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...