Our first sight of Baby Brent

I’ve resized and upgraded photos in editing programs.  I’ve blogged stories, photos and comments.  I’ve tweeted and texted from phones and computers.

Technology is truly becoming a large part of my life.

What I saw Friday was truly a technological  feat, or shall we say feet, for a podiatrist.

At Jessie’s ultrasound, we saw the baby’s heart chambers, its kidneys, brain and spine so clear it was  like inspecting pictures  in a medical book.  We saw the baby’s mouth open and close and place its thumb in its mouth. We saw it constantly readjust itself and stretch.  The technician took pictures and measurements.  It was 11 oz. on Friday and the size of a banana.   It is on target for a March 6 birth.

I am truly amazed.

Apparently I’m fortunate because I haven’t had many ultrasounds.  I had one of Chip after my miscarriage to make sure all was Ok inside.   But it was nothing like I saw Friday.

Well, baby Brent, we’re anxiously awaiting your formal arrival since we’ve seen you now.

Continue to be healthy…and enjoy the ride. We certainly are!

The future

Paul Ryan & Condoleezza Rice
 

Today I covered a Republican rally for the Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan ticket.  Ryan and Condoleezza Rice were in Berea at Baldwin Wallace University.

I met young teens who came across town to see Romney.  I spoke with BW students.  I listened to the featured speakers.

I wrote the story for my newspaper's online version and posted pictures.

Now I have time to really think about not only what I heard, but what I saw.

Regardless of beliefs, there was passion.  People truly believed in what they heard, what they saw today.

I thought about what one speaker said regarding our national debt.

And I thought about my children and their future families.

I'd give everything up this minute to have my children and their families looking toward a bright future with no personal debt, no national debt and living the dreams our forefathers  and mothers :-) sought.

Will my grandchild have that in the future? 

This election is so important. It is a turning point.  Do we want to stay the course on which this country was built or stray and take another route?

It's up to each one of us. 

Thomas Jefferson said:"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

Here's another quote of his: "The policy of the American government is to leave their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits."

May that continue through my grandchildren's children - and more.

God bless America.  God bless us all.

Think like a Grandma

When Jessie was about 3 weeks old, one afternoon I went into my clothes closet, sat down and cried. 

Motherhood at that point became overwhelming, dealing with a baby who cried and wanted to be held all the time. 

It was what I needed.

Last week after attending the grandparents’ class, I stood in the shower the next morning and just cried.  The term “grandmother” belonged to my Mom.

We were told in class to think like a grandma.  I just don’t know how yet. 

Mom had such wisdom, such calmness, such confidence.

How can I compare?

Mom got me through some rough time with my kids.

When that 'grandma' day comes, I’m sure Mom will be there, too. 

I’ll reflect on her advice and try to be calm, confidence and show the wisdom she possessed so wonderfully.

I guess I needed that last cry, too.

One upping my daughter

Bob and I are beating Jessie & Justin to the punch.  We've signed up for an infant-related class.

Grandparents 101.  That's what I  call it.  Not sure if there is a 102 class.  

Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights offers a grandparenting class. We're going tomorrow. A childbirth educator -- who is also a grandmother -- will teach us what's new in the field. And from what I'm gathering, there is quite a bit 'new.'  Although, I think some that is 'new' is actually quite old. We will even get a tour of the maternity area!

So, does anyone have a question I can ask?  I'm also writing a story on the class for the Sun News. My ears are open. And from what I've been told, the class can get a bit rowdy with questions.

Wish us luck!  

Resale discoveries

A walk through any child-related store will knock you over -- for those of us who didn't have such luxuries in our youthful years. The prices are amazing.

So, we went 'googling' and found some children's resale opportunities.  In fact, I bought a jogging stroller at one of them 2 weeks ago.  Here is a link to upcoming ones:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ohio-Mom-to-Mom-Sales/154139287930635?sk=events

Heck, why not buy used on some of the big items if available and save that money for the child's college education! 

Happy sale hunting.

Welcome

As the saying goes, the only thing that is constant is change.

This 'change' in my life I gladly accept -- becoming a grandparent.  I take the title with pleasure - and pride.

I have soo many  questions -- like how my kids survived in a crib with wide slats, bumper pads, not facing the rear in the back seat, my eating cold cuts when pregnancy -- the list goes on.  

But my biggest questions is, how do I want my grandchild to address me?  I'll have to think about that one.   I'm taking suggestions.  Grandma just may do.  What do you think?