Walk About, Sort of

For those of you who follow or just pop in from time to time this will be my last post for a while. If any of you have seen the movie "Crocodile Dundee" I guess you could say that I'm going on a walk about, at least mentally.

Things change in ones life. Or sometimes you notice something that has been in front of you all the while but you never really saw it. At that moment you realize that maybe you need to take stock, re-evaluate, clear the clutter, look inside and get things in order. The Aussie's way is the perfect solution, however it's not physically reasonable for "me" to do so.

You will find a similar post on my Face Book pages. When things are done and in order another post will be done. Until then, pop in and enjoy the music, take care of yourselves and be happy.

Correct Weight

My Daughter has corrected me on Maddison's weight gain. I didn't look closely at the decimal point and thought she had gained 2 pounds; it was actually 2 ounces. Sorry about that, my eyes really are going on me it seems as well as my brain or rather my patience for the medical profession :) As you can tell I get a bit crazy where that is concerned.

Hope y'all will forgive an old broad like me that has grown to not trust the medical community and all these confounded things they keep coming up with...... just consider it the rantings of a crabby old southern woman :) Who, by-the-way thinks her granddaughter is perfect :)

5 Month check

Maddison just had her 5 month check-up and the docs seemed to be concerned that she only gained 2 pounds in a month (although she did seem to grow in length). They did tests and her Mommy is waiting on the results of the blood work.

When did the medical world decide that all babies should weigh a certain amount by a certain age? I remember going through this same BS in the late 70's with Katie, she turned out just fine and there was nothing "wrong" with her back then. The medical community needs to get a grip on themselves and stop trying to get a grip on our money and needlessly worrying people.

I am attaching two pictures, one is of Katie at about 5 months and the other is Maddison from her beach trip last month. If you ask me, they both look quite healthy and about the same weight (Maddison is a bit longer than her Mom at that stage I think).

The Beach

My daughter posted a short video of them taking Maddison to the beach for the first time. And for her first encounter with the big Atlantic Ocean it went pretty good. It's a shame the water couldn't have been warmer for her little feet :( I'm sure it was a memorable moment :)

I have to say that I am so proud of my daughter and son-in-law for the wonderful job they are doing in raising her. The group Maddison and her Mommy belong to is fantastic and she is obviously the apple of her Daddy's eye. You can not help but watch the videos and look at the pictures and see the absolute love and devotion they have for her. And "That" my friends is the way it is supposed to be :)

Even though Maddison was not entirely thrilled with the big ocean with its strange new sounds and feelings I would like to let them know that her Mommy reacted pretty much the same way the first time she met it. But before she was 2 or so we couldn't keep her away.

Again Kids, you are doing so well and should be proud and pleased with the way ya'll are dealing with parenthood. I love you.

Pablum, Rattles and Time

The latest videos posted are just darn cute for words not to mention absolutely priceless. Those booties! Oh my gosh! If only they had made them back when. Oh the fun that would have been had. And trust me, they were not made back then, because if they had been my Mom would have gotten them (in every style), heck I'd have been in line with her. Even without any of the cool, cute and fun things available then or now the first few years are the most fun.

Aside from the joy seeing these videos of Maddison brings me there is a most wonderful side affect that can only be described as a trip in a time machine. And may I add that it does my heart good to hear the family snort still being carried on (sorry baby's). There are times when it feels like I am there again. What a most precious and wondrous gift one could spend their whole life wishing for and I want to take this time to thank my Daughter and Son-in-law from the bottom of my heart for these gifts. Now I truly understand why my parents called my daughter by my name at times; of course at the time I thought they had gone completely mad :)

Keep making those videos so that these special once in a lifetime moments will forever be here. If only the technology had been available back then, after a while the memories get hazy. Of course they all seem to be crashing back as we go along. But you will always have them, enjoy each and every "First" since they only come once per child and the first child is the most exciting. It is wonderful that Katie is able to be there so as not to miss a one and Jason is also able to be right there. You will never experience anything else like this again (well, until you become a grand for the first time).

Wearing food is a mothers blessing that is bestowed upon her by the precious child; it is the child's way to say "Thanks Mom"! FYI, these precious children find uncountable ways to say thanks throughout their lives, and some are quite ingenious. So prepare yourselves for the time of your lives. It's the greats ride in the world.

One Month Old

Growing so fast

I can not believe how fast Madison is growing up! And how much she is starting to look so much like another absolutely adorable baby I knew (gee, wonder who that could be?).

Boy O boy, the first time I saw those two middle fingers in her mouth..... can you say DeJaVue? Good luck with that one kids :)

Our little girl is rolling, escaping, having play dates, barbeque's and loving the water. Next thing you know she will be big enough to really enjoy that bouncy her Mom and Dad have for her.

I wish I could be there in person, but the videos, pictures and commentary my daughter and son-in-law have been providing has really helped. Thanks kids - actually, thanks is not enough but you know what I mean.

By-the-way, for those of you who have not seen the latest video of the little escape artist you really should watch it. Like mother like daughter :) Katie was a bit of escape artist herself. All I have to say is have fun and break out those extra pair of eyes for the back of your heads sweethearts; you're gonna need them.

Side Note on previous post

If you look through the songs in my play list you will notice that there are a great deal of songs that have meaning to not only myself but others I'm sure. Each song on this list has at least ONE memory attached to it for me. The majority have ties to my family. If you haven't heard the whole thing (I add to this periodically, so keep an eye on it) or maybe some of the songs and IF you have some free time; listen to them.

In particular: Numbers 1, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 20, 27, 39, 53, 54 and #28 will remind you to think of our boys.

You may be surprised at some of the memories that they may bring up for you :) See, there is a method to my madness (most times). Any way, if it makes you think I've done my job. What? you didn't know that was my job? Well, now the cats out of the bag and my secret is out in the open. It's good to think, and even better to make others (especially young people) think from time to time.

Enjoy and have fun :)

Allready There - Grab the Kleenex!

While listening to music tonight a song came on that brought my daughter to mind and in turn to my precious grandchild. It's on the play list here on my blog - Lonestar's "I'm Already There". If you have never heard it, find it and listen (it's number 43). If you have then you understand; if you know the song and our story, then you know where I'm going. To my beloved and cherished daughter - "Grab the Kleenex sweetie" :) and remember, I Love You.

For those of you that do not know our story; my daughter and I spent a great deal of time apart (far apart in distance). A great deal of our "Mother/Daughter" time was spend via the telephone and mail. And now it will be the same with my grand daughter and then some :( of course my child has video and such now which we didn't have back then which will make it easier. Dang! where was that stuff back then? :) It's a good thing my mind is like a steel trap (where my daughter is concerned) and all the memories are there for me see again and again whenever I want (some I'm sure that she wishes I would forget or at least not repeat - ha, ha).

Katie, I want you to know that the lyrics of this song were true then, now and forever. Where ever you are - "I'm Already There". And of course like it has been from day one, no matter what, if you need me I'm just a phone call away and if you need me there I'll be there. This sentiment now includes Madison and Jason.

For those of you who don't have children, I hope that one day you will be blessed with them and all the wonderful, scary, rewarding and yes even difficulty that comes with them. It is by far the most important and gratifying thing that can happen to anyone. I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world and not even for the chance to be with Sean Connery :) ha, ha.

Have a wonderful day and don't forget about Father's day in June :) Daddy's need love and recognition too. And Kat, you were definitely blessed with a wonderful, one of a kind Dad - so treasure him.

On a Roll

Okay, it's been a while. Since Mother's Day my granddaughter had her first video taken and posted on her blog AND at 6 weeks old she discovered rolling from belly to back! :) Which of course Katie and Jason video taped and posted as well. What a thrill it was to watch Madison roll with ease. Now belly time won't be so bad :)

I expect that by next week she will have learned to roll the other way, well maybe since she doesn't really like belly time she'll hold off on that another couple of weeks. Gosh! before you know it she will be scooting and crawling and pulling up!

I gotta say those little legs of hers are raring to go :) Madison is going to be a character just like her mom (and I'm sure her dad) was. They seem to really be having fun with it all. And all mothers know; it's great to hear your child laughing. Which is something I've heard my daughter doing a lot.

If you haven't already, go check out Madison's video's - they are precious:)

Mother's Day

Yesterday was the best Mother's Day so far! I had a wonderful conversation with my Mother (as usual) and not only did my Daughter call but my Granddaughter was awake and I got to speak with her as well! She was fussy and happy but best of all I got to hear her voice and my daughter had us on speaker phone briefly and she could hear my voice. As grand as all that was it gets even better! I was blessed in a way that is so great there is no one word to describe - I had the opportunity to hear my beautiful little girl being a Mommy to oh so precious grand baby.

What a thrilling day it was. The only thing that could have surpassed these events would have been if all four generations could have been under the same roof. One day soon I pray that we will have the opportunity. I have had some fantastic Mother's Day gifts over the years. My daughter was very artistic and clever each year as a small child and created a gift for me each year. And yes, I still have them all along with all the letters she wrote me while we were apart. I treasure them as much today as the day I received them.

I am so looking forward to getting what ever Madison has for me as her grandma just as my Mother did from Katie and my Grandmothers did from not only my sister and me but our children as well.

You know, people sometimes say (myself included) that getting old sucks. But with events like these getting older doesn't seem as bad. For those of you with children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles etc. enjoy them as much as you can. The gifts of this Mother's Day may not seem like anything to some, but trust me when I say that it's the little things in life, those personal things, that will stay with you for all time. They are also the things that will keep you going when you feel like giving up.

I hope all the Moms reading this had as wonderful a day as I did and hope we continue having them. After all, the heart has a lot of room for precious memories like those :)

Passing of Time and Prayers

Madison just turned 5 weeks old! It does go by fast! My daughter is cooping very well with new motherhood. And I have to say it's kinda neat she is going through some of the same things I did with her.

I remember how hard it was to set and keep a schedule with a new baby especially since it was just the two of us from the time she was 3 weeks old till her fathers ship came back when she was about 9 months old. I spent a lot of time on the phone with my mom and grandma's and some of the other wives were helpful. But I am so glad that Katie has Jason there. I would not want any woman to have to go through what I did. The loneliness was, at times, unbearable.

Katie has some dear and close friends that have had babies the past year and from what I can see they have formed a great support group for her. And that my friends is worth all the gold in the world. My granddaughter and her parents have the most wonderful support system and family that are there whenever they need and I'm am sure they will be fine.

When I found out that my child was having a baby I spoke to all I believe in: God, the Native Spirits and the Spirits of my Ancestors to protect and guide my Daughter, Son-in-law and Granddaughter. It appears that my prayers were answered. I will continue to pray and ask for their blessings as long as I draw breath. And when I leave this earthly plane I will be with them always.

Family

Madison about 1 week














Aunt Cathy about 1 month

Katie about 4 months

Changes

For those of you have followed this you will notice my photo is gone. Just wanted to change things up a bit. Not to mention you should be looking at my beautiful grandchild :) For lots more photos of Madison check in on her blog.

I will from time to time place photos of her mother and other family members here to show any family resemblance (and just for fun). As the saying goes "I'm a real stinker" :)

Above I've added a picture of Madison, Her Mother and her Great Aunt Cathy. Enjoy and I'll try to get more. I'm sure my mother has pictures of me as a baby - you know - tucked away for special occasions to embarrass me?

I sure do miss Madison and can't wait to see her again. I must say it is great to hear that she is keeping with the family tradition of pooping on her mothers hand during a changing :) I hope she remembers that "Timing is everything". Her mother had that one down pat :) Just wait till odor is added to the poop! Ah, memories :) Hope they have strong stomachs.

Now I ask you, those pictures she has on Madison's Blog; are they not proud parents? And Grandpa and Grandma too! Madison has all of us wrapped around her adorable finger already.

Precious Child

My Granddaughter is here! I was there when she arrived April 2nd at 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21 inches long. Baby, Mother and Father are doing great!

I didn't think anything could come close to the feeling I had the day I held my own daughter for the first time until my beautiful child handed me my granddaughter. It was at that moment I realized I was wrong :)

Holding Madison for the first time was one of the most precious moments in my life and I shall remember it and hold it close to my heart right next to the feeling I had the first time I held my own sweet child. There truly are NO words to describe it.

Madison is as beautiful as her mother was and just as perfect. I am so looking forward to spoiling her a bit and spending as much time as possible with them all and watching her grow into what I am sure will be a beautiful young woman just like her mother.

To my daughter and son-in-law: thank-you for bringing this wonderful child into the world and into my life. I am so very proud of you both and love you with every thing that I am. May your family have good health, happiness and love always.

The Journey

Well, it's almost time! Due date is tomorrow and I am anxiously waiting that phone call where my daughter says "Mom, it's time". It is most amazing how fast the last 9 months has gone by. Okay, for me it went fast but the last 2 months have been slow for her :) I spoke with her the other day and she is oh so ready.

I am still trying to wrap my brain around the thought and picture of my baby having a baby, a family of her own. I was at their wedding, have seen the stages of pregnancy, seen the sonograms of my grand daughter. But it still eludes me - this picture of her all grown up.

Even when talking with her the other day, in my minds eye I saw her as a little girl. I saw may grandparents go through times like that with my parents and have seen my parents go through it with me, my sister and our children. It is difficult and --- let's say weird, to be experiencing this. But it is the natural course of things. Life goes on, it changes yet stays the same with each passing year.

This journey of life is exciting, fun, frustrating, sad and scary at times. But all in all it is a journey well worth taking. To my Daughter, Son-in-law and Grand Daughter - "Enjoy the journey and make the most of it. I love you".

I remember so well

I remember like it was yesterday how I felt at the stage of pregnancy my daughter is at right now. My poor baby is physically uncomfortable, mentally and emotionally anxious and oh so ready for this to be over :) bless her heart. And I'm sure that my son-in-law is, at times, beside himself; it isn't easy to see someone you love and care for so much to be so uncomfortable and not able to do much about it.

Of course I'm sure he is one of the most supportive husbands ever and that's great! My baby deserves nothing less :) It won't be long now, sounds like the baby is getting ready to drop! Hang in there kids, grandma's pulling for ya!

Getting close

Madison's arrival date is fast approaching and I can hardly wait to see her. It's almost like Christmas Eve :) I would like to say that my daughter has held up very well and looks absolutely gorgeous! And I'm not just saying that because she's my child.

Madison is so very lucky to be getting the parents she is. They will be great! And of course she will be spoiled by her grandparents. My daughters Dad has been so cute about this and I can tell he and his wife are supper exited.

She is coming into a very strange world but will have the best parents and be surrounded by lots of people that will love and care for her.

Distance

The physical distance between myself and my daughter has always been great. She lives closer now than she ever has which is wonderful since I can drive there instead of flying. With the approaching birth of my granddaughter this becomes most significant.

Now here is the rub: my work and life schedule at this point is to say the least most chaotic. I am on call each day and never know what to expect. This presents a slight problem but I'm in the process of correcting that. It has been settled that I will be there when Madison is born however. No matter what. My mother was in hospital when I had my daughter on the other side of the country and I would have given anything to have had her there with me. The one thing I'm most sure of is that mine will not have to deal with that.

My daughter and son-in-law want to move closer to their family and friends where they grew up ASAP and I'm pulling for them. This of course will increase the physical distance again but I have always wanted the best for her and with Madison on the way that feeling is even stronger. They need to be someplace they will be happy and have plenty of support. Not to mention a great place to raise children. Where they want to go would most definitely be the best so those of you out there reading this help by keeping them in your prayers and thoughts.

My daughter and I have worked very hard over the years to stay as close as possible despite the distance and I will do everything I can to make sure that Madison and I have the same relationship and closeness. It hasn't been easy and I've missed out on a lot of things with my child and know that the same will be true of my grandchildren. But just because there are a great many miles between you and the ones you love does not mean that you can not be almost as close as if you were in the same city; it just takes effort.

1st time grandmother

I'm going to be a grandmother in about 17 days! My baby is having a baby and I have to tell you it's a bit sureal. But words cannot describe how happy, proud and dog gone exited I am about the whole thing!

My mother told me that one day I would understand where she was coming from one day, and she was correct. It started with the birth of my beautiful daughter and has not stopped. According to my Mom it never will.

For those women reading this that have not been blessed to have a child let me tell you that there is nothing greater or scarier or more wonderful in the world. And now it is time for me to discover the wonders of being a grandparent.

I am hoping to keep this blog up to record everything related to my grandaughter Madison as well as post pictures of her on facebook.