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

Hattie's Here!

We welcomed Harriet "Hattie" Elizabeth to our world yesterday, Saturday Oct. 28th, 2006 at 1:36pm. She was born at Mercy Anderson Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Hattie was 7lbs 11oz and 20 inches long. At this point, she looks like a carbon copy of me as a baby (only 3 lbs lighter)- those of you who knew me when, judge for yourselves.

Trey was an incredible labor coach not leaving my side throughout the whole process. Having Mom there with us during this big event was really special as well. We're all doing very well and looking forward to the journey on which we're about to embark.

Thoughts on Fatherhood

Well, here we are five days after the due date of our little girl. I am finding myself anxious to complete this portion of the journey. I know Kristin is ready to have her old body back. But then I start to wonder just what is life going to be like after she is born. The time that Kristin and I have spent together as a couple the past four years has been incredible. It has been hard because I have been surrounded by estrogen everywhere I turned, until George came to "visit". There has been Kristin, Sadie, Esther, and Gideon (male name, but actually a female turtle). Now there will be the addition of even more estrogen. What is a guy to do? If I give in I may find myself using a myriad of facial products before I go to bed and wondering if "ruby rouge" makes me look like a prostitute. I will remain strong, because I know that my little girl needs a daddy. This will be quite a change for me. I have lived thirty-seven years without a child. My parents had already had all three of us (my siblings and me) before they were my age. Kind of late to be getting started, but I believe that God has been in control. I am so blessed to have my best friend as my wife and now the mother of my daughter. My only hope is that I can be everything that my daughter actually needs in a father (not that she will always agree with my interpretation of her needs). Even as I write this Kristin is having contractions. It's just the beginning and they are not very severe, but I know that it will not be very long now. I love them both and I pray God's blessing on them throughout the delivery. I thought that I would add this footnote: I do think that Kristin will miss one very important perk of being pregnant.




This was taken on one of our grocery shopping excursions. She was kind of a menace on that thing! I think the other shopper's will be glad to see her back on her feet. :)

Pregnant Mama, Nursery and More

Our last evening out on the town pre-"Baby C"
















This was taken 2 weeks ago and counting.....
















Preview of a corner of the nursery...note the shelf that "Papa Trey" made



...yet another corner of the nursery....note the Wizard of Oz blanket draped across the crib that my Aunt Carole made me when I was born. Also note the bumper pads, crib skirt, pillow, Roman shade and matching quilt made by Joyce Kaiser (on the chair).









(Below)- more of the baby's room. She'll wear the daygown on the right home from the hospital. The one on the left was mine as a little girl...both bought from the same shop ("The Women's Exchange") in Memphis, TN.

Baby C

The Final Countdown….

I’m beginning week 40 of my pregnancy and things are moving right along. I've had quite a trip over the last 9 plus months of pregnancy- all the typical feelings, emotions, aches, pains, questions and now just mere anticipation of Baby C's big debut! I won't write about all my aches and pains or even the emotional rollercoaster I've been on because you've either experienced the rollercoaster firsthand or watched your wife ride it and who wants to read about someone else's aches and pains, really?

I've had a few baby showers, all unique. One was a tea that a couple of Mom's friends in Tulsa, OK (Joyce Kaiser and Susan Grober) threw for me. It was a lovely event that took place in early July when I came for a visit. The second shower was in mid September- a surprise shower that the International Paper Global Sourcing group (of which I'm a part) organized. I was COMPLETELY clueless! I don't think I've EVER figured out a surprise party or event that anyone's ever done for me until I actually walked into the room and the people yelled, "SURPRISE"! Oh my. It was a lot of fun- the company, food, generous gifts and mere element of surprise made it a memorable experience for sure. The last shower was the most unique one I've ever attended for reasons I'll explain. Friday night, Trey and I got a phone call from our friend Bonnie Butler in Franklin, VA. She said that she'd sent us a package that we'd “get a kick out of” and we should be receiving it the following day. We happened to be home Saturday afternoon when Trey met the mailman in the driveway to sign for the package (Trey was pretty excited about it, needless to say) and what a package! Taped to the top of it was an envelope with "Send a Shower" written on it. We opened the envelope and inside were instructions all our wonderful friends at our church in Franklin had created for "How to throw a shower in a box". There were steps 1-20 and they included: Trey pinning on me a handmade corsage of colorful baby socks, rattles...., blowing up about ten balloons, setting out party favors and refreshments they'd sent (Kool-Aid Singles, Junior Mints, Party Mix nuts....) and a few baby shower games they included…all in this “Send a Shower” in the box! Too much!! Once all of that was set out it was on to the gift opening. Trey and I had such a blast at our shower (though we were the only ones in attendance- I know, we're dorks). We took tons of pictures with the throw-away camera they sent us, of which we'll send them copies. We also got to use our great new digital camera and we even took movies with our VIDEO CAMERA- yay! We finally got these in the last couple of weeks thanks to Mom, Dad and George's generous birthday and anniversary contributions! We had so much fun and received some adorable and useful goodies for the baby.

The nursery is all ready! The walls were painted yellow with love by Daddy Trey with bead board he installed himself. He made a darling shelf and painted it to hold all my classic children's toys such as Raggedy Ann and Andy (handmade by my neighbor in Raleigh, NC when I was but 2 years old), Kermit the Frog (my favorite), numerous Beatrix Potter characters, Babarr's friend, Arthur, Paddington Bear, Trey's personal favorite- his Sock Monkey and many more.

We stripped and repainted a piece out of my collection of childhood furniture, which also belonged to my mom as a little girl. Anyone that knows me knows I am extremely sentimental- maybe to a fault- but, hey, I could have worse faults! ;) Our little girl will be the third generation to enjoy this heirloom. I hand painted knobs for this piece (and light switch plates) to match the colors in the room and it's Trey's and my masterpiece for our little one. Carefully placed on the shelves of this piece are all my Mme Alexander dolls that Mom and the Romeisers gave me through the years. I had them on these shelves in my room growing up and I hope that our little girl will love them as much as I have….just as long as she doesn’t touch them! Heehee! The room is filled with the most darling Roman shade, exquisite crib skirt, precious bumper pads, beautiful quilt.....thanks to Mom's dear friend, Joyce Kaiser. She is an amazing seamstress and interior decorator. What a blessing. I also have displayed a very special item- the most wonderful quilt that my Aunt Carole made for me herself when I was born. It has a scene from the Wizard of Oz stitched on it and Mom had kept it in mint condition over the last 28 years. Now all we need is Baby C and the room will be complete.

On the workfront, today or tomorrow will be my last day as Mom arrives on Wednesday, Oct. 18th....just 5 days prior to Baby C's official due date (October 23, 2006). I probably need to start weaning myself off work so I can focus on the baby's arrival, being a mom and getting into that frame of mind. I feel like the baby won't make an appearance until later next week but it's probably just a feeling and at least Mom will already be here for the big event. Trey and I have gotten such a kick out of her comments relating to the Dr.'s reports on my progress. Whenever we tell her that I'm making any progress in that department (ex. effacement, dilation....) she makes classic comments like, "I don't like the sound of that", "Oh goodness- should I start packing my bags?” or "I think I'd just feel better if nothing was happening".....what a mess- gotta love her! :) Trey and I are so grateful for her coming to stay for a few weeks as we know she'll be an enormous help with the home, the baby and in keeping me company while Trey is at work. Poor Trey has been doing much of the grocery shopping, making dinner, straightening up the house, running errands.... over the last month as it's all I can do just to get up and drag myself into work each day. This wouldn't be so tough for him if he wasn't also trying to juggle a challenging (in a good way) job, a hour and a half commute each day, finishing up another college degree and dealing with a pregnant wife and all the projects that come along with it! ;)

It's been an interesting past year at our home. As many of you know my precious little brother George was living with us from late July '05 until July '06. We had so much fun! It was such a blessing because I hadn't had the opportunity to spend that much time with him since we were both at home in Nashville and even then we were both so busy with school, sports and other extra curricular activities after school, friends in the evenings and on the weekends… that we didn't get to spend as much concentrated time together as we did last year. It was an incredibly special time, one that I'll never forget and always reflect upon and smile. He is SUCH a mess! He’s such a typical little brother in so many ways (likes to aggravate me, wrestle with me, challenge my views, opinions.....) BUT for the first time we were able to just hang-out and enjoy each other's company without much else going on. We spent many evenings on the back deck, enjoying my wooded backyard and nature, a fire burning in the chiminea, the doggies playing outside, listening to music and just working out life's problems. We went on many hikes and trekked through the creek behind our house with the doggies…it was such a special season in our lives. In the meantime, poor Trey was in the basement (our computer's down there) working on homework and studying so George was a real life saver for him as he'd keep me laughing and entertained for hours on end. Now that George has gone to Korea, Trey is left with the responsibility of keeping me entertained at all times- it's a pretty big responsibility but he's doing a great job! ;) George even made a Bengal's football fan out of me! That's remarkable considering I've NEVER enjoyed watching football- even as a football cheerleader throughout highschool AND attending UTK! Ha! It's been kind of sad watching the games without him this season, all by my lonesome. I am saddened, as is he, by the fact that "Uncle George" won't be here to welcome his little niece into this world because I know what a huge influence he's going to be on her life and how much she'll adore her Uncle George. As he's acknowledged before, he's had a good role model in his own uncle, Uncle John, Mom's big brother.

Last night I told Trey that we only have a couple more days of just the two of us as Mom will join us Wednesday and then our little bundle of joy will be joining us soon after. We've been preparing the "big sisters", aka Sadie and Esther, that in just a few more days they'll be big sisters and going over their roles and responsibilities. As a big sister, myself, I feel I have a few words of wisdom to share with them. ;) We've bought them some gourmet doggy treats with which we'll present them as “big sister” gifts when the baby comes home. We don't want them to feel left out. Lindsay Rosa, a college friend and sorority sister, made sure I'd thought of the "girls". She knows Sadie and Esther well as went with me to adopt them from the Knoxville, TN "pound" when we were Seniors in college. She helped me raise them the first year or so. ;)

I'll post some pix of the room, showers, etc. on this blog shortly…..once I figure out how to do it. By the way, THANK YOU George for creating this blog for us as I’m new at all this.

Love to you all!

Uncle George

I had asked Kristin to start a blog about my niece so I could vicariously watch her grow via the internet. It's not great, but I don't want to miss a second and I'm sure you don't either.

To me, being an uncle is a big deal. I get to love and be involved with this beautiful child for the rest of my life. I'll continue this discussion on my blog.

It's all yours Kristin and Trey...