New baby

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Waiting

The waiting was exhausting. The growing baby comfortably ensconced in the womb raised her mother’s blood pressure until the doctor recommended induction. The late-night hospital admission hindered restful sleep. Once the procedure of induction was initiated, the pain and discomfort increased my anxiety.

The cervix dilated slowly to 8cm, and then there was silence.

Arrived!

Twenty-four hours after our daughter-in-law’s admission to the hospital, we received news of the birth of our newest grandchild: a girl, Lottie James, 8 lbs. 15 oz and 22” long. A whopper in our family.

And that exhausting anticipation and anxiety? That’s what WE were experiencing. Parents C-boy and P-DiL will have to tell their own story.

Each one unique

It has been 14 years since the birth of our last grandchild. Just as each birth is different for the parents, so it is for the grandparents.

Our first grandchild, Blue Boy, was born hundreds of miles from us long before cell phones. A child at home and jobs kept us from following the birth closely. We received news that he was on the way and that he had arrived.

Mowgli was born at our local hospital. My mother and I spent several hours with ED and her husband waiting, playing games and walking the halls to pass the time. Stubborn in birth as he is in earthly life, Mowgli appeared after I took my mother home.

Another chance

Now retired, Mike and I took the opportunity to drive cross-country to await the birth of this third grandchild. We will wait another week to allow her to build up immunities before we see her, as we also limit our exposure to the public to keep her safe from COVID.

Unable to visit the hospital because of the pandemic, we received the play-by-play by text. C-boy kept us informed regularly as the labor progressed. Recalling the intensity of my own birth labor, I prayed for P-DiL throughout the night and day. I prayed for C-boy, my little boy, as his wife suffered.

Adorable

After recovery, Little Lottie James (LLJ) appeared with her parents on our screen. Her wide-open eyes were taking in the sights as her parents exuded pure joy.

The emotional excitement of the day exacted its price in fatigue. I struggled through the exhaustion, trying to recover unsuccessfully with yogic shavasana.

It has been my experience that a baby’s delivery reflects their personality. ED came out smiling, ready to face the world. SD arrived a few days later than expected, her expression challenging us to accept it. The umbilical cord held C-boy back; we have been urging him on ever since.

Joy

LLJ, I will remember that your birth exhausted a mere spectator. But I will ever associate that exhaustion with joy. I can’t wait to hold you!