For My Unborn Grandbaby...
Taylor Renée
May 20, 1999: I found out today that you are on your way into our lives. Honestly, I was in shock and didn't believe it. When your mom told me there was a possibility, I just wanted to ignore her and not face this. But, we bought a home test, and even when it came up positive, I didn't believe it. Your mawmaw was in complete denial.
May 21, 1999: We received official confirmation today that you are definitely growing inside of your mama. I hate to admit it, but I was not happy and cried very sadly...not because of you but because your mama is my baby and doesn't know what she is doing. She's only 16!!!! When you grow up and become a parent, you will know what I'm talking about. This is not easy to deal with...my baby having a baby!!!!!!
May 22, 1999: I keep thinking about you and what it's going to be like around here. I smile when I think about you. I wonder if you are a little girl or if you are a little boy. Your mama has names picked out already. So, Taylor if you're a girl and Jordan if you're a boy. The middle name is still up in the air if you're a girl, but it's Scott if you're a boy. I am trying to help your mama pick out a middle name -- I've suggested Raynelle or Ranelle, and I have suggested her middle name of Marie, but.....she's not sure. I really like the name of Taylor for a girl, but I don't like the name Jordan. Your mama says it will grow on me....Well, if you are "Jordan", Mawmaw is gonna call you Jay or something else *grin* Hey, I do have to admit that these name are MUCH better than when your mama was a very little girl and wanted to name her first daughter "Cookie Michelle" *lol* Thank God she has grown up a little bit more since those days *grin*
May 23, 1999: You are now a month old inside of your mama. I just hope you are doing well and that you will continue to grow happily and healthily inside of her. I'm making sure she's taking care of you, but she really doesn't need too much help...she's taking her vitamins and iron and eating much better than she ever has. One thing I do know about your mama is that even though she is only a baby herself, she wants you and loves you, and she's making sure you are well taken care of. With each day that passes, I am looking forward to meeting you. I will be there when you are born, so I will be one of the first people to see you the minute you are born. I've never seen my own children being born, so this is going to be a big experience for me. I hear from my mom that it's different having a grandbaby, that grandbabies are extremely special and it's just something a grandmother can't describe to anyone. I think I'm already feeling the "bond", and it's going to be so hard to wait the next eight months till you are born. You and your mama are going to the doctor's office tomorrow to start lab work and prenatal visits. I can't wait till they order an ultrasound so I can see you :-)
May 27, 1999: Your mama had her blood work done on the 24th and goes in for an ultrasound on June 7th. We can't wait to see you. From there, she goes in on the 14th for a check-up. She is sooooo sick -- today was her first big experience with "morning sickness", and it lasted all day long. This is going to be a long process *grin* I know it wasn't really funny, but I had to laugh. She really thought it was gonna be a breeze being pregnant. Well, ask me...been dere and done dat. It's not a breeze by any means, but I always loved feeling my babies move and couldn't wait to have them in my arms. It's all worth it in the end :-) So, kiddo, you are now making your presence well known to your mama, and she isn't second-guessing the test results any longer *grin* I was skeptical the first time, too....until I got so sick. We looked at some baby items today -- all Winne The Pooh oriented :-) I'm going to buy you so many things in time :-) The WTP line is really cute, and I'm anxious to start shopping :-) More later.....
The first picture :-)
June 7, 1999: Well, little Taylor or Little Jordan, your mawmaw is speechless! Your mama had her first ultrasound today, and I couldn't believe it when I saw you -- actually, your mama couldn't believe it more than me *grin* She was so worried that the tech would take a look and it would be empty inside *lol* What a beautiful sight you are!!!! Oh so tiny, yet oh so strong! We saw your tiny heart beating ever so strongly and so fast!
There's an antiabortion sticker that says "Abortion stops a beating heart!" How true! Thank God you don't know about that horror and will never experience it. Your mama at least has a brain and knows you are a living human being, even without seeing you on the ultrasound, and you can always rest assured that your mama, as well as your mawmaw and your great-mawmaw wanted you so badly.
Anyway, my point is that an ultrasound should be a prerequisite prior to an elective abortion. "Prochoicers" can tell all the lies they wish to tell, but the facts are clear and they are just in denial of the truth to try and justify the poor choice they made.
You are only six weeks of age (eight weeks of age by ultrasound), and your little heart was perfectly clear, beating so strongly! Oh yes, the world would be such a better place if ultrasounds were a prerequisite prior to that horrible murderous procedure called "elective abortion". Many of those in denial would change their minds (if they had even an ounce of humanity inside of them)!!!!!
My sweet little grandbaby! Today was a super day cause we got to see you for the first time :-) I can't wait to hold you in my arms and spoil you rotten -- worse than your Aunt Holli :-) Your mawmaw loves you so much :-)
June 14, 1999: Your mama went to the doctor again today for her first prenatal checkup. All went well, and she goes back in a month. The time is dragging too slow -- I can't wait to see you in person, precious little one :-)
June 25, 1999: This evening, your mommy and I called one of my friends and shocked the heck out of her! Your mommy asked her to be your Nanny :-) You are gonna love her! She has already spoiled you rotten, and believe me, she isn't finished yet *grin* Your Nanny is soooo happy and excited. Your mawmaw is beyond proud to share you with her, too :-))))
July 1, 1999: I grabbed a few pictures of your mom on June 22, 1999, and I just had to post them.
Just look at how big she is -- and boy does she ever look "sick"! She's so happy, though :-)
July 12, 1999: Today was such a very special day :-) Your mommy had another doctor's appointment! While the nurse was trying to pick up your heartbeat with the Doppler, you kicked, and we heard it. I am still floating in air over that :-) My gosh, you are so strong for such a little baby! Two doctors came in and got your heartbeat -- it was so fast and so strong. Time really does seem to be flying now -- well, for your mawmaw anyway :-) This past month really did fly by. I can't wait till you are born! I held a beautiful baby girl this morning, and I long for the day I hold my beautiful grandbaby in my arms and can spoil you rotten :-) Your gestational age is now 13.1 weeks, and if all goes well, we will see you again at age 28 weeks. Hopefully, you won't be too shy and will let us know whether you are a boy or a girl :-) Your Nanny, your Great-Mawmaw, and I are so anxious to find out so we can buy pink or blue *grin*
As for your mom, well, today was not all that great for her. She was SOOOO sick :-(((( Hopefully, that will pass soon. She can't wait to feel you kick her -- which will probably be another month or so. I remember that feeling so well...it's SOOO special :-) Bye for now, little one :-)
July 25, 1999: Oh wow! Your mommy was standing by my desk tonight and said "Oh, mom! This is not just bubbles!" She felt you kick her :-) That's called "quickening" and is really important to the doctor. So, I made a mental note of the date. It will help further pinpoint your anticipated arrival :-)
July 31, 1999: Your mommy is starting to feel better and not get so sick. Before I know it, we'll be holding you in our arms :-) I know it's important that your mom hold you and bond with you. However, I can't help but feel that I'm gonna steal you from her *grin* Everyone keeps telling me that being a grandmother is the greatest thing in the world, and I can already feel that it is. Everyone is so anxious for you to be here. I have no doubts that you are never going to want for a thing and will be spoiled rotten to the core :-) I just hope you are spoiled after your mawmaw the most *hee hee* I'll be back soon...your mommy goes back to the doctor the day before my birthday :-) Bye for now!
August 5, 1999: Your mama has changed her mind on the name of Jordan Scott :-) So, if you are a boy, you will be Brendon, with a middle name of Shane. I love the name of Brendon Shane :-) Oh, she also made up her mind that Marie will be your middle name if you are a girl :-)
August 14, 1999: Your mama had another OB visit yesterday. She gained a whopping 10# during the past month *grin* I guess that's not really too bad since she hadn't gained any weight till now. Everything is fine. Like last month, we heard your precious heart beating ever so strongly and so fast, and we heard you kick several times :-) You are quite active, so your mama feels you moving about all the time :-) How I miss that feeling! It's the most beautiful and most special feeling ever!
We went to see Adrienne's baby boy, Christopher, today. He's only two weeks old, and he's absolutely precious!! His grammy is one of my best friends. Aunt Becky and I have been through a lot together in the past 17 years, and now we are experiencing the joy of being grandmothers together, as well. When I took Christopher out of his car seat and held him close in my arms, I started crying and couldn't stop. Aunt Becky laughed and said if I was this emotional over her grandbaby, I was going to be hysterical when you are born. She's right! *grin* I can't wait to hold you in my arms!!!!! Till next time.....
August 19, 1999: Your Nanny sent this url to me today and says "she can't wait till you are born": Peek-A-Boo, I Luv U This is soooo cute :-)
September 11, 1999: Your mama went back for a checkup yesterday, and all is well. She is gaining so much weight -- 7 more pounds this time. Whew....I need to get a new pic of her big belly :-) I have watched you kick and move around and love seeing her belly "jump". I also felt you kick on my hand a few times, and that is awesome :-) Time just isn't passing fast enough, though...I want you here in my arms :-) Your mama is thinking of changing your middle name if you are a girl. She just can't make up her mind. I know if she does change it, it's going to make your nanny go ape, cause it's HER name :-) I haven't told her yet, so if she sees this before it's official, she'll already know *grin* I like Taylor Renée! Renée sounds like Marie a little, so it works really well :-) We just have to wait on your mama to make up her mind one way or the other. If things go according to plan, your mama should have another ultrasound next month, and we should be able to find out if you are Taylor or if you are Brendon. That will be so exciting :-) So....till next time.....
October 3, 1999: It is official now...if you are a girl, your mama wants to name you Taylor Renée :-) We should find out soon, I hope :-) She goes for a check up on the 8th, and they should schedule the next ultrasound then. I can't wait :-) Your mama is growing in leaps and bounds -- actually, I should say you are :-) Your little kicks are so strong. I love watching her belly jump around, as well as feeling you kick my hand :-)
October 8, 1999: Another doctor visit this morning, and all is well :-) Your mama gained 7 pounds this past month, so that's 24 total. We heard your heart beating again and watched you kicking around. You are sooooo strong :-) Your gestational age is 26 weeks now. 12-14 more weeks before you are ready to be born, and I can't wait :-) Your mama has to have a blood glucose test next Friday, and the ultrasound is also scheduled for that day. By this time next week, we should know your gender. Your mama said she just can't wait. Well, neither can I :-) I just hope you aren't too shy and will let us see :-) No matter, I can't wait to see you again :-) Till next week....I wait anxiously :-)
October 15, 1999: The wait is over...the ultrasound was this morning, and we now know who you are exactly :-) You are a girl :-))) Taylor Renée :-) I was so excited and cried :-) We saw everything so clearly..right down to your little toes :-) The ultrasound tech got really good shots of your face, too.
Here are the two pictures:
IT'S A GIRL....... :-)
What a sweet face :-)
This has been an exciting day, no doubt! Your estimated weight right now is 2 pounds 13 ounces, so you seem to be thriving real well :-)
Here's a pic of me, your mom, and your Aunt Holli after the ultrasound was taken.....
I went shopping and bought a couple of pink items today :-) That's only the beginning, too. Between me and your Nanny, look out.....you will be covered in pink all the time :-) I'm also going to plan a shower for you soon. That will be fun :-) Well....now the countdown is really on....it's so hard to wait for you to arrive :-) Till next time....
November 5, 1999: Hi again, Taylie :-) Today was another visit to the doctor. You are still doing real well and all :-) Your mom only gained two pounds this past month, but she has been so sick with these really painful headaches. It has us all worried, and the RNPs aren't trying to find out what the cause is. They just keep giving her prescriptions to try and cure them. It's scary. Not only are we worried about the "headaches", we are worried about the meds hurting you. Your mom has to go back in two weeks on the 19th for a recheck on the headaches. On Sunday, the 31st, they prescribed Tylenol #3, which didn't help the pain. You didn't seem to be bothered by the codeine and continued to move like mad. Yesterday, they prescribed Claritin and Elavil (one for "sinus" and one for "migraines"). Your mom refuses to take the Elavil, because it plainly states on the insert not to take it if you are pregnant and one of its side effects can be "headaches". I don't blame her. Taking chances on hurting you is NOT something she wants to do.
Next weekend is the baby shower in your honor :-) Joy, one of our neighbors and a good friend of your mom's, is hosting it at her house. We are all so excited and have been going crazy shopping :-) It will be so much fun :-) We have games to play and gifts to give out to the winners -- games like tasting baby food and guessing what they are, guessing the exact size of your mom's huge abdomen, and answering questions about your mom. I can't wait :-) I will write again after the shower, so see you soon.
11-14-99: I'm still on cloud 9 -- just ask your Nanny :-) We talked for about two hours last evening, and I couldn't shut up *lol* The shower was really great and fun! You racked up *big time*, young lady :-) We made your mama cry and laugh! It took your mom about an hour to finish opening your gifts :-) There is no way I can list everything you received, but it was LOTS of goodies. I captured it all on video, plus your Aunt Daryth and Mr. Brian snapped pictures. Everyone seemed to have a really good time :-) I can't post all of the pictures, but here is just a small sampling of the baby shower in your honor :-) There is no doubt that you have everything you need and more to arrive into the world now :-) Now, the countdown is really on for your big arrival, and so many of us nervously wait for that big day :-) Once Christmas comes and goes, I will be on pins and needles once again, along with your mommy, your Nanny, your other Nanny, Joy (your Paran Dave's wife), Miss Cindy, Miss Lisa, your Aunt Daryth, and your Great-Granny :-) The day you are born will be the biggest event in your mommy's life and such a special one at that!
Your mommy made Dave and Joy very happy tonight by asking Dave to be your godfather :-) I think that's just grand!!!!! You have two really fine set of godparents with Renée and Jim and Dave and Joy :-) Till next time.....
November 19, 1999 - Another visit to the doctor, and all is well. Your mom is now at 32 weeks along, so you could be born in six more weeks, even though you aren't due for another eight weeks. Geez, that sounds soooo close!!!! I am really getting nervous and anxious now! Your mom only gained a pound during that interim, so that's good. She eats like a horse, though LOL You are just sooo healthy and soooo active! I can't wait to see you in person! Your mom goes back for another visit in two weeks....those every two week visits will soon turn into every week until you are born! Yes, I am getting extremely nervous and anxious!!!!! Till next time, little one! Mawmaw loves ya!
December 3, 1999 - Another office visit today, and all is well, still :-) Time is drawing near, and we are all getting so anxious. Your mom only gained a quarter of a pound, so that is great. You are still doing better than excellent, too :-) Slowly but surely, everything is ready for your big arrival. I got you a high chair, a monitor, a crib, and so much more. I think all we need now is you, as we are all set and ready to go.
December 10, 1999 - Back to the doctor again today. This time, your mom gained two pounds *grin* All is well, and she goes back in two weeks for another checkup. Your mom isn't dilated yet, so it's not even close to your birth yet....but...... She is at 35 weeks now :-) Today, I got a bassinette set in Pooh for your bassinette, and it is just too cute :-) Till next time....
December 23, 1999 - Well, yesterday, your mom started hurting real badly, with lots of pressure -- like you were pushing down. This morning, she had another visit to the OB, and the pain was from you getting ready for your big arrival :-) Her cervix is starting to soften up and is dilating a little, and you have started to drop downward :-) She goes back on the 30th for another check. I am beyond nervous!!!!!! :-) Only days now....and I'm counting down. I can't wait to hold you so close :-)
December 24, 1999 - You Nanny Renée gave me the most beautiful present -- a book of memories from "Grandma" to her grandchild. The artwork is by Thomas Kinkaide and is the most beautiful I have ever seen. The minute I saw the title of the book, I started crying and couldn't stop. Then your mommy and I sat there and cried for what seemed like hours! When I was finally able to get control, I read through that beautiful book. It is going to be something I hope you treasure forever! However, some of the things they ask of me, I don't remember *grin* That is the best gift anyone could have ever given me to be able to give to you :-) I cry just thinking about it! You are the most special little girl -- my first grandchild!!!!! :-) No doubt you will be spoiled rotten!!!! *grin* Waiting for your arrival......MawMaw
PS I want to take the time to send a HUGE thank you to your beautiful Nanny for being the sweetest, most caring, and bestest friend :-) We have such a special bond between us, and I think, if possible, it's stronger now that we are sharing you in our lives :-) We love ya, Renée :-)
December 31, 1999: Yesterday was another doctor visit...no further progression, so we sit in long awaited anticipation for your grand arrival.....Till next week......
January 8, 2000: Eight days to the due date and counting down.....Your mama went to the doctor again yesterday, but there is no big change. You keep dropping down, but it is not a drastic enough change for them to say it's time. So, we continue to wait!!! Anyway...all is still well with you and your mama :-) We are just waiting very anxiously for your big arrival :-)
January 11, 2000: I'm sitting here in awe! We returned from a trip to Labor and Delivery about an hour and a half ago. On Sunday evening, your mom noticed a big change...you really "dropped" and she started having a lot of pressure. Over the ensuing two days, it seemed to get stronger. Today, I got a call at work, and your mama sounded different. She told me that she didn't feel good and she was hurting a lot more. As time wore on, she started having more pain. I left work a bit early so I could pick her up and take her to the hospital. It sure sounded like labor to me :-) Well, lo and behold, the time has come.....now we just wait. You are engaged and aren't floating around any longer, and your mom is definitely in very early labor. It was great hearing your heartbeat on the monitor and watching the labor pain spikes and your movement spikes on the strip :-) The pains are pretty intense but aren't steady, and she hasn't dilated any further. So.....we wait and wait. The nurse and doc said it could be that we go back in a few hours or it could be a day from now, but....the time is here :-) Your "Granny" is spending the night with us just in case we have to leave in a rush. I called your "Nanny" the minute we got home, and the first words out of her mouth were "Is it time yet?!" *grin* Is she excited? Beyond words!!!! She didn't even tell me hi *lol* She is ready to leave for the trip down here :-) Miss Cindy and your other Nanny were ready to come and meet us at the hospital *grin* Hopefully, the next time we go, we will stay :-) So.....I'm on pins and needles and can't wait till you are here :-) The next time I write in here, I hope it's to announce your big arrival into the world :-) Soon...I hope!
January 13, 2000: Nope, no arrival yet. However, we did spent the late evening at the hospital again last night! Just a small progression in dilation, but the contractions are stronger and closer. We had hopes of them keeping your mama and then starting a Pitocin drip, but.....they were over-crowded and sent her home. The pains are still there, but it's not what the nurses and doctors want. So.....tomorrow is another doctor's appointment, and we shall see. Your Nanny came in tonight, and we met for the first time face to face :-) God, that was exciting :-) She is beautiful :-) She is so anxious for you to arrive. We went out to eat and went shopping a little. She bought your christening dress, which is absolutely beautiful :-) It's a winter white satiny and chiffony dress with off white roses on it. Her daughter is a doll. She and your Aunt Holli instantly hit it off and had a great time together :-) I'll pick up your Nanny and Francie in the morning to come with us to the doctor, and hopefully, they will admit your mama to the hospital. Three days of labor with no progression is beyond the limit. It's late, and your mawmaw is beyond tired...so.....soon, I hope, we'll have you here in person :-)
January 14, 2000: Okay.....the scoop is still no progress :-( We visited the doctor this morning, and they did a nonstress test on your mama. She is still laboring, but they were eight minutes apart. There was no progression in dilation, either. The doctor read the strip and said you weren't any in kind of distress, so.....we wait. However, if nothing happens before then, we are to arrive at the hospital's Labor and Delivery department at 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning, the 17th, for augmentation of labor, and that means, we will soon experience your special delivery :-) We are excited beyond the realm of definition :-) Tonight, while we were enjoying a tasty seafood buffet, your mama was having pains quite regularly, and your Nanny Renee thought we'd end up in the hospital. No can do....they are still irregular and coming every 5 to 10 minutes apart when they happen and then none for a while. We had your mama keep track after we got home, but they were still not consistent. So......we just sit and wait in extreme anticipation.
The next time I update this page will be to announce your arrival :-) (Those of you who know specifics, can visit Taylor's special web page through LCMH :-) It will be available approximately 24 hours after her birth!)
January 16, 2000: You are here! What a beauty you are, and I haven't stopped crying yet. Labor started late last night, but your mama suffered all day long with prelabor pains. We went to the hospital at 1:00 a.m. this morning, and your mom progressed real well. She was dilated to 10 by 1 p.m., but you were stuck on her pelvic bone and could not pass. So, she had to have a cesarean section. You have tons of black hair, tan skin, and are the most beautiful baby!!!!!! Birth weight 8 pounds 10 ounces, length 20 1/2 inches long, and time of birth was 3:04. I was in the the operating delivery room with your mama and saw it all. Your mama was really scared but did so well :-) I only came home just now to pick up your Aunt Amity, Aunt Holli, and Uncle Jeremy so they can go see you. Aunt Daryth was there most of the afternoon. We are going back to the hospital right now, so I will update again soon as I can. Thank God you are here, safe and sound and your mama is okay :-) I love you soooo much, Taylor :-)
January 19, 2000: We are home now and tired as all get out. I think you noticed the difference from hospital to house. You were a bit fussy, but we did have lots of company and you were being passed around quite a bit *grin* You are sound asleep now! :-) However, as sad as it sounds, my diary to you has come to an end, but the good news is "it is because you are no longer unborn and are here" :-) You are the most precious little girl, and I love you more than words can say!!!! I'm proud to say I have already spoiled you rotten :-)
"A Baby Story" will be created soon with the happenings and goings on with lots of pics....stay tuned :-) (Right now, I'm beat.....Oh, and the pic from the hospital is really terrible....that does not look anything like Taylor! You'll see soon when I scan and post my pics!)
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