40 weeks today!

"A journey of a thousand miles

must begin with a single step." Chinese Proverb

Today is Buddha's due date!

Of course, Mother Nature makes the ultimate 'due date' decision, doesn't she? All we can do is wait very patiently. (ha!)

Doctor's appointment for Jenny at 2:30 today.

So, I will have to bide my time until this afternoon to see what Buddha is up to.

I am going to head out for my morning walk and then get my hands into my clay and get some work done....I must admit that my creativity and motivation have been at an all time low these days. I need to remember that the holidays are fast approaching and that is the best-selling time for my pottery. For my own sanity, I must keep myself as busy as I can by being productive.

I probably should also start to think about what I am going to pack for my trip to Minnesota..... and, maybe I can run out to the store one more time and pick up a couple of cute baby things.....aaagh

It's hard, but I am trying to remember....patience is a virtue....patience is a virtue....patience is a virtue.....patience is.....

"THE FUTURE COMES ONE DAY AT A TIME" Dean Acheson

Another day of waiting is ahead for Jenny and Adam.

After the doctor's appointment yesterday, they found out that progress has been made...but, s-l-o-w progress. When it comes to babies, nature wants to take its own sweet time...and that is probably a good thing...but can make each day feel like 'forever' for first time parents.

I was actually two weeks late when I was pregnant with Adam. I mostly remember the well-meaning, but increasingly difficult, phone calls asking, "Anything happening yet?".

Yes, something was happening....

I was still carrying around a stomach the size of Rhode Island with a little person inside trying to kick his way out!

Yes, I could hardly walk because of the extra 40 pounds that were now a part of my body.

Yes, I felt about as attractive as the Goodyear blimp.

Yes, I hadn't seen my feet for the last 3 months and, please don't ask me to touch my toes.....not gonna happen!

Yes, I was sleeping well....every hour or so.

Yes, I was having to go to the bathroom 15-20 times a day as the baby was sitting right on top of my cute little bladder!

Yes, my hormones were raging and I was crying over everything.

Yes, I was about to experience a MIRACLE in my life.

Other than that, nothing much was happening....

Thanks for asking. : ) : ) : )

I can't focus today....this explains it!

 

The Waiting Game

Days pass by

Expectations rise...

we contemplate

and

absentmindedly dream

while

Awaiting Buddha...

Every day brings the hope

that today will be the day

as we

are eagerly,

excitedly,

Awaiting Buddha...

A simple phone call

can awaken our hope

tease our longing

as we continue

our journey

Awaiting Buddha...

Excited anticipation

incredible faith

continuous prayers

future visions

all of this

and more

occupy our thoughts

as we continue to be

Awaiting Buddha

We find ourselves

with open arms

hearts filled

with limitless love,

and unbridled joy

Awaiting our dear, sweet,

miraculous Buddha...

Hurry.

What I would tell my son....

I was thinking today about all of the things that I would like to tell my son, Adam, as he and Jenny are just a few days away from the birth of their first child.

I would tell him that watching the miraculous birthing process is one of those moments in life when everything seems to stand still. You will never forget this minute...this hour...this day. You will find a new admiration and respect for Jenny, this amazingly strong woman who has carried, and will now give birth to, your child.

It is the one time that hearing your son's first loud cry will bring you a combination of love, joy, as well as, relief. As you count the fingers and toes, you will marvel at this beautiful being that you both created through your love. You, and your life, will be forever changed.

Your child's safety and well-being will always come first, no matter what. Your needs become secondary....but that is totally okay with you. You may go days with little or no sleep, but the complaints will be few and far between as you come to know that this little one depends on you for everything. The connection and responsibility that you feel is indescribable.

You will stare at his tiny face looking for some familiarity....does he have your smile....your nose.....your eyes....?? You will delight in all of the small things that he does....as they will not seem so small in your new eyes as a mommy and daddy.

You will find yourself applauding when he poops...and being delighted when he smiles....At least, you think it is a smile.....(or, could it be gas????)

You will spend countless hours just staring at your new son as you daydream about how he will be as a grown man. You will anticipate taking him out in the yard and tossing a ball with him...just as your dad did with you. Or, maybe he will want to learn to play the guitar, or piano....or violin... or develop a cure for cancer....or climb to the top of the highest mountain.....

You will watch his every move with wonder as he begins to explore the world all around him. You will say how brilliant he is as he begins to coo and make new sounds ...and how strong he is as he tries to lift his head and shoulders up when you put him on his belly...and how there isn't another child as precious as this one.

He will fascinate you with his boundless energy and become even more endearing to you as you watch him sleep.

You will learn that if you hold him to your chest and gently move up and down he will be soothed. Thus, you find yourself walking around all of the time doing this little 'jiggling' motion as second nature.

Your pockets will not be able to hold enough pictures of this incredible son of yours...and you will enthusiastically show them to whomever shows the slightest interest....

Much to your astonishment, you will swear that he has changed from when you left the house in the morning until when you arrive home from work in the evening. And, you will miss him so whenever you have to be away.

Your interests will change and you will find yourself reading up on the latest child-rearing books with an eagerness that will surprise even you. You will quickly learn which bottles produce the least amount of gas in your babies tummy....and you will begin to study the reports on pajamas that are flame-retardant and car seats that have the highest safety rating.

There is a feeling of completeness that you feel...and, staying home on a Saturday night sounds like a wonderful way to spend your time.

You and Jenny will experience a closeness that knows no bounds and you will be forever linked together through this new baby's birth.

Oh, there is so much that I would like to tell you, dear Adam.

I know so much of this because I felt it all and more when you were born.......and I still delight in all of it to this day.

"Wisdom begins in wonder." -Socrates

Cat in the Bag

You've heard of Cat in the Hat....but, what is it with cats and BAGS?

After a shopping trip yesterday, I put the empty Chico's bag on the bed and within minutes Gizmo had made it her home. She slept there peacefully for a while enjoying the comfortable, enclosed space...

However, when she tried to get out ....she got tangled in the rope handle and ended up walking around the house with a bag attached to her.

Luckily, I spotted her dilemma and freed her...but not before getting a good laugh! Crazy cat.... : )

Jenny and Buddha at 39 weeks!!!!

 

6 more days until the due date!!!!!

I can't sleep anymore.

The anticipation and excitement of having a grandson is permeating my life!

Jenny went to the doctor yesterday for her weekly check-up and things are moving along! Baby Buddha is getting ready to make an appearance soon and we all can't wait...especially Jenny!

In the meantime, I had an idea that would make these "waiting" days more fun for everyone. Call me the "Gamblin' Grammie" if you want...but I set up a "Baby Pool" for family and friends to enter.

They are to email me their guesses for Buddha's arrival....date and time. Each speculation costs $1....and the winner will get it all. : ) So far I have received about 80 responses and today is the last day for entries.

I even had Gizmo pick a date by putting different numbers on sheets in front of her (stop laughing...Grammie's-to-be are allowed a few quirky moments along the way!) and letting him "paw" the one that he wanted. (reading that over...it does sound a little bizarre!)

So, with that in place.......we are ready for you, Buddha!

Are you ready for us????!?!

I decided to take my camera with me today as I took my morning walk.

So, put on your walking shoes and let's get going!

It is a beautiful day.....clear blue skies.....but hot as #$&@!!* already this morning.... : )

A neighborhood dog watches me with curiosity...between the dog and the alarm system--my friend's house is well-protected.

Many people in my neighborhood still display the yellow ribbons of hope on their mailboxes.

This is to show our support for the family and loved ones of Natalie Holloway... since her tragic disappearance in Aruba.

Beth Twitty (Natalie's mom) and her husband and son, live right up the street from me. They are still in our prayers as they continue to deal with their unimaginable loss.

At one point the entire neighborhood was covered in yellow ribbons....

It has been over a year since Natalie's disappearance and many of the ribbons are gone now....although a few faded ones still remain as a testament to the amount of time that has passed...

...what an exquisite day. This is where I do my deep breathing and 'head-clearing'....

In these troubling times for our country....this neighborhood sign is a nice way to end my walk for today....

Have a great day!

 

Whining about WINE

I just read this in our local paper's wine column..."...Oregon Pinot Noir 2003 offers aromas of black cherries, brown sugar and vanilla with flavors of nutmeg, toast (toast???!), strawberries and cherries, a soft mouth feel, and a long, round finish."

HUH?... I take a sip of wine and just enjoy it without needing to find blackberries, plums, or musky undertones. I wouldn't know a 'soft mouth feel' from a 'hard mouth feel', nor am I sure that I ever want to.

And, how about this one: "Aromas of red plum and leather (!!), with accents of jasmine and earthiness, lead to intense flavors with hints of black cherry, plum and brown spice(what exactly is brown spice?) with subtleties of French oak for a long, smoky finish..."

Why would one want the aroma of leather in a glass of wine? Maybe I lack some sophistication....or underachieving taste buds....but, I just don't get it. It seems a little over the top to me to go into such detail over a simple glass of wine.

I can't think of any other item that we eat or drink that comes under such scrutiny. Can you imagine describing a piece of bread as having "....a hint of yeast as well as an overwhelming touch of fresh eggs and milk....with a big ending finish of robust wheat."? Either can I.

Well, as they say, it is five o'clock somewhere....so I am going to go and pour myself an unpretentious glass of red wine.

CHEERS!

Family

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." J. Howard

I went to see the movie, "Little Miss Sunshine" last Saturday night. It is a very quirky movie about a dysfunctional family who travel in a VW bus together while heading to a children's beauty pageant. It was so absurd...and I loved every minute of it!

If one looked beyond the oddity of this group of wayward travelers, a deeper meaning came through. That was the idea and concept of "family".

I came to realize that "family" can mean so many different things besides the typical mother, father and 2.1 kids. A family can be any group that is held together with LOVE. It can consist of two people or 200 people all sharing a bond...through common goals and/or experiences. It can be girlfriends....neighbors....church or synagogue groups....functional, dysfunctional, etc. etc. etc. The definitions for what constitutes a family are limitless.

If one is lucky enough, they will have more than one group of people that they can call "family" as they go through life's ups and downs.

I do.....and I am so grateful.

Could this be baby Buddha's first word? : )

 

CALM??????

How can one remain calm when baby Buddha is due to arrive in 10 days???!?!?!?!?!

...maybe a cat, but not me!

 

 

Sweet Dave

Even though Dave works with ATM computer software during the weekdays...on the weekend, he is "Mr. Handyman".

At his house he has a well-stocked basement with every tool and gadget imaginable. He never ceases to amaze me with his boundless abilities as he takes on the challenges of being a home owner and doing his own repair work.

I always seem to have projects lined up for him whenever he is at my house. The other day he helped me install my new cooktop, saving me over $100. This morning I mentioned to him that the termite inspector suggested that I cover more of my under-the-house crawl space with black sheets of plastic (to keep the moisture down).

...So, he proceeded to make "knee pads" out of old towels and headed under my house. What a sweetheart he was to crawl around in that dark, dank basement in the moist dirt and spread out the protective plastic for me!

Of course, there I was with my camera to capture some of it which I am sure thrilled him to no end!

Talking about "end"....He was lucky that I edited out the many "butt" shots that I took. Those are for my own private collection.... : )

"I feel that there is an angel inside of me whom I am constantly shocking." Jean Cocteau

Why I love blogging...

As I walked to my car yesterday at the grocery store, I chatted with the young bag boy who was helping me out with my groceries. He seemed to come alive in his eagerness to tell me about his day.

As I listened to him, I realized that everyone has a 'story' to tell if we just stop long enough to hear it. I smiled as we stood at my car for a few minutes so that he could finish. We said our 'good-byes' and then went on our individual ways. It wasn't that what he had to say was so momentous, but it was something of value to him.

I feel for people who are always so busy, so entrenched in themselves or their tasks...that they don't take the time to listen to....or, just smile at a stranger. Some people will even avoid eye contact with others as they rush through whatever it is that they are doing at the moment.

To me, that is taking a chance at missing out on a wonderful human connection.

Of course, I admittedly have the reputation for being able to have a conversation with a light pole (!)... and a willingness to bare my soul to anyone who will listen. And, I guess, that is truthfully who I am. I may get into trouble some day for being so open....but, for now, it seems to work for me.

My mom tells me that when I was a little girl I would always talk to strangers. If we went somewhere, I could be found wandering off to visit with the people around me. So, I guess that this has been a part of me forever.

Blogging has allowed me a forum to express myself and share my 'stories' with family, friends and, even people whom I have never met. Most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to get to know many "strangers" who have now become my friends.

And, what could be better than that? : )

"Smile at strangers---you never know when there is an angel among us..."

...my pottery says it all....

An "aaagh" kind of morning!

I hope that my early morning is not indicative of how my day is going to be....

Falling asleep last night, I was awakened by a phone call around 4 in the morning. As I crawled my way to the phone and finally answered the call....the party hung up. About ten minutes later the phone rang again....this time I got a woman's voice asking for information that I could not understand nor help her with. aaagh

At this point I tried to get back to sleep but my mind started racing and I was pretty much wide awake. aaagh I laid there thinking about everything....covering every possible topic...I think that I may have even worked out a plan for World Peace (!).

Finally, I found myself getting a little sleepy.......but then Gizmo hopped up on the bed with a few loud meows looking for some attention. I guess that cats can't tell time.

Drowsiness took over again shortly thereafter but was abruptly interrupted by the neighbors barking dogs. You know, I have now realized that there is a certain rhythm to a barking dog. I know. I listened to it for quite a while. I guess that dogs can't tell time either! aaagh

Giving up on sleep, I decide to make a call to Sears helpline to get some help concerning a little issue with my new cooktop. It is something that I can do myself...but I might need some parts. I get one of those "wonderful" voice prompts where you have to scream the answers to their computerized questions!!! aaagh

For some reason, the voice prompt misunderstands me and begins to prompt me with questions about my new DRYER!! aaagh I'm then trying to correct this by screaming back into the phone "cooktop! cooktop!" This must have confused the prompter even more because I somehow ended up with a service appointment scheduled for August 22 between 8-12. aagh aagh aagh

Maybe I should just go back to bed...but first I need to call the White House with my new plan for World Peace! : )

38 Weeks!!!!!!!!!!!

Questions and Answers about Pregnancy

I found this wonderful site that had humorous quotes about pregnancy and had to put them in my blog today.

I mean, looking at my adorable Jenny's ever-expanding belly....you have to keep your sense of humor!

So, here's to you, Jenny....I hope that these Q and A's put a smile on your face as little Buddha grows and gets ready for his 'big day'!

Love and Hugs, Grammie

Q. What is the difference between a nine-month's pregnant woman and a Playboy centerfold? A. Nothing, if the pregnant woman's husband knows what's good for him.

Q. I am modest. Once I'm in the hospital to deliver, who will see me in that delicate position? A. authorized personnel only-doctors, nurses, orderlies, photographers, florists, cleaning crews, etc.

Q. My husband and I are very attractive. I'm sure that our baby will be beautiful enough for commercials. Whom should I contact about this? A. Your therapist.

Q. Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy? A. Yes, your bladder.

Q. After our baby is born...when will my wife begin to feel and act normal again? A. When the kids are in college.

Q. What is the most common pregnancy craving? A. For men to be the ones who get pregnant. : )

Out of my mind....back in 5 minutes!

I am trying to remember what subject I was going to write about today...

Oh, yeah....my memory, or lack thereof.

I once read that the way to tell the difference between normal memory lapses and something more serious was this: If you forget where you left your car keys, that's normal. If you find your car keys and forget what they are for...then you should start worrying.

I know that my mind gets cluttered... causing me to forget even the most inane things....however, as I get older I am finding that it is getting more and more difficult to remember.

Sometimes a thought will pop up in my head...and two seconds later....*poof* it is gone forever. It seems that the harder I try to recollect the thought....the more I become panicked and fearful that I am losing my mind (some may say that has already occurred!!)...This normal (right?) part of aging can be really frightening.

"Write it down"....."make a list" you say. I have tried to make sure that paper and pen are handy at all times....but unfortunately I can't always remember to look at my lists...or, even find them.

I have a wonderful "Birthday Reminder Book" filled with important dates of my friends and family. The only problem with the book is that you have to remember to look at it each month!

Another aspect of this memory loss is trying to remember names of people...especially when you are in a social setting and you see someone approaching you.....you know that you know them...but, for the life of you, can't remember their name at that moment. I have told Dave many a time that if I seem to be stumbling when someone comes up to us at a party....'please introduce yourself to them so that I can hear their name as you shake their hand'. This usually works fine, but is so embarrassing and humiliating.

Or, how about a movie title....or a song title....???? You can try to retrieve the memory all to no avail...but then days later it suddenly pops into your head! aaaagh!

I also find that I can sometimes remember things that occurred 20,30 years ago with more clarity than I can recall something that happened within the last few minutes. This is mind-boggling to me.

I know that there are many articles about exercising our brains...doing crossword puzzles, Soduko, Jumble, etc. but, even these tend to frustrate me. My mom does a crossword puzzle every single day (!), but she still calls me all three of my sister's names before she gets to mine.

So, like wrinkles and aches and pains, I guess that this is another aspect of aging that we need to accept and deal with.

Well, I need to end for now and go and run some errands....now, if I can just remember what those errands were....

Another day....another heart leaf.... 

Divorce