Friday March 31, 2006

I spent a wonderful day with my growing family. Elizabeth and I went to the mall and bought Ella a little dress for Easter pictures, ate lunch, then went over to my mother and fathers house for a visit. Kelly and Perry were already there so we spent the afternoon enjoying the babies. It seemed so unreal, having the girls there, with their babies.

Perry is teething, so he's a bit out of sorts, but he still loves to laugh. Ella is growing bigger each day and is settling into a routine with her mom and dad. I finally got my new camera yesterday, so I hope to update more often. Enjoy the pics! I love this picture. Ella was fussing and Perry was all concerned. When we got there, Perry was so cute..he reached out and touched her hand. He was really interested in her! Such a cutie pie!!

Feeling Philosophical

OK, here I sit, all alone while Steve is at his guitar lesson, and I start thinking about my life. I understand that it is a physiologic change in the hormones in our brains that give us the preception of time. As children, time seems to crawl...we can't wait until we start school, or have a boyfriend, drive a car, graduate from high school..these years go by in, well, years. Now, these years go by in minutes. How did I become a grandmother so soon? I feel as if I was just reaching my stride as a mother! Now, I have 2 more beautiful children in my life...what is my role? What do I have to offer them? Will I be a "factor" in their lives, and if I am, in what way? I have bought books on being a good grandparent, just as I bought books on parenting. At least I face this task with a little experience under my belt. As always, I am a dreamer..I envision summer days at the beach, family cookouts, backyard bubbles, blow up swimming pools and baking cookies. I want to pass on family traditions and values, and at the same time allowing each family to create their own traditions. It's odd to think that my values will someday be deemed "old fashioned", but I believe that good values are timeless. I want these days to last forever, with the sweet smell of baby lotion once again on my fingers, green peas and cherrios on my kitchen floor and the gentle caress of a baby's hand as he slips off to sleep. And that smile...can anything else in life fill your heart with such joy?
Well, enough of my ramblings for one night...Grandpa Steve just got home. He looks damn good for a grandpa! Maybe that's what I have to offer our grandchildren, 2 people who love each other and them unconditionally!! Enjoy!!

Meet Ella Sarah Oberacker

Ella joined our family in the early morning hours of Saturday March 4th, 2006, exactly the day she was due! She weighed in at 8 pounds and 0.6 ounces and was 20 inches long. Poor Elizabeth began labor while at lunch with co-workers at 1:30 on Thursday. She called me as I was leaving work that day and I rushed to her home. She had been having contractions every 8 to 9 minutes, but was still walking through them. We watched a movie and continued timing until about midnight, when they were coming at about 5 minutes apart, so we left for the hospital. I guess just about every woman within driving distance to the hospital also decided to deliver that night because the maternity ward was crazy! It took them 2 hours before they even checked her! You could see the contractions coming regularly on the monitor, but they still weren't getting stronger. They sent her for a walk around the ward and said they would check her again in an hour and see if she progressed. Needless to say, no progression was made, so off we went back to Elizabeth's. We all decided to try to get some sleep, so I stayed on the sofa and Liz and Marc went upstairs for some much needed rest. We all got up around 10 am and Elizabeth continued these mild contractions every 7-8 minutes. I went out and got some bagels and coffee and returned and served up a nice breakfast. Around 1:15, Elizabeth decided to take a rest, so I went off to the kitched to clean when I heard a loud moan coming from the living room...excitedly, I rushed back in to find Elizabeth rolling off the couch proclaiming that her water just broke with a big pop!! As most of you women out there know, once that water breaks, all bets are off! The contractions now began in ernest. After a quick shower, we were off, once again, to the sacred halls of the maternity ward. After being checked in, for the second time in 12 hours, we wait, loaded down with suitcases for mom, diaper bag for baby, boppy for feedings, books for waiting, cameras for recording, our winter coats and 2 extra pillows. We needed a Sherpa to carry all the gear. Once settled in the birthing room, we reviewed our orders, and waited for the arrival. I have to say that Elizabeth handled the entire labor thing quite remarkably, a real trooper. The fruits of her labor finally arrived with a flourish just after midnight, with Marc and I by her side. I have to admit, it was much different being on the opposite side of the delivery table. What a miracle! To see Elizabeth working so hard bringing her wito this world, and to see Ella's little body spring to live is something I will never forget. Marc was so supportive and loving, and to see the look in his eyes as he met his little girl...it reminds you what life is about.
Well, that's it for now. Steve and I have Trafton duty tonight so that Marc could stay with Liz. They're coming home tomorrow to begin a new chapter in their lives. I'm so tired I can hardly type, but it's a good tired. Two grandchildren in 8 months...wow!! Enjoy the photos!!