Our Home in Texas My neighbor sent this photo of our house in Sugar Land. Everyone I know in Texas, is in a panic over the expected freeze warnings. The snow is fun, but everyone is worried about the possibility of frozen pipes and power outages. Our Ice in Portland I look at the dusting of snow in Texas and think, "We've been there and done that! Try being without power, with an inch or 2 of ice, while waiting on news about your grand baby's birth." Luckily I didn't say that. Because my neighbors are amazing. Many have reached out to see if they can help prep our TX house while we're gone. My neighbor Linda, shut off our water. I love good neighbors. Pandemic March to President's Day We are close to reaching a year of Pandemic Life. It was March 13 that I started this blog! Today is President' Day, so we're close to enjoying every single holiday Pandemic Style. But the focus today is on our new baby, still in the hospital. There's hardly time to think about the pandemic... and we don't usually celebrate Presidents Day anyway. Non-Stop Texting The weather news around the country is keeping my cell phone lit with texts. Not just Texan friends. My Dad in MO has zero degrees. Our friends in Tulsa are gearing up for the worst. No one is going anywhere. Everyone is swapping stories... Why does this seem familiar? It reminds me of when the whole country was locking down for Covid last March. Everyone huddled around their phones and worried together... sharing what they know. It's odd. Our Sweet Little Secret It's kind of nice that we are keeping things pretty quiet about this new little one. It would be hard to be so excited to share news and then have everyone preoccupied with winter storm worries. This sweet little pandemic baby is just one of a many many millions that have been born during Covid 19. I'm just so grateful that she's healthy and that she was born now and not early on. These winter weather storms are not the same as a pandemic, but they remind me that babies are born during all sorts of hard times. How sad for the parents who bring their newborns home in the midst of crisis or tragedy. This little one is a lucky girl. She knows nothing about weather or Covid and her parents are only focused on her right now. I can't wait until she comes home so we can meet her.
0 Comments
Another Holiday Heidi has been in the hospital since Thursday. We thought the baby might be born on Friday, Lunar New Year! No baby Friday or Saturday. Maybe a Valentine's Day Baby? I actually ordered Valentine photo cards, a while ago. But, nobody is thinking about Valentines' Day today. We're waiting on baby. No Melting Today the ice is worse than ever. It's the kind of ice that inspires very cartoonish walking styles. I almost did the slow-motion splits! There's no way Don and I could get to the hospital, even if Covid restrictions were lifted and visitors were welcome. Communicating Before 8 am, Heidi was texting. "...beyond frustrated!" Finally we talked on the phone and it was a relief to hear her voice. We shared about pros and cons of C-sections. After 9 months of feeling unhelpful with guidance about labor, I was suddenly able to share what I knew about c-section surgery & recovery. Heidi, Jamie, Don and I all talked on speaker phone. For a brief while, it almost felt like we were in the hospital with them. I could hear how their voices relaxed, as they came closer to making a decision. They said they'd let us know... Sit and Wait We have learned to be patient during this pandemic year. We know how to sit and wait! But not in these chairs! Icy Message We got off the phone and I took my giddy energy outside to make one more sign in the snow. I couldn't scrape a design into the ice, so I grabbed some branches and candy kisses. I hoped that today would actually be the day. A Valentine's Day Baby! Finally! A short while later I was talking to my dad on the phone, when Heidi texted that she was heading in for surgery in 5 minutes! I got off quickly and texted family! Don and I were giddy as we sat together, trying to recall all we could of Heidi's arrival 34 years ago. "So fast!" We both remembered. She's Here! And before long we had a photo and good news. I cried when I saw these three. I haven't shared baby news on social media and I've only shared with close family and friends through texts. It's so hard not being the one who makes the decision about when to announce news! I hate keeping good secrets. This stupid ranting blog is really just for me, so I'll assume no one will see this. I guess I'm safe sharing this pic. That's what diaries are for, sharing the things that you can't shout out with the world. Here is the photo! Valentine's Day! So Valentine's Day will never be the same. Don and I became grandparents on Valentine's Day... during a pandemic... in the midst of an ice storm. After talking with the new Mom and Dad and talking an hour with "Uncle Scott" and "Aunt Chali", we sort of celebrated. Don came up with some very fine Valentine's Day "cards", that he shared on his phone! Because he thought way ahead, before we left TX, 40+ days ago, I got a gift. Grateful for a lot today. Pandemic Ice Knowing that Heidi, Jamie and Baby were safe in the hospital, we hunkered down ourselves. The ice, (and closed restaurants) means no pandemic dine-out temptations. The ice has also prevented us from picking up curbside groceries. What to eat? Happy Valentine's Day So here is our meal tonight! This is laughable and pitiful... and embarrassing. Why did we ever purchase these micowave-ables in the first place. Mmmm.. They were awful! But the wine was great and our toast was the best.
"Cheers to our baby granddaughter and her parents!" Power Out Last night we crawled in bed, wondering if we'd hear news of a new baby in the night, But before turning off the lights, they went off on their own. No power. By morning, much of Portland had no power. Iced In We were iced in. We couldn't see out the windows or door. I felt like I was in a big bathroom, surrounded by frosted shower doors. I felt extra claustrophobic, when we realized the door was frozen shut. I had to climb out a skinny window and chisel away at an inch of ice, that cemented the door closed. So Many Layers Once again, we were glad Heidi and Jamie were safe at the hospital, with power. We bundled up and dreamed of being able to make coffee and wait on baby news. Don tried to light the grill to heat water for coffee, but we got distracted by the smoke alarm going off in our unit. By the time we messed with the confused alarm, we realized both our phones were low on power! How can we get hospital updates? Hike to Car I grabbed a pointy umbrella and used it like an ice pick, to climb the icy stairs. I only fell once and banged my elbow good. I also dropped my cell phone, which then shot down the ice-hill like a bobsled. The car looked like a blue candied apple, covered with a thick, slick 1-inch shell of ice. I headed back down and Don and I began making trips with thermal mugs of hot water. We got Don's door open and spent 30 minutes thawing ourselves and charging our phones. Beautiful No progress with baby, so I carefully ventured a bit on foot to see the beautiful neighborhood. So quiet and serene... except for crashing sounds now and then, coming from the the woods. Ice covered limbs, cracked and snapped and thundered, out of sight. A bull, loose in the woods? So beautiful and eerie. The outdoor entertainment was a fun distraction from the nervous waiting... for this baby who does not want to come into the world. It was nice to be outside and see the world, even if my body was numb. It was only down to 53 inside, but it felt creepy, cold and dark. In our own home we have "stuff" to deal with outages. Not at an Airbnb. Feb. 13, 2021? By early evening, Heidi and Jamie were giving us weary updates from the hospital. I looked out at the message I had scratched earlier, into the thick ice. So it looks like Baby Hurst will not be arriving on February 13. My little sign looks a bit sad and sloppy. I guess it's just as well, she is not coming on ice storm day on the 13th of February!
But at least our power came back on by 6! No internet or TV, but we are warm, while we wait! Yesterday... Thursday I don't like the idea of inducing. I've heard scary stories. But I was actually pretty thrilled yesterday, when the doctor decided Heidi should come in and get things started. Heidi decided Don and I should stop over and have a quick carryout bite, before they departed for the hospital. It was sleeting, and our Airbnb is on a steep hill. But, I didn't want to miss this opportunity! We drove over at 5. Because of Covid restrictions, Don and I can't be in the hospital waiting room. It's frustrating to know we'll have to rely on cell phones for news, as if we were still in Texas. But it was wonderful sitting together and sharing our little feast... with all the anticipation and excitement! Nerves Both were excited but nervous. The ice piling up on our cars didn't help. We said good-bye, knowing it was the last time we'd see these two as a couple. We passed the snow covered Kia, with carseat in the back. So fun to now the next time we see them, they'll be a family. Morning! Last night, I slept with my phone volume turned up. "Call, no matter what time!" I begged, last night. I woke a few times in the night and checked messages. There were none. I woke to see a white view, out the door. I kept a close eye on my weather app. So glad to have Heidi and Jamie safely in the hospital. Even if nothing happens with inducing! Killing Time I've never been induced. In fact I know nothing about labor. (2 planned c-sections) It was hard to know what my daughter was feeling. It was impossible to feel helpful. Should I constantly text, "How's it going?" Probably not. Don and I started a puzzle. I stared at the puzzle pieces and reminded myself that it's been a year since Don and I traveled for fun. We are close to a year of dealing with this pandemic. I miss staying in vintage motels with neon signs! Snow and Ice I checked on my phone constantly. Heidi and Jamie didn't have much to report. I took a hike up the many snowy stairs to check on the car and the road. A Heart for the Baby Then I scratched out a message in the icy snow... in case Baby Hurst arrives today, But it's late now and it doesn't look like this little message brought about a baby! We'll see about tomorrow!
Original Due Date February 11, was the original due date for baby. It was changed to the 6th, but the baby is still not here. Heidi will see her doctor today, but there's a winter storm warning! Winter babies are extra worrisome. I wish the hospital wasn't a 30 minute drive away. But Heidi says she feels fine this morning. And the 100% chance of snow expected at 7 am, turned out to be rain. Blizzard Baby? Yesterday, Heidi's brother heard our weather prediction and hoped all would go well with "Blizzard Baby". This morning he sent a text with a photo of his baby themed breakfast. On Tuesday night, we had an early Mardi Gras, with Heidi and Jamie. We nibbled our (rather dry) King Cake and hoped that Baby Hurst would look nothing like the alien-looking, plastic baby! We also hoped that Baby Girl doesn't wait until Mardi Gras (Feb 16) to arrive! Waiting is hard! Day 3 of 2nd Impeachment Trial So today is Thursday. Don and I will hang out at the Airbnb and wait for news. It's a cozy day for a movie or books, but right now the TV is on the news. Today is the final day of arguments for House Managers. Yesterday there were nearly 6 hours of grueling images and reminders of Jan, 6. I watched some, because this is important stuff. But I need to keep myself positive and excited, about the good news that will come soon. Other News Well, I did allow myself a peek at some silly news. This crazy video has been floating around social media, for a few days. We all have needed to chuckle, at this goofy focus on the "Cat Lawyer"! Cat Man It was Don's good eye, that spotted the name on the Cat Lawyer's Zoom image. Rod Ponton "Wasn't he that guy we met in Marfa?" Sure enough, I found this photo in my blog from 2012. You have to love these quarantine and baby waiting days. We have lots of time to investigate curious stories like this. So funny!
regional-dining-in-marfa-tx Impeachment Trial Begins Don and I have a lot of time on our hands, waiting for the arrival of Grandbaby Hurst. She was due on Saturday. Today is Tuesday. We could sit in our Airbnb and brew endless cups of coffee and watch Trump's lawyers argue, that the former president did not incite the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. (Actually Trump will not allow anyone to call him "Former President") But I just can't watch. How to Be a Grandma Instead, I decided to focus on my upcoming role of Grandma. I spotted two books on Amazon. I like the sound of "Adventures in Grandparenting" and I'm curious about the "Science of Grandparenting". So I bought both. Do I really need help knowing how to be a grandma? It's a different role than mom, but I've been prepping for this job, forever. As a young child, I didn't dream of being a bride like most girls in the 1960's. I dreamed of being a Grandma. Honestly. I imagined myself on a porch swing having lemonade with my grandkids. But Baby Hurst is not going to come into this world as a child. Will I remember how to diaper and burp a baby? Do I need to act like I know what I'm doing, to give my daughter confidence in me? Help From Anna and Lesley I snapped up these books, because they were about 2 bucks each, on Kindle. I didn't really expect much, but both are interesting. I haven't gotten far in Quindlen's book, but I like the way she speaks of trust. I don't plan on being a grandma who spoils the kiddos and sneaks sweets & treats, then chuckles "Don't tell!" If I spoil, I'll at least do it openly. I like Stahl's reminder about the complicated position of sharing grandkids. I love how she explores the evolution of grandmothers... how their purpose has changed through time. I'm intrigued to learn about famous grandparents, from Whoopi Goldberg to Eleanor Roosevelt. Who shined and who didn't? What Am I Learning? Well, I can't say I'm learning tons from the books. But they are fun distractions while I wait. Mostly, I think I'll just trust my instincts. And now I'm going to finish quilting this little bib. I'm as sloppy as I was, when I took up quilting during my first pregnancy, 35 years ago. But at least I know now, just how much food and spit-up, will cover that not-so-perfect-bib!
Raymond James Stadium Today is the 55th Super Bowl Sunday. I wasn't really stressed. There were 30,000 cutout fans using up most of the available seats. Only 25,000 fans attended. Masks were required. That included 7,500 vaccinated health care workers who had been invited. This was the smallest attendance, in Super Bowl history. I actually know of one person who paid $100. to be on a cutout. I know my cousin and her family attended. (no idea how they arranged tickets!) But I was quite content to be at our Airbnb today, far away from any gatherings or in-person excitement. Other Stadiums I would have been game to have paid a visit to one of these stadiums, however. Interesting that stadiums around the country have been using their space to help handle vaccinations. I'm so ready for a vaccine! Tiny Super Bowl Party But, I was content to enjoy our simple celebration this year. We had actually hoped to celebrate a new baby, but we'll be patient. Our grandbaby was due yesterday, but nothing yet. So, Heidi and Jamie came over at 3, just before the anthem. We put out some food and watched the kick off. Maternity Pics Then Heidi and I stepped outside and took some photos. The weather has been glum for 10 days, but the sun peeked out for a moment. I got some photos of Heidi and her sweet tummy. Looks like we won't have a Super Bowl Baby. Valentine Baby? Mardi Gras Baby? Chinese New Year Baby? Game Over After some photos, we stepped back inside and headed for the Theatre Room. (gotta love an Airbnb with a media room!) We watched some fun commercials and saw a surprise streaker. We analyzed the "canned" crowd cheers and we watched the game. It wasn't exciting enough to prompt any baby action. The Chiefs lost and Tom Brady celebrated with the Buccaneers. His his 7th Super Bowl win.
It would have been a much more exciting Super Bowl, if it had been interrupted with a trip to the hospital! 34+ Years Apart Today is Heidi's due date. I'm reading my old journal entries to remember what it was like for me, the day Heidi was born. Maybe I can give her some insight. It's not very helpful, because my birth was a planned C-section. I never felt one labor pain. I can't give Heidi advice about what to expect. Masks During Delivery I can't give advice about labor and I can't give advice about what deliveries are like these days. It's been over 34 years. I also have no clue what deliveries are like during a pandemic, except for what Heidi already knows. She and Jamie will be expected to wear masks during labor. No visitors allowed at the hospital. Don wore a mask, when he held Heidi for the first time. That was because we were in an operating room. I do remember looking at all the masked faces that were involved with my delivery. Suddenly Don carried Heidi to me. I didn't have to wear a mask and I was allowed to kiss that sweet little girl's face. I felt like Royalty, surrounded by servants! My Thoughts in 1986 My journal makes it pretty clear that my hormones were at work. Happy tears hit before I laid eyes on my new baby. The epidural made my teeth chatter (I thought it was nerves) and my giddy-swirling head made me confused when Dr. Rick announced, "It's a beautiful little lady!" I needed someone to clarify. "What does that mean?" "It's a little Heidi." Don explained. Every birth and every mom is different. All I can share is what I experienced. Heidi, if you're like me... You will be overwhelmed with good emotions... happy tears maybe. You'll see your daughter and remind yourself over and over, "She's ours!" You'll see Jamie with new eyes and realize you are now on a team and you share something wonderful! Your lives will never be the same. You'll see a deflated stomach and think, "How is it possible that you were there and now you're in my arms?" You'll be frustrated with breastfeeding and wonder why everyone told you it was so great. You'll feel incredibly protective and maybe have a hard time sharing. You'll wonder how it's possible that so many billions of women could have possibly done the special thing that you just did. Give birth! 1986 and 1957 It's been decades since I gave birth, so how can I give advice? Things have changed so much in 34 years. No bumper pads in cribs now, No putting babies to sleep on their tummies. How different was it for my mom, nearly 64 years ago? But I look at these photos of Heidi and me and I think "babies are babies" and that never changes. I hope Baby Girl Hurst has fewer chins than me. I hope she has Heidi's and Jamie's blond hair!
Most of all, I hope Heidi and Jamie enjoy every moment and every stage that's ahead. They've made it through a pandemic pregnancy and there should be bonus rewards for that! A good sleeper would be nice, but a healthy baby is really enough for right now. I can't wait! February Today! I can't believe it's a new month! It's a cold, drizzly day in Portland, but there's a lot of good ahead, this month. Things like, new grandbaby arrival and Mardi Gras! I'm glad I packed jewelry that works for both! Dismal News I glanced at the news this morning and this chart was dismal, like the weather. All the focus has been about vaccines, but today I was reminded that people are still dying. This chart is an alarming reminder. Covid Response The vaccine roll-out is still a mess. As expected, many who need it most aren't able to get the vaccine. It's frustrating to know that some people (with money or connections) are able to beat the system to get vaccines. I'm sure plenty of deniers are getting the vaccine also. I'm glad for anyone to get the vaccine actually. But, I'm sort of worried about navigating this half vaccinated world. We're told to still mask up after vaccines, but I sense that people are in a rush to ease up. My dad's assisted living center has had the first vaccine. They're opening up to visitors. Why not just be safe a little longer! My 92 year old dad has made it this far! West Virginia I saw the governor of W. Virginia, on the news. He has the same southern twang as the guy who cleans our pool. He doesn't look or sound smart, but his state has had the most success of all states, in getting folks vaccinated. It will be a long time before Don and I have access to vaccines. We're a long way from our home in Texas. We're in Oregon, where things are lagging behind. But, I'm glad to see that 25 million have received the first dose. Maybe by the time Don and I can get vaccinated, we'll be able to get the Johnson & Johnson. Only one shot. Hmm? February Focus By the end of February, who knows where we'll be with all this. It's a short month, but a lot can happen. We don't know where we'll be at the end of this month with Covid, but we do know, there will be a new baby in this world! She's due in a week, so she'll be our February focus... and March and April and May... and forever!
|
Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
January 2022
Categories
All
|