We're On Our Own - Part 2

Is she cute or what?

Snoozin' in Mommy's lap

Two lovely ladies! (Signed, Trey)

Naptime for Hattie and Daddy

We're On Our Own- Oh My!

Hattie celebrated her three week birthday yesterday at 1:36 p.m. It's hard to believe that she's been with us for three weeks already yet, at the same time, it's difficult to remember life pre-Hattie. She just belongs here and completes our little family. As most of you know, Mom came to Cincinnati to spend a few weeks around the time of Hattie's birth. She arrived on the 18th of October, giving us a week or so to get some last minute things done around the house.... Christmas presents ordered and wrapped....I guess she knew all too well what was coming down the road for us once little Miss Hattie arrived on the scene! ;) Thank heavens we had that time before hand- it was very special.

Once Hattie entered the picture, it was quite an adjustment but Trey and I were able to ease into it since Mom was handling the laundry, dishes, straightening up the house....let me repeat laundry- boy does that little one go through clothes! Mom helped us with her first bath, changed probably all but 10 diapers while she was here (she claimed it was "a priviledge" since she wouldn't be able to change them anymore once she went home) and helped me establish some sort of schedule for Hattie (as much of one as a two week old can maintain). Most importantly, she acted as a sounding board for what to do with Hattie when she fussed or I was dumbfounded by a certain cry....the list goes on. There are just so many questions you never anticipate pre-motherhood that are real stumpers once the little one is here. Mom gave me confidence that all was well and would continue to be well with baby Hattie. I sure wish Mom was still nearby. We chat every day, as we did pre-Hattie but it just isn't the same as having her here to spend time with and for her to get to see her first grandchild grow a little older each day. For now, mere pictures will have to do.

It was an appropriately dreary day when Trey, Hattie and I had to say goodbye to "GranGee". Needless to say, the ride home was not a cheery one. Trey's parents had come into town a couple days prior to meet their first granddaughter and celebrate her two week birthday. That helped take my mind off my mom's departure a bit. We had a nice visit and they departed five days later. The evening they left, my dad and Kathy flew in from NYC for a day and a half, which was also a lovely visit. It's funny- I'd always wondered what Mom and Dad would be like with their grandchildren, since I don't recall what they were like with George when he was a baby. It was 100% natural, though. Watching them interact with our little girl brought tears to my eyes on more that one occasion. It was a beautiful encounter, a beautiful sight.

This brings us to Friday, Nov. 17th, my first day on my own with Hattie. I never imagined what a challenge mom's (or dad's) at home alone with a newborn faced. It seemed so simple, almost relaxing to me before I experienced it myself. Even if Trey, Mom, Dad, Kathy, Jo, or Britt were just holding or watching Hattie, it allowed me to do a bit of laundry, some dishes, sort through some mail, those PILES of catalogues (especially this time of year) or grab a quick shower. Well, with none of them here, I basically accomplished nothing on Friday. Any of you that know me well know that a good day is a productive day. Whether it's checking things off my list such as grocery shopping, other errands, a walk, getting the housework under control or making a nice dinner, I, and those around me must be productive for me to feel good about my day! Wierd, I know....AND it looks like this will have to change about me if I'm to remain sane over the next couple months! I'm coming to the conclusion that amidst the fussy episodes that require constant attention, attempts to get Hattie to become familiar with and enjoy her crib, and other pieces of equipment (swing, bouncy chair...), feedings, changing her diapers and constantly washing her clothes that get dirty in the midst of or as a result of having to change her diapers...........I have some very UNproductive days ahead of me. That's okay, though, it'll be good for me to learn to slow down, give Hattie my full attention and learn that that investment is far more important than any check list I might have waiting to get done. After many basically sleepless nights, I'm amazed at how wonderful an hour or two of sleep can feel. I think that the week ahead, I'll take the advise of many mothers and sleep when she sleeps and remember that the checklists can wait a bit...at least until "Daddy" gets home...ha.

I know that all too soon she'll be on that much dreamed of schedule where she doesn't get her days and nights confused and takes naps like a good little girl but until then I'm in no rush because these days are all to fleeting and all too precious. Every day, Trey and I just stare at her, sleeping, awake, fussing....whatever her state may be and thank God for such a perfectly precious little blessing. She is such a joy to us already and we pray that she touches everyone reading this in the same way one day as well as the many others she encounters down the road.

Enjoy the latest pictures.....and thanks for reading.

Our Happy Little Family

Kick around time with Mommy and Esther

GranGee and Baby Hattie

First Bath!

Day 9

Here is our little Hattie at day nine. I know, it's not a very eventful video but for a Mama, Daddy and "GranGee" it was very impressive! Enjoy.

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=56647b844f5c5b50ea9e03f2d1653c30.1190615

Reflections of a Grandmother

October 28th, 2006 I became "GranGee". My name in this new adventure has been discussed, analyzed and re-analyzed. Now I know that little Hattie did not make this name selection but as soon as she was born and we were in immediate need for "the Name", GranGee just seemed right... and nothing else did.

My dear grandmothers were "Nana" and "Momo" but it didn't seem that those names were the ones for me. "Gee" is my nickname. Many family members and old friends have referred to me as Gee since I was a little girl. The story goes that I gave the nickname to myself when I saw a picture of a little girl that looked like me but couldn't quite say "girl" and said "GEE" instead. It stuck. My dear childhood friend, Bunny, named her first daughter after me, Angela Gee Blackburn and she goes by Gee.

So now little Hattie has her GranGee. My thought is that my kind, understanding husband, David, who has been so supportive of my extended visit here to welcome my first grandchild will be "GranSnap". He is a grandfather and is real "snappy" (in a good way)... hence the name.

This little piece of heaven wrapped in soft blankets named Hattie is an experience only a grandparent can fully appreciate. Perhaps it is the knowledge that she is part of you or that your child did this- created this being- but I look at her and am completely content. Nothing else seems important- she is perfection.

My wish for Hattie is that she will have Kristin's unflagging devotion to family as well as her spirit and beauty and that she'll have Trey's patience, faith and loyalty. Both Hattie's Mama and Daddy have much musical talent so we hope it rains down on her too. As the Mom of "Uncle George", I do hope that she will inherit his amazing wit and wonder of life.

The wealth of character and talent that runs in the blood of this child plus all the love and attention she will receive from her many family members and dear friends makes her life ahead seem as though it will be a smooth and wonderful path. Yet, as I know all too well, this is not always the case. Therefore, my wish for Hattie is that she have all the love, strength of family and tradition, and security in who she is and where she came from that she will be able to face all the wonder and adventures ahead plus the setbacks. Family gives you that strength. This I know.

I love you Harriet Elizabeth Culpepper.

-Your GranGee

First Online Video

Well everyone, we have our first video posting of Hattie. The video probably would not win an Emmy, but Hattie would certainly be crowned Miss Universe if the judges could just see her. Take a look and see if you agree. If you don't agree then leave your name and I'll come to see you in short order and persuade you otherwise. :)

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=56647b844f5c5b50ea9e03f2d1653c30.1090783

Signed,

A Proud Dad