Crochet for baby

Hours spent sitting and waiting can be quite boring if you don't have a little project to take along.  During the summer, my little project turned out to be a series of crochet projects for the baby that could easily be tucked in my purse and taken with me at a moment's notice.  I haven't crocheted in years, but sometimes life just brings you back to simple activities to keep your hands and mind busy.

The first project was an afghan for the new baby.  A new take on the traditional granny square. 

Random fact #1 Crochet work has been around since the early 1800's

The second project was a crocheted rattle ball.  Because we were to have two new grandbabies this fall, two balls were needed. 

Random fact # 2 Toy rattles help children improve hand eye coordination by stimulating their senses.

The third was a set of Converse booties.  These were started on the day that Charles was unexpectedly born, a project that was to keep me busy during the mom's parathyroid operation.

Random fact #3 Pinterest is a great source for great crochet patterns.

Since the baby would be a little too young to go out for his first upcoming Halloween, it was decided that he would dress as an owl.

Random fact #4 Owls can rotate their heads and necks as much as 270 degrees

The last, a cuddle cocoon and hat.  Definitely my favorite.

Random fact #5  I am not fond of spiders or snakes

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A Week of Healing and Growing Stronger

It's been a week of healing for Mom and a week of growing stronger for the baby.  The IV tubes have now been removed from Charles and mom is starting to feel a little stronger herself.  This is the little bed Charles has been in since birth.

Today was supposed to be graduation to his big boy bed that is sitting in the corner waiting for him.

But the doctor felt a little more time under the blue lights would be good.  Perhaps tomorrow he'll get to try out his new bed.

Jennifer had a surprise today, with being "released" from the hospital.  It actually meant a move to a family room, just down the hall from NICU, that she can share with her husband.  More blood tests, plenty of rest and a visit with the OB team will follow next week.  The family room also means that the baby's dad, Jennifer's husband now has a bed to sleep in at the hospital.  No more nights in the reclining chair. (Update - After publishing this post Sunday evening, Jennifer was readmitted to the hospital during the night with an infection)

Speaking of baby's dad, this man is amazing.  He's been with the baby for all the doctor rounds, he's been with his wife for her doctor rounds and he's the one doing the round the clock milk deliveries and feedings when Jennifer can't make it. When Jen's been feeling better, he's the one making sure she gets her trips to the NICU.  He's quite comfortable doing diaper changes, feeding and taking care of the baby while taking care of his wife.

If the way he cares for his wife and baby are any indication of the way he takes care of us while serving his county, we can all rest a little easier knowing that men like this are taking care of us.

World, please meet Charles

After months of agonizing side effects of hyperparathyroidism, my daughter was wheeled into surgery yesterday morning.  For those who have followed my dailies on Smugmug or Facebook, you've seen the shots of hospitals and intravenous and heard about the constant kidney stones. You might remember that she was 34 weeks pregnant.  After a couple of hours waiting and waiting, the surgeons informed her husband and I that the surgery had gone well.  They removed 2 of 4 of her parathyroid glands, but the baby's heart rate wasn't recovering as fast as they would like it too, and a C Section was recommended.  At 11:40 yesterday morning, a little baby boy made his entry into the world, weighing 7 lbs 2 ozs.

He was off to the NICU, where against all odds has proven what a strong little guy he is.  Seven hours later, he was moved to a low risk pod in the NICU. His calcium levels are remaining stable, he has developed a voice and all his little parts are perfect.

The little guy will remain in NICU for a while and his mom is now in a comfortable room, recovering from the two surgeries in one day.

So without any further delay, world, I would like to introduce you to our newest grandson, Charles.

Life for Grandma and Grandpa will return to normal, but a wonderful adventure is just starting for a new family.  To make sure our life is not too normal, we're expecting another grandchild in November, our son and his wife are expecting their second child.