Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Horatio Caine and Madison Kay - Newborns

This week has been a whirlwind of activities since Sept 30, when the call came in from my husband's daughter, Katie...going for a C section one month early that afternoon. Madison Kay came into the world weighing 5 lb 15 oz, 18 3/4 inches long and 13" head. Gorgeous long strawberry blonde curly hair, lots of it! Due to the early birth, mom had to go home without the baby for a few days. Today they are both home and doing well. Grandpa was so excited he decided to drive to Chicago to see his new and first grandchild. He had a wonderful time holding Madison and visiting with the proud parents while he was there. Grandpa took lots of pictures for grandma to see when he got home.

I was unable to travel with at the time because my son's baby was about to be born as well. Little Horatio took his time and finally had to be induced Oct 5 at 11:05 PM. Horatio Caine came into the world weighing a strapping 7 lb 10 oz, 21 inches long and 14" head. Beautiful long light brown curly hair, not quite as much as his cousin, Madison...but a respectable amount. Definitely more than his dad came into the world with as he was totally bald until he was a year old. Fortunately, he takes after his mom who has a gorgeous head of curly hair.

I had the priviledge of being in the birthing room with mother and father during the whole precedure and was able to film the birth. This was the first delivery I had experienced outside of my own two deliveries of my son and daughter. I was surprised and truly amazed at the advanced technology and better health care. The birthing rooms were a great change from the old labor rooms where you might be sharing your experience with strangers in the same room with only a curtain to separate you from total embarrassment. Comfortable recliners, rocking chairs, etc for the family members who want to share in this beautiful event. And last but not least of all, the birth itself was the crowning moment. Everyone should see at least one birth of a child, in their lifetime if possible. It was such a beautiful, spiritual moment that I will never forget and gives me a special bond with my new grandson as I got to hold him soon after he was born and he heard my voice welcoming him into this wonderful world we live in. My son cut the embellical cord and shared in the delivery also.

Ted and I are so grateful that both deliveries went well, even though there were some complications. Both grandchildren are healthy and doing well. Thank God for the miracle of birth and the gift of grandchildren. We've waited a long time for grandchildren and now we have two in one week.

Monday, October 1, 2007

My New Workbench and Workspace!

Since moving to Wisconsin, it's taken a while to get my workspace set up. I finally have it somewhat fixed up and I'm able to get back to designing jewelry. My workbench is now just a long white folding table from Walmart but it has a clean white surface and it's very sturdy and durable. I've lined up all my gray boxes with drawers up against the back wall, easy to get to when I need certain components that I use frequently. My husband built me several shelves to the right of the photo so I would have more easy access space for my bead storage. I also still have my tall drawers that sit directly under one of the shelves. We found an old dresser at a garage sale for $5.00 and painted white. All my bead books and magazines sit on top for easy access. It's still a work in progress but it's coming along nicely. I'm back designing jewelry and I've just listed several new earring designs. Feel free to check them out at my Etsy Store.