February 2021 -Happiest Month Ever

​Waiting

The month began with waiting. Happy waiting.

Heidi's due date of Feb. 6, came and went.

Weather

We had interesting weather while we waited.

A rainbow gave a little hope! (we saw 3 in Feb) The ice/snow started just before Heidi and Jamie headed to the hospital.

Celebration Distractions
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While we waited, we distracted with a little some "celebrating". We had some Mardi Gras fun a week early. I wore King Cake BABY earrings to encourage the baby's arrival.

We had a festive feast and watched the Super Bowl, in our ridiculously luxurious Theatre Room, at the Airbnb. 

Time For Baby

On Thursday, the doctor decided it was time to get things started. Heidi and Jamie packed up that afternoon. Don and I got to enjoy an early dinner with them before they headed off for the hospital... as the sleet came down.

By morning there was no baby, but there was snow and ice. We waited for news in our Airbnb, since no visitors were allowed due to Covid. H & J texted when they could.

More Ice

The baby wasn't in a hurry, but we were glad the parents-to-be were safe, at the hospital. The ice storm caused power outages all over Portland. Fallen trees and iced streets made driving impossible.

Don and I couldn't leave if we wanted. Our car (at the top of a hill) was covered in over an inch of ice. Our power went out for a day. The baby was smart, not to hurry things along.

Happy Valentine's Day!

​After 3 nights in the hospital, Little Cupid Baby arrived!

After days of scratching out the expected birthdate in the snow, I was unable to make a dent in the ice, by Valentine's Day. I grabbed some branches and candy kisses to capture the date. 

Charlotte and Her Parents

Charlotte arrived around noon. I cried happy tears, when Jamie sent the "family photo". 

Don and I (and the rest of Little "Charlie's" relatives) were excited to get texts with first photos! The worry of ice storms added to the Covid stress. The fact that we were iced in, made it easier to accept the "long wait" to meet our grandbaby.

Homecoming

After 3 more nights in the hospital, Charlie came home.

Josie, was surprisingly good about the whole thing.

Meeting Family

Grammaloon and G-Pop were pretty giddy to meet and hold this little girl! I'm so glad we were able to be a part of this quarantine bubble long enough, to hold our granddaughter safely.

Charlotte has family all over the country, eager to meet her. I'm so happy that on her homecoming day, she was able to make a FaceTime appearance with her Aunt Chali and Uncle Scott. Scott tried to tickle her feet through the cell phone!

One Week

The first week was wonderful. Sweet sleeping poses. Sweet baby clothes.

Adorable waking moments and lots of holding!

Giving Space

Don and I reminded ourselves to give space. We planned a long stay so that we could help as needed and give space as needed.

We brought some meals and did some laundry and we visited and cuddled. We spent some of the cold gray "away time" with books, at our Airbnb. We finally had one sunny day and headed into Portland to see the bridges. I pictured Charlotte at 2, watching the bird man, feeding the ducks and gulls.

Last Day of Charlotte's First Month

The sun came out on the last day of the month. We met up with the new parents at Happy Valley Park, which is still in the process of opening after Covid closure.

We walked and talked and even picnicked, while Charlie slept in her stoller. I begged for a 3 generation pic. So happy!

New Family

Having a new grandbaby made this cold, pandemic month, so incredibly happy. 

But suddenly seeing Heidi and Jamie happily easing into parenthood, is just as wonderful as having a new baby. It's not an ideal time to become parents for the first time, but they have adapted beautifully. So proud!