BABY LOVE!

After the hectic weekend, I was hoping for a small amount of respite.   Sunday had been the usual post Thanksgiving, "What shall I do today" end of the holiday.  I walked, and I pottered.  I needed to feel as if I was doing something, so as not to feel too lethargic.  The week ahead was not meant to be particularly full, and I was ready to head into December smoothly.  

I am not sure whether I had posted the fact that I was going to become a grandma for the third time.  My daughter gave me the news, several months ago, by putting a hamburger bap in my cooker, and telling me there was something in the stove.  Adamant that there was nothing in there, but seeing the light on, I was rather perturbed, as I thought there was something amiss with the appliance.  As I opened the door, saw the roll, I said to myself, "Why is there a hamburger 'bun in the oven'!"  And then the screaming started. Apparently, I went on for a full minute, but as there is no evidence, the jury is still out on that one!  Suffice it to say, I was going to be a grandmother for the third time.

The last few months have flown by in some respects, and been rather slow in others.  The pregnancy was virtually a 'dream' with no problems until the last couple of weeks.  After the 'key' incident, my daughter had an appointment the following Monday, and on the way to the doctor's office, my son-in-law's car began to overheat, causing them to turn around, pick up the truck, and race back to the surgery. Her blood pressure was high. She was admitted to the hospital, which is next door to the surgery, and all was well, with her being discharged within two hours.  However, as she was nearing the end of term, she was due for another appointment on Tuesday.

Monday night saw a repeat performance of Thanksgiving dinner, with Dana and me enjoying the turkey for a third time!  I would have to think of something different for the next evening, but wanted to finish up the leftovers in the fridge, not to overload the freezer with 'bertie bits'.  The two bags that would hopefully be used within the next couple of months were perhaps enough without going into 'overkill',

"They want to admit me, again", said my daughter, not particularly bothered.  The baby was not due for another fortnight, but the doctor was talking about inducing.  Although all her 'vitals' were now back to normal, the doctor decided it would be best.  Her schedule was such that it fitted in nicely.  "It may be convenient for her schedule, but it's not very convenient for me", said my son-in-law.  "It's also not very convenient when the baby is sick in the middle of the night, but it happens" said the nurse.  Everyone who knows my son-in-law found this comment to be highly amusing.  He is practical and says it how it is.  It was a source of immense humour for us who know and love Edward, and it became a 'thing' among their friends.  

I was not convinced this was a good thing, but then I am not a doctor! At thirty eight weeks, the baby was fully formed, and apparently, after having a scan that day, the 'professional' in the hospital, with whom the doctor had consulted, had indicated that the there would be no problem if it came out now, rather than in two weeks time!  As you have probably noticed, the gender of the baby was not revealed, and although the doctor and 'scanner' knew, my daughter and son-in-law wanted a surprise.  Most people were quite delighted when they heard, "We don't want to know".  

My life was going to change over the next few days!  Having gone home, packed a couple of bags, and returned to the hospital, my daughter and son-in-law were comfortably situated.  I had the dogs!  We arrived home, and Dana took the animals for a short walk, as I was listening to our board members conduct our monthly meeting, not really paying much attention as my mind was wandering.  I set about preparing something 'unique' with the remaining leftovers.  My mind was not really on that task either.  I had been rather caught off guard.  I shredded the remaining meat, and then blended all the vegetables, with the exception of the broccoli cheese, and made patties, which I was going to fry, but instead put in the air fryer, as I really did not have the patience to stand over a hot stove.  The stove where all this began!  Well, obviously not where it all began, but where I was given the news!

As I walked the dogs before bedtime, (the patties being absolutely delicious even if I do say so myself,) I called my daughter.  A nurse was in the room, explaining the next steps.  She laughed as she spoke and I understood not a word!  The problem, of course, was the sentences that started, "If that does not work".  Being induced two weeks early means nothing if the baby does not want to come out of the safe surroundings that it has been used to for the past eight months.  What if?  What if?  "Any more questions?" I heard her say. Both of them said they did not, but then both of them asked me if I had any.  I was trying so hard not to be the 'interfering mother-in-law' and was doing well up until now, but they solicited my input.  "I have a nail appointment at 9:30 in the morning.  Do I need to cancel?" was all I could think to say, to enquire as to how imminent they thought it might be.  The laughing nurse laughed even more. "Oh that's fine. It wont be that quick" she said.  "You don't know how determined my daughter can be", I thought.

Dogs walked, I returned home, and went to bed, hardly sleeping at all. I kept my nail appointment, and had already prepared dinner for the evening.  

After my guests left on Wednesday, I packed a few things and headed to the hospital, which thankfully is only ten minutes or so away. I stopped by MacDonald's where my son-in-law had placed a take out order.  "What is it?" asked the lady at the window.  I showed her the message I had received.  "Here?" she asked.  "Yes!" I replied, trying to keep my cool.  "Hang on", she said and went to get someone else.  "What is it?" asked another lady.  "Here?" she repeated as if an echo. I was firm, and responded that the order had been sent, and yes, it was there!  Eventually, they found it.  "Go wait over there", said the first woman, without emotion.  My emotions were somewhere out in space!

I arrived at the hospital where there were plenty of parking spaces, and I found one near the 'mothers in labour' section, where the truck took pride of place.  Edward met me outside and we walked up to the room, where my daughter was sitting up in a bed, and hooked up to so many monitors, I thought she was ready for take off!  Beeps and buzzers were going off, and each time she moved a nurse came running in to reset the 'bits and pieces' that were connected to the space centre!  

Sleeping was not really an option, although both Samantha and Edward managed to get a fair amount.  The nurses coming in and out jolted me each time I dozed, and then my phone started to 'ping' as people saw her social media message that her baby was not going to be arriving in the middle of December, but sooner.  

The night was very long, and I waited for the sun to rise over the highway upon where the hospital sat.  Actually on the 'frontage' road, the building had a great view of the early morning travelers going about their business, unaware of the new lives that were being born a few yards from their vehicles.  Apparently, there were several ladies 'in waiting' on Wednesday night, Thursday morning and the nurses were very busy.  I went in search of coffee and was told that I could help myself to some in the nurses station.  They had just brewed a new pot.  I had no doubt, after tasting the coffee, why the nurses were running around with so much energy.  I messaged Dana.  "Think of the worst coffee you have ever had, and multiply it by....whatever you like!"  I was, however, grateful for their offer, and smiled as I sipped it through gritted teeth.

"Hey, I'm April" said the tall lady who entered into the room.  She had the most delightful demeanour about her as she explained that she would be taking over from the night staff.  Not that the night staff were not attentive and delightful, but she brought something special to the room.  She was very caring and encouraging.  "How y'all doing this morning?" she asked, and set about checking the monitors.  I thought back to when I had my son, and how the nurses were less than pleasant!  I had been induced, and was being asked if I was in labour.  I had no idea.  This was my first baby and I did not know what to expect. "Well the monitor says you are in pain", the nurse had said.  "Well I guess I am!" I remember replying, wondering if this was the norm.  April was as day is to night in comparison!

The hours ticked by, and I came home to have a shower, and make a decent cup of Joe!  On my way back, I stopped at Chick-fil-A for Edward and sat in line for a while.  As I was in the queue, (which was similar to a drive-through bank,) I looked for ways to get out, should I receive a call to say I needed to be back in the room, now!  I could back my car up into this tiny space, maneuver through there, cut over there, and voila!  All was well until I went under the tunnel and then I was stuck.  What if?  What if?  

Thankfully, the baby was not in that much of a hurry!  I went into a different entrance of the hospital, and was not sure where to go.  Two ladies were sitting at the desk. "Who have you come to see?" asked the older woman, who looked as if she was about to attend her great granddaughter's wedding.  I replied that I was here to see my daugher, and that I had been here all night, and had just returned, but must have come in at a different entrance.  "Do you know her name?" asked the younger woman.  I would hope so, it is my daughter.  They could not find her in the system.  "Do you know here date of birth?" said the first lady.  Well, I was there!  They told me to take the lift to the second floor and ask at the desk.  The lift!  That is what I needed.  I knew where I was then! I got back to the room, and both were snoozing.  The doctor had been and gone, and said that there was no change.  No where near dilated.  The baby was not in any distress, so there was no hurry.  Although her waters had broken the previous evening, it appeared it may have been a 'rip in the top' and there was still more to come.  Having had no sleep, no breakfast, and being incredibly anxious for my child (although she showed not much anxiety at this stage) this was a little too much information for me.  

Samantha was dozing.  On Tuesday, she had arrived back at the office to pick up some things, and it was obvious she had been crying.  When I asked if she was worried, she had said that she was not, but having had a date in mind for so long, and having had such a perfect pregnancy, she was suddenly aware that her life was going to change, forever.  Not that she was not ready, or excited at the prospect, but it was a fact.  She showed no sign of anxiety on Thursday morning.

Once again, the doctor came in and said she was going to check.  It was just before 1.  The options were given.  She did not want to leave 'mom' in 'this condition' for too long.  Leaving the room for just a while, the nurse mumbled that she was a little less willing to go a different route, as she said the baby was quite content, according to the monitors.  Again the doctor entered the room, and we all sat holding our breath. I can guarantee there would not have been so much exhilaration in my day nor perhaps quite as much enthusiasm with the 'stiff upper lip' that we are used to, but the elation from the doctor was rather typical of how they do things here. "Let's hope for a large number" said the doctor.  "Twenty five", I blurted out. I do not think I was heard.  "Girl!" shouted the doctor, "I don't believe it.  You are fully dilated!"  (Years ago, such conversation would not have been acceptable in mixed company, but I trust no one has a problem now!)

Everyone left the room and the nurse entered several minutes later, with instructions on how to proceed.  The show started around twenty past one.  

The football was on the television.  Japan was making short shrift of Spain.  April was laughing.  So typical of an Englishman, or woman, to be watching 'the' football whilst in labour!  I remember when my son was born, on a Friday morning, and had to be put into the special care unit, (no details, but hospital error was the fault,) my mother told me that I had to be positive and not worry.  When I called my mother on the Sunday afternoon, someone asked if I could ask for the tennis final results.  I did.  She was very sharp with me.  "You have a baby in special care, and all you care about is the tennis?"  She was also scared and this was her way of letting out tension, I am sure.  However, it stuck with me, and although I can laugh now, and understand, I cried.  To have Samantha comment on the score was really rather amusing.   

A little before two, the nurse asked that the doctor be on call, as she expected another forty five minutes to an hour. Thankfully the doctor came in immediately, followed by several other people carrying or pushing various things.  "Oh you didn't have to come immediately", said the nurse, who had been amazingly encouraging, but the doctor took a look and said, "Oh yes I do".  

My grandson was born at eleven minutes past two.  Two weeks early, he was perfect.  Sporting a shock of dark hair, he screamed as he came out of his last home to his new one.  

During labour, Edward asked what he should do.  All three women told him, in one way or another, to encourage his wife. "You are doing so well", he would say on occasion, without much oomph.  I told him to pretend he was talking to his team.  

Phone calls were made and received.  Details were given and once again, April was laughing at the expressions and turn of phrase.  Siblings and cousins were all giving their congratulations, and best friends were swooning.  All asked "How did Edward do?" Anyone who knows my son in law will understand.  "I was so encouraging.  I gave her so much support" said Edward, without much oomph, to all.  Everyone laughed.

A name was not forthcoming immediately.  They had several lined up, and rather than whittling down, they seemed to add to the list.  Twenty five went to forty seven and it kept rising.

All is well, and the little family are home, minus the dogs, who will be on their way soon. England have just won their match to get through to the quarter finals of the world cup.  My grandson watched!  I think it was a little two late for my eldest and middle grandsons, who probably had to go to bed before kick off as they have school tomorrow.  

Grandma is very happy.  Three gorgeous boys to love.  The weekend was one of shopping and cuddles.  

Next week?  Who knows.  No doubt .... another story!