"Marilyn"?

Here is the first picture of Tish's baby. It's not easy to see, sonograms never are and they become more difficult to see when you scan them. But, if you look closely, in the center of the picture, there is an odd shaped black area, that is the uterus. Laying on "her" back, is "Marilyn". Her little head is to the right and her belly is in the center. The small white dot is a tiny foot. "Marilyn" is approximately 6.47 centimeters long from crown to rump, or a little less than 3 inches, about the size of a lime. Tish is a little more than 13 weeks, or 3 mos. along.

She is doing very well and feeling wonderful. She is eating more now than she ever has, although she still isn't gaining any weight.

We are all so excited. Even Great-Grandma Margaret is getting into the act and has picked out her own special nick-name for her newest Great-Grandchild. Aunt Beth wants to know as soon as we do, if we are really having a girl so she can start picking out some clothes. Grandpa is ready to go fishing and me? Well, I am just excited about seeing a healthy and beautiful baby. Well, it doesn't hurt that Tish is living with us!

As Mothers, we spend the majority of our lives raising our children to be adults. We teach them every thing we can about the big, wide world and how to survive it. I believe empty nest is when the last of the children are grown and gone and we are waitng for the joy of grandchildren.
The waiting can be painful at times. There is nothing more glorious than the birth of that first grandchild and no words to describe the feelings that accompany the births of each one in turn as they come along. I really did not realize the capacity for love that is in my heart until Jacob and Lucy and it does not diminish. Two more grandbabies! What a joy.

I'm Tired!

This week was a hard one. We had our annual STATE SURVEY........
It really went very well. I work in a very nice place, we weren't really worried, but State Surveyors always make people uncomfortable and that causes a general feeling of anxiety in a building.
I think there must be a special class on "How to Confuse and Intimidate People" that all surveyors are required to attend and pass with 100% completion in order to become part of the secret society. They don't talk unless they are asking you a specifically difficult question. They always look at you like they think you are making up the answer and then they walk away without replying to you! You don't know until they walk out the door, if you did okay and then you don't know for about two weeks, if you didn't!!!!!! It's enough to drive any one a little crazy.
Anyway, it's over now (until next year) and we did well.
I am mentally and emotionally exhausted! I thought I was going to have to work 10-6 all week-end but we got that covered. So, tommorow, I will be sleeping in, getting up when I wake up and sipping my coffee while I watch a little brainless T.V. Then maybe, I'll take a nap, eat a little lunch, take another nap, watch some more nonsense T.V. eat some dinner and go to bed for the night!
It's so nice to not have any responsibilities for a change. All my children grown, just me, Jerry and the critters! Jerry usually goes fishing on Saturdays. He is so sweet, he actually goes away for the morning, not only because he likes to fish, but also because he wants me to have my "Do-Nothing" Day. I love Jerry, everybody should have one!!!!
Tonight we're having dinner out of a can! How cool is that?! I get to start my week-end early!!!

YEA!!!!! Way to go, Jerry!!

4 More Pounds! That's a little over 14 1/2 pounds for two weeks! I am so proud of my sweet husband. He is working hard and doing a great job. Congratulations!

Tish had her first doctor appt. today. She is 11 weeks along. She is just fine. She has another appt. next Monday to do a sonogram. Pictures soon!!!

It's been a long week!

What a week!
Everyday this week, I have gotten up early, fixed Jerry's lunch, ironed our clothes, gone to work early, worked 9-10 hours, came home, fed the critters, cooked dinner, watched a little T.V. and went to bed. Only to start all over again the very next morning.
It is finally Saturday!!!!
This morning, I slept in, ran some errands and went shopping with Tish.
I have done nothing else!
Last Monday, Jerry weighed in and he has lost more than 10 pounds (in just 1 week) on his diet!
He is doing great. He is sticking strictly to the meals that I provide for him. I am learning how to cook, all over again.
Tomorrow, we will go to church and then we are going out to eat. We ate at Ghengis Grill last night. Our first meal out in 2 weeks! I really enjoyed not having to cook.
This morning, Tish and I went shopping around for baby stuff.
We checked out the local resale stores and found a baby bed (like new condition) and a changing table (also, like new condition) for the grand price of $30.00 for the two of them! We also priced new ones and we managed to save close to $300.00 by buying used items. We still need to find a mattress for the crib. I am pleased with our results this morning. We are planning to buy something we need, each payday. I think we will have every thing the little one needs by the time (she) arrives.
Tish has a doctor appointment on Monday. We will have a definate due date then. We are all getting so excited.
I can't think of any other news for now and I have to get ready for next weeks' Rat Race!
More news next time!

Lots of News!!!

Here are a couple of more pictures of Mocha. She is about 9 weeks old now and developing quite a personality. So far every one loves her. Still isn't any bigger than a minute. But she thinks she is a Great Dane.

More news on the Homefront for any one who is interested. Jerry has just completed his third day of Weight Watchers. He is doing great. I am helping by planning menus and packing his lunch. I am proud of him. I know he will reach his goal.

We are expecting 2 additional grandchildren in February. Krysta and Cotton are expecting their third and Tish is expecting her first. We are going to have quite a busy Spring next year. Not to mention a very busy next few months.

My job is going well, I had to work third shift for nearly two weeks and I am really hoping they will be able to cover it for a while so I can do my own job. I was able to take today off and spend some time with Jerry and Tish. Oh! and Mocha, and Snickers, and Sami, and Saul, and Alex, and Spike, and Candy, and Digory, and Annie and Ollie, and Ozzie and Harriet.Whew, did I forget anyone?

Well, that's all the news for now! See ya later!!!!!