excitement Beth and I had when we were getting close to the arrival of Jessica.  A lot of preparation went into getting things just right for the big day.  We went as far as leaving the house we rented at 1414 W. 4th to buying a brand new 14X70 Mobile Home and getting a lot at 2012 W. 12th.  I remember wallpapering Jessica's bedroom and getting things just right for her new home.

     The same excitement is churning in Fulton. Jessica called the other evening and asked "guess what we just bought?"  She told me they found a brand new dishwasher at Sears and couldn't pass up the deal.  Taylor would need to have clean and sanitized bottles to drink out of. :)  Matt installed it right away and Jessica showed the world on her blog. 

    Nana visited from Florida and brought her a gift also. The exact stroller Jessica and Matt have been wanting from Target but were unable to find in Indiana. 

    The baby shower date has been set and will be Sunday October 3rd.   There is already a "scurry" to get plane tickets home and put this day on the calendar so everyone can be sure to enjoy this day with Jessica.  This excitement is part of what it is all about.  Everyone is enjoying the preparation of the arrival of Taylor.

    

Seeing Jessica

     After spending the 4th of July at Jessica's and Matt's, we decided to go to Shipshewana Flea Market the following Tuesday and take our exchange student Katharina since she had never been. Katharina lived with us for a full year when Jessica was at Manchester College. She was from Germany and was here on a student exchange program.  We also met up there with my nephew Thomas and his family and my niece Christina.  Jessica decided she wanted to shop also so she met us up there as well.

    We were to meet at the restaurant on the corner of US 20 and St Rd 5.  Thomas arrived first and Keirstynn texted us and told us they had arrived.  We were only 5 miles out so we arrived second. Not much time went by and Jessica pulled up beside us. As she stepped out of the car we could see a major difference in her size. This was really gonna happen.  As I hugged her, I reached down and put my hand on her tummy.  She seemed frustrated with it and preceded to tell me that nobody should touch her stomache. There have been too many strangers already laying hands on her and she was uncomfortable with it.  She later on told me that Me and Mom and Matt were the only ones allowed and she didn't mean it to sound like she was scolding me for touching her.  I wasn't offended and can totally understand her frustrations. 

    The picture below is the picture of her and I in the parking lot where we met before the flea market.  It is one of my favorite photos of her and I ever!!  Her little pooch is just the beginning of a lifetime of joy with a grandaughter. 

    So far Matt and Jessica are leaning toward Taylor Elizabeth.  I love that name, and have been calling the Baby Z "Taylor" since I found out. 

Shopping Begins

     Even before we could tell anyone about our grandchild, Beth was excited to start rummaging and shopping for Baby Z.  So many things would be needed so any chance or opportunity to pick something up would be great. I did say that we should probably wait until we knew the sex of the baby until we actually bought anything major. 

    I had been off work for a month with a small surgery and was noticing it was my last Friday off before returning to work.  I called Jessica and asked her if we could just come up and take her to lunch since I was free.  She said okay and we hit the road. On the way we saw that the town of Twelve Mile was having a town rummage.  We decided to stop there on the way back through.  Matt was off work so we all 4 hit the cafe in the big town of Fulton.  I always love to get BLT sandwiches at these small mom and pop restaurants so that was my lunch for the day. Mom and Jessica had their tenderloins.  Matt still isn't sure what a tenderloin is and still doesn't care for them, I think he had a fish sandwich. 

     We then stopped by the house and Jessica was excited to show us that they had been working on Baby Z's room.  It was clean and had a few things already in it.  For one, a dresser that Beth had when she was a kid and Jessica used growing up.  That was kinda cool.  across the hall Jessica said she had grandma's room ready for her to stay the night when needed.

      On the way home we found a rummage with TONS of baby stuff.  A gold mine for "onesies".  Beth found 21 of them in new condition.  I think they were 3 for a dollar or something amazingly cheap. Of course we bought them.

      After June 29th, the sex of the baby revealing day,  Beth was free to buy girls stuff.  Gas City was having a town rummage so that was the victim of the first really big buy.  I can't list all of the stuff bought but she had a good day.  A friend , Carla, and Bryce went with Beth and enjoyed the hunt for clothes just as much. I have to put a picture below of this day of shopping.  Many more to come I am sure.  Our Grandchild is definately going to be well dressed.

Baby Z

Shhhhhh keep quiet for now

     After hearing the great news that I was going to be a grandpa around Nov 21 of 2010 I was instructed bt the expecting parents to keep it quiet for a while and don't tell anyone.  Jessica had just had a close friend find out she was expecting only to lose the baby before the first trimester.  So to make sure things were good before we blabbed to the world the news, Jessica wanted to get by the first trimester before sharing with anyone (just in case).  We understood her train of thought but how hard was it going to be to NOT say anything to  anyone?  We met every Monday with our Bible Study Group and so wanted these people praying for the situation but kept our promise until the given date, June 29th (the next Dr. visit and ultrasound).   

Finally the day of the Dr. visit came. Jessica was to see the Dr. around 1:30 and let us know ASAP. Then when all things were good, we could tell everyone the news. I was excited in wait all day. She said I would get the call first since mom knew ahead of time about the the baby before Easter.  About 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon, I was delivering mail curside in my truck when the text came.  I was so excited to see "It's a girl"  I didn't see that a picture was attached.  I went back to work and about 1/2 hour later I thought I needed to look at the text again.  It said 1 of 2 so I scanned down and there was a picture of the ultrasound and our baby Z. 

I had a couple hours left of work but had decided I would post the picture on facebook as soon as I got home.  I finished work, got home and went straight to my computer,  excited to share the news!!!  As I pull up my facebook I see Baby Z FIRST THING!!!  Natalie has internet access at work and can download mobile pics so had shared the news with most people I know.  Oh well, it was still exciting.  The word was out. Now to share with everyone possible!!!!

               

The Big Reveal

     A few days before Easter Sunday of 2010,  my oldest daughter,  Jessica, called and asked if her and her husband,Matt, of 2 years could come and spend the day with us.  We always welcome the company of our kids on any holiday so, of course, it would be great to have them come.  We've all made a committment to one another that we would always spend designated  holidays as a family and the rest of them we would play by ear.  This, we felt, would ease the pressure when other sides of  family become an issue.  Our house is traditionally a Christmas Eve get together and as a family we love to have the kids attend our church service and communion together.  Jessica always hosts our 4th of July cookout and Natalie (our youngest) host Thanksgiving.

     Easter morning came and we went to church at Mt. Olive.  We've attended here for over 15 years and it is known as our kids church growing up also. Matt and Jessica came just as service was started.  We enjoyed worshipping together and skipped out on Sunday School excited to have a meal together at our house.  I figured we would play dominoes or another game and just enjoy each other's company for the day.

     After a wonderful meal we gathered around the dining table where we would play games and chat. Jessica handed us each a large plastic Easter Egg and told us to open them all at once. One for me, Mom and Sis.  As I opened mine,  a pair of baby booties fell out. Winnie the Pooh baby booties.  My response was HUH???  As I sat there confused and not really catching on,  I heard Natalie say in excitedment. "I Knew It!!!"  I look over a her and she is beaming from ear to ear with a bib that says : I love my Auntie.
Finally this 48 year old brain was comprehending.  Jessica and Matt were expecting and this was going to make me a grandpa.   Beth had an egg also and inside hers was a "grandma bid".  Jessica explained to me they couldn't find anything that said grandpa so they settle with winnie the pooh.  Beth seemed to be in the know already and she preceded to say she had known for 2 weeks before.  Jessica asked her to keep it a secret until she could share the news.

All in all it was a great Easter!!!!!