an extra day

Last night I was scheduled to fly home after a busy and fulfilling week with new baby, mom/daughter and daughter/sister/aunt.
On the way to the airport, a neighboring vehicle at the stop light informed us the car was leaking fluids profusely and smoking.
We pulled off to a gas station, called AAA, and called a taxi to try and make the flight. We didn't. However, the airline rescheduled me for tonight at no charge, along with the fact that an airport is the perfect place to find a rental car. So back to Bloomington we went, to enjoy a bonus day with baby and family members. I was grateful for the fact that cell phones make emergency situations like that so much more manageable, and that the new family unit was safely at home, not stuck and on the road and not dealing with all the hassle. When we arrived back at the apartment, the table was set, with soup on the stove (made by a dear friend along with yummy cookies). Now the car is towed and back in Bloomington to be repaired. We'll travel back to the airport in our rental and try once again to fly home, away from baby. No more bonuses for a while--Skype will have to do.

A New Life

So it's a Monday birthday, February 15, 2010--"Monday's child is full of grace." Gabriel James Grau was born early this morning at 4:15 a.m. after a seven hour labor. I was privileged to be present through the labor and delivery of my grandson--a gracious gift my daughter and son-in-law gave to me. It's a very different thing being the one doing the contractions and the pushing, versus being able to observe from the other end of things. I thought I might be overwhelmed, since I am usually not good with blood/hospital procedures, but it was awesome. I am incredibly proud of my daughter for her strength and calm perseverance, and was vividly reminded that giving birth is one of the hardest/best things that women do. Blessings to each of you who carries and births a child--with pain comes great reward. Isn't that life in a nutshell?

We have ignition!

My niece was here in Bloomington yesterday to give a concert with her musician friend. She regularly tours, and my husband and I have hosted or attended a concert of hers for several of her tours--Burlington, DC, Lexington and now Bloomington. So while waiting for the debut of this new grandson, we were able to go to the concert and enjoy her music once again. We made plans to go out for breakfast this morning, but instead ended up making eggs and potatoes here instead, because just as they were on their way over, we heard, "My water just broke!" Probably not a good idea to go out somewhere at that point. No contractions yet, but we know they will induce tomorrow morning if nothing else happens on its own. So a Valentine's Days birthday? Or a perfectly fine Monday, just like his mama. We will know soon!

in waiting

I am here in Bloomington, Indiana waiting expectantly for the arrival of our fourth grandson. The due date was three days ago, but of course it could be any time or many days from now--who knows? My daughter is as patient as one can be under the circumstances, and we have entertained ourselves this week by baking bread, favorite meals and sundry other goodies. Skype has been key for staying in touch with family and friends, with the nephews and nieces calling to say, "Any news yet?"
The labor and birth of my first child, this daughter, took place as the first signs of spring appeared. It was a classic fourteen hours, resulting a baby who weighed 9 pounds, 6 ounces with her pert nose pushed sideways. I was a week late so I clearly remember keeping my feet up due to severe edema, watching soap operas to pass the time (to this day I cannot watch soap operas), and keenly wishing the clock to hurry, only to have it slow almost to a standstill.
The whole childbirth thing is a prime example of really having no control of timing or process--it is all a mysterious and wondrous event that are witness to and invited to participate in. Being knit together in a mother's womb is about God's handiwork, a gift that he bestows on us. It's worth the wait.

Home Away from Home

It's a nice feeling being all snuggled in no matter where you are. Although I will be home for only one week this month, the "apartment" here is plenty comfortable. Skype/email/iphone keeps me in touch with those I love, even though I miss my kids and grandkids something fierce!
In 1980, our family moved from Iowa to Kentucky with our few meager possessions packed in a truck, and me six months pregnant with two toddlers, suffering from IBS and exhausted past reason. Leaving all that was familiar for the unfamiliar, small house to no house, knowing everyone to knowing no one--that was the stark reality. Surprisingly, a message of well-being flowed into my brain and heart, a gift from God in a very challenging time. "You are fine, you will be fine, I will take care of you--don't worry." I think that was the beginning of understanding what it means to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in. I have a long ways to go in that effort, and I'm sure that many tests will come, but God is sufficient.
So, I'll be in my cocoon this evening, thankful for a warm bed and feeling at home no matter where I am.