A Sweet, Precious Visit

Aunt Debbie Cuddling Pádraig

Cheek to cheek, heart to heart, many miles between us but never far apart

Aunt Debbie's Niece Jen, Great Nephew Pádraig and Great Niece Emma Marie

I waited so long for this visit, Aunt Debbie just happens to be my Sister! I feel very comfortable in saying that FEW sisters in the world have such a special bond and relationship as Debbie and I share. My sister is 2 years older than me. In spite of the age difference, it was and has always been as if we were twins. We grew up as best friends and remain the same today. Debbie was never blessed with any children of her own, so, as she always told me "Sis, your children are my children", it's been that way since their birth. Now that Emma Marie and Pádraig Henry have been born, my Grandchildren are "her" grandchildren! Should it be any different, the answer is no! My sister loves with no boundaries. Our family has witnessed that throughout her entire lifetime in how she selflessly gives of herself to her family, fiends and others. My sister, our sister, my children's Aunt Debbie is One-of-a-Kind. Debbie traveled from Kentucky to visit me. We went to my daughter's house and spent 5 nights. Jen, Pádraig's Mom and Ryan his Daddy were allowed 5 good nights of uninterrupted sleep while Debbie and I took turns caring for Pádraig throughout the night. We laughed, helped each other change dirty diapers, gave the baby a bath, reminisced of times past, cried together, laughed a lot more, enjoyed immensely watching Jen mothering her first baby; it was a sweet, sweet, precious week which passed much too quickly. Thank you sis for coming and sharing such a joyous time with Jen and me. Oh how I love you.

My Joy and Pleasure

Padraig, Woody and friends.

Emma Hribovsek, who has been rejoicing in Heaven for many years, was my Mother-in-law. She was a wonderful, remarkable woman, kindhearted, compassionate and giving. After Jen was born we called her Mama the rest of her days. Mama always treated me as if I was her very on daughter. Next to my own Mother, Mama was the most selfless person I have ever met. After I gave birth to Jen (Padraig's Mother), Mama spent the first week at home with me to help take care of the house and help with the baby. She was outstanding. I didn't have to lift my finger to do anything, unless I chose to do so. All through the years of having the privilege of being the recipient of her tireless acts of love and kindness, when I would attempt to thank her; she would stop me before I could finish my sentence. In a soft sweet tone, Mama's response would always be: "It's my joy and pleasure".

Only since Padraig's birth have I truly completely understood why Mama always cut me short when I tried to thank her. There really was no need to say thank you. That may sound strange or even rude to some who read this. Everything Mama did for me and my family came from the depths of her heart and soul, not because she felt it was her duty or obligation. Her actions were an outward reflection of an inward emotion of love with endless depth, as far as the east is from the west. Mama loved with all she had to give. Padraig was born March 24th. I have spent several days with Jen, Ryan and Padraig with the intention of being a help to them. Hopefully I have accompished just that, I believe I have. My heart is so swollen with love and happiness with the birth of this precious gift from God, I am so thankful. I did not come expecting any grand thank you speeches, when I leave in a few days to return home I do not want any thank yous as I leave, none are necessary! I will not consider it rude or ill mannered on the part of my children Jen, and Ryan. You may be wondering why, the answer is simple.......it has been "MY JOY AND PLEASURE".

Major Renovation........Nanny's House Grew By Two Feet!

Getting his first bath.

Emma Marie checking out her new cousin Padgraig.

Padraig Henry Doherty, born March 24th at 9:56 a.m., weighing at 9 lbs., 1 oz., and 20.5 inches long. His head measured 15 inches in diameter and his chest at 14 inches, yes, he is a big boy! Padraig was delivered by c-section. During surgery when the doctor saw what size our baby was, he told Ryan they had made the right decision! Mom and baby came through the procedure in good shape and Daddy managed to stay up on both feet and take some awesome pictures of the delivery.

Something has come over me, I can not take my eyes off of this wonderfully formed, amazing, beautiful soft silky bundle of joy God has given our family. Each time I look at Padraig I notice something so special, a work of God's craftsmanship. To gaze upon what God has gifted to Jen and Ryan in their son Padraig and to my husband and me as a Grandson is overwhelming. We have been brought to tears. Thank you God for your blessings on us.

I look forward to watching this new family grow, love and face life together. I'm excited to get to be a part of Padraig's early year's. Nanny and Papa hope to make many precious memories and have lots of fun with our new grandson. Our prayer is to live like Christ and be a positive influence upon his life.

There will be many interesting and fun stories ahead, so stay tuned.

God bless all who reads this blog.

Nanny

Special Delivery! March 24, 2011, 9:30 a.m.

Padraig Henry Doherty, Ph.D., will make his grand debut at the Olathe Medical Center, Gardner, Kansas on March 24, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. What a day of rejoicing that will be! Thirty-nine weeks of anticipation, excitement, and wonder will come to an end. From the time Jen called me with the news she and Ryan were going to have a baby my mind has been filled with so many questions. I've wondered, what color eyes will our baby have, the hair, will there be hair, what color hair, who will the baby look like, a big baby, a small baby, a long baby, or a short baby? Will our baby be a good baby or will our baby have a gassy stomach and cry often, how will our baby sleep? I love our little granddaughter Emma so much, is it possible for me to love Padraig the same? In just a few days most of these questions will be answered almost instantly, the color of his eyes, hair, if there is hair and the color, who he looks like. I'll know exactly how big Padraig is, how long he is. It will take a few days to figure out his sleeping pattern and whether or not he has a gassy stomach. One thing I know for certain even as I type this blog, YES, I will love Padraig just as I love Emma. I have loved Padraig from the instant I learned he was growing inside his Mother's womb. From experience I know that children are a gift from God, and God gives you an over abundant supply of love for each child He chooses to bless you with as a parent. It works the same way when you are so fortunate to become grandparents. I believe God doubles or even triples your love supply for your grandchildren. No matter how many grandchildren you are blessed to receive in your lifetime, there's more than enough love for each precious grandchild. Padraig, Emma has taught me so much about love, how to receive love and love back. Your Nanny and Papa are going to love you with all of our heart and soul and still have move to give. We can't hardly wait to meet you. You can count on Nanny, I'll be there waiting, not patiently, but waiting to meet you face to face and tell you "I love you Padraig" on your Birthday, March 24, 2011. Thank you God for your blessings on me.

God bless each one who reads this blog.

Nanny

She's Had Her Shower and Packed Her Bag!

Jen at her Baby Shower March 2, 2011

Jen's co-workers gave her a Baby Shower on Tuesday, she had a doctor's appointment the following day. After listening to Jen describe the location and degree of pain she has been experiencing, her doctor decided to examine her. He was very surprised when upon the exam he could feel the baby's head! Needless to say that announcement caused some excitement in the examining room. You can imagine how excited this Nanny became when Jen called and passed the news to me! I felt my blood pressure rise a couple of notches as Jen shared her latest report. To make the drama more interesting, she went on to tell me we might be having a St. Patrick's Day baby. That bit of information almost blew me over. I'm still dizzy headed from all this excitement.

Today I visited Jen once again. I want to take every opportunity to see her pregnant, as of late she has taken on such a pretty glow about her face. There's something beautiful radiating from her countenance. It is a joy to be around her, watching as she carries our precious Padraig, nestled inside his warm cacoon just waiting for his birthday. What a miracle, a gift from God.

I watched as she packed her bag for the hospital with inthusiasm today, and expressed such a feeling of accomplishment. Jen also picked out 2 possible outfits in which to bring Padraig home from the hospital. It appears to me she has an urgency to get everything in order, as Randy would say: to have her ducks in a row.
Perhaps she has a hint or a feeling that time is drawing near. Well, as I mentioned earlier, Jen's had her shower, and her bag is packed, the rest is up to Ryan to get her to the hospital. I believe she's in good hands, Ryan will get the job done,

I just wonder...should I pack a bag, what should I take. It could be a long stay at the hospital, my feet may start hurting. Perhaps I should take a comfortable pair of shoes, a sweater, some snacks, bottled water, my camera...maybe I should make a list. Oh, I'm getting so nervous, I hope I don't forget something really important, like Randy!

God bless all who reads this blog.

A sinner saved by grace.
Nanny

We're Nesting

New bedding for Padraig's bed

Jen's Diaper Cake

Four weeks or less to go! I was needing a Jennifer "fix". It had been a while since I visited with her. In spite of the nasty weather, I was headed for Kansas. Upon my arrival, Ryan opened the door and welcomed me in. Usually I find Jen lying on the couch resting due to severe back pain and other major discomforts she is experiencing during this stage of her pregnancy. Normally Ryan is up and about, straightening the house, vacuuming the floors and doing various other household chores. Well, Jen was nowhere in sight. Ryan quickly informed me she was "Nesting". I couldn't believe my ears, "Nesting", I repeated.
"This is a primal instinct and all the females of almost every species in the world will go through this same instinct in one way or another. It is also an old wives tale that this is one of the signs that labor is going to set in shortly. Females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need. It is a primal instinct. Just as you see birds making their nests, mothers-to-be do exactly the same thing. The act of nesting puts you in control and gives a sense of accomplishment toward birth. You may become a homebody and want to retreat into the comfort of home and familiar company, like a brooding hen. The nesting urge can also be seen as a sign of the onset of labor when it occurs close to 40 weeks of pregnancy."
I found Jen in the spare bedroom trashing through a pile of stuff she had gathered for a yard sale, vacuuming the futon, rummaging through stacks of old mail and magazines and straightening the closet. She was happy as a lark, having a good time.
We stepped into the nursery and they had rearranged the nursery. I could tell that Jen had been cleaning and straightening that closet as well. As Ryan was making his way down stairs with stuff from the spare bedroom to store in the basement, Jen was trying to pile additional items on top! During my visit, the mailman delivered the bedding for Padraig's bed. The box was opened, I volunteered to iron the bed skirt. Ryan, with Jen's directions did a very nice job of putting the bedding all together. Eventually I did manage to get Jen to lay down on the couch and let me rub her legs about 30 minutes before I had to leave. The funny thing is that I have been nesting too. This past week, I have worked diligently in Padraig's room at Nanny's house on some last minute touches and preparations. I'm lacking the huge burst of energy Jen seems to have, but I am very antsy. Since the beginning of last week I have been taking my phone charger and cell phone to the bedroom with me each night...I am just waiting for that call! The Baby Shower is Tuesday, March 1st, so after that, I'd say Jen and I are ready to have this baby! If any of you are skeptical of Old Wives Tales, don't discount all of them! The Nesting of expecting Mothers is real, I experienced it just prior to the birth of both of my children, we'll see if it works with Jen. Thank you for reading my blog and sharing my excitement about the upcoming birth of our new grandson. God bless everyone who reads this blog.

Nanny,
A sinner saved by grace

8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and Counting Down!

Padraig Henry Doherty (Ph.D.). How many other Grandmothers can say their Grandson was born with a Ph.D? I suppose I'm boasting a tad but the facts are facts. Eight weeks give or take a few days one way of the other. I am so excited, you would think that I was birthing this baby! I have been experiencing excruciating pain in my lower back as of late, sympathy pains for Jen do you reckon? The poor girl has suffered terribly with her back throughout this pregnancy. I go to bed thinking about the baby and wake up thinking about the baby. There's so much for me to do to get ready! There's the crib down at Jen's that once was Emma's which needs to be moved up here. I must find a changing table, not just for the convenience, but for the benefit of my back. Then there's the matter of crib sheets, blankets, diapers and so on an so forth. The thought just entered my mind, why don't they give Grandmother's a Baby Shower? Oh well, it was a nice thought. One evening this week Randy re-arranged the extra bedroom in order to make room for the crib and the changing table. Kimber, our Granddaughter, Emma's big sister, will now be sharing that room with Padraig. I don't think she will mind. As I type this blog, Emma is napping on the couch. She's such as big girl. Emma is going to help Nanny take care of her little cousin. I know Emma will be a great little helper. I'm looking forward to watching the two of them grow up together and develop a long lasting special relationship with each other. I was just thinking: should I get a diaper jeanie, do we need a monitor to keep a close ear on the baby, what about one of those musical swings they have now, oh and we've got to get that new thing that warms the baby wipes, that's the neatest idea. Who wants a cold baby wipe on their bottom, a nice warm one is much better! Oh my goodness I'm getting a headache just thinking about all the stuff! I've got 8 weeks, that's plenty of time, I'll have everything under control and in tip top shape when our little Ph.D. arrives.....maybe. What is it about Grandpas? Randy seems calm as can be, not a concern about what the baby needs. Just wait until we get that phone call telling us they're headed to the hospital, things will change then, this Grandpa will be like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. He'll be nervous to say the least! Keep watching for current updates about the excitement at Nanny's house.

God bless all who reads this blog.

A sinner saved by grace.

Nanny

Life With A Two Year Old

Pony Tails and Potty Training!

Such a Beutiful Face!

Yeah! Big girl! Good job! Nanny is proud of you! Clap, clap, clap are the words and sounds you hear echoing from the bathroom at Nanny's house these days. Yes, we've entered that exciting time of Potting Training! In a previous blog, Have Potty Chair Will Travel, you were privileged to view a snap shot of Emma's personal "chamber pot." Since the posting of that Blog, we have upgraded. Emma is now the proud owner of her very own Potty Ring with side handles. The ring sits on top of Nanny's grownup toilet seat, of course there's a little step stool for Emma's ease in rising to the throne.

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The Queen of Nanny's House

How sweet it is to hear Emma say "I got a go peepee" or "go poofoo." I suppose that is music only to a Grandmother's ears. At the moment either one of these events take place, out comes my cell phone and the text messages (and a occasional picture) start surging over the airways. After all, we have to share the excitement.
A few of the recipients haven't appreciated the pictures, I don't understand their lack of enthusiasm.

A Girl Can Take Only So Much Excitement

This potty training business is hard work for both Emma and Nanny. Whew....sometimes you just have to chill out in your favorite recliner, Emma's just happens to be Papa's. When Emma takes a break, Nanny takes a break; that's the rule at Nanny's house. Yep, life is fun, full of excitement and I am truly blessed.

God bless all you read this blog.

A sinner saved by grace,
Nanny

My First Diaper Cake

The front of the Diaper Cake

The back of the Diaper Cake

The top of the Diaper Cake

What fun this project has been from start to finish! I had never heard of the Diaper Cake until over 2 years ago when Jen was making one for Carissa's Baby Shower. At that time I thought it was edible, that is until Jen sent me a link to check it out on the computer! I find myself feeling like an ole fat hen setting on a nest full of eggs. Lately it's very difficult for me to be still, get settled, you know.... make my nest. Folks, we're down to counting weeks, number 9 already! I'm just a tad anxious to say the least. They say keep yourself busy and time will fly.
The sewing machine has been out on the kitchen table more than in it's case of late.
I've sewn a Baby apron towel for the proud parents to use on that slick little wet one at bath time. I made a Toy Story baby blanket, stitched up a few Wee Wee Wigwams to have on hand at diaper change. In case any of you don't have a clue what the Wigwam is for, it protects you from getting wet while you change the baby boy's diaper. Jen is pretty savvy at surfing the net and finding neat and usable things for the baby, forwarding the picture to me along with a message "Mom I need you to make the baby some of these"! My latest project is to make the little mitts that cover the hands so that baby doesn't scratch his face. I am having the time of my life. What a joy this pregnancy has been (for me). At times I'm overwhelmed with emotions with the thought of my baby girl having a baby. I well remember...it was just yesterday I brought all 6 pounds and 19 inches of her home from the hospital. I pray her little baby boy, Padraig Henry Doherty will bring as much joy to her as she has given me. This is one happy and blessed Nanny.

God bless all who read this blog.

A sinner saved by grace,
Nanny

Have Potty Chair Will Travel

Emma and I went on an excursion this week. Jen needed our assistance with her two dogs, Bodie and Claire. Ryan was out of town, Jen's work is too far away for a quick drive home to let them out at noon, so, walah..., Emma and Nanny to the rescue. Naturally that required packing some of Emma's personal things to bring along. It's amazing the amount of "stuff" necessary when you travel with a 2 year old! I lost count on the number of trips I made unloading the van when we arrived at Jen's house. Of course Bodie and Claire knew Emma was coming, they were so excited to see her. Emma got a licking from head to toe and giggled all the while. She loves those dogs! Until this trip she had been calling both of the dogs "Bowie", all of sudden, from her sweet little lips came Claire, plain as day. She was so proud of herself. After that, it was Claire, no more Bowie, Emma had her name down pat.

Emma is a good little helper, especially at folding and unfolding towels that come from the dryer. Eventually, we did get the chore completed. She also is very accomplished at sweeping the kitchen floor. I'm sure it would have been most difficult for me to finish the housework without Emma's help! After helping me with all the chores she's ready for a little movie time and then a nap. We go downstairs so that I can tuck her in night-night for her nap and give her a kiss. When I make it to the stop of the stairs this is what I find:

Bodie and Claire had fallen asleep watching Lady and The Tramp on my computer while I was downstairs. Now, there's a couple of spoiled dogs! Well, Jen did manage to get in some one-on-one with her Mom. I managed to find the time to itch her legs (her terminology), she's pregnant you know! She does deserve some pampering. I do enjoy having either her head or her feet in my lap, it doesn't matter, she's still my little girl. I'll pamper her every chance I get; someday she may be taking care of me. This is Friday, I'll be heading home after I let the dogs out. I spent the morning tidying up after ourselves. I didn't want Jen to come home to a mess that we had left. Unless Bodie and Claire are naughty, she should find a nice clean kitchen and living room, we'll see what kind of report card the dogs receive when Mom gets home from work today.

Jen telling her babies bye before leaving for work early this morning.

I've packed my van, it's been fun, what a joy to be close enough to help out when they call. It will be nice to have a fire going in the fireplace at home this evening. I'll soon be on the road again, traveling back to NKC. Randy and Jason both did a great job clearing the driveway and sidewalk of the 6-8 inches of snow that fell while we were here. Ryan will appreciate that I am sure! As I've said before, there's always something going on at Nanny's house. Thank you God for another day of life. Have a great day, and God bless all who read this blog.

Nanny, a sinner saved by grace

Pro 4:18 The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come.

The Making of Pádraig Henry Doherty's Nursery

Pádraig Henry Doherty, a fine Irish name if ever I heard one! For those of you who may not know, that's Patrick in our language. Oh, but with the wee boy having a Great Grandfather being Irish, we'll be calling the lad Pádraig. Have ya noticed the wee one's initials ....P.H.D.(born with a Ph.D.)pretty impressive don't ya think! Of course me being his Nanny, naturally I'm a tad prejudice. This past Saturday Papa, Emma (the wee one's 2 year old cousin) and I spent the day at Ryan and Jen's. Emma and I were occupied pampering Jen, you know; itching her legs, rubbing her head and massaging her back.
Ryan and Papa used up most of the day prepping the nursery and laying on the beautiful one-of-a-kind blue paint. We three girls were so excited, quite frequently we would abandon the couch and run into the nursery to check on the progress. Emma would always exclaim "pity". After a quick exit, back to the couch we would go to continue our personal spa for Jen. I must admit, I love pampering my Jen. It is a joy to be near by and travel this journey with her and Ryan. I am so excited and can hardly contain myself while I'm patiently waiting for our gift from God to arrive. Ryan has been a real trooper through this uh, this uh, this pregnancy. He has stepped up to the plate and basically taken over the house so Jen could stay off her feet and rest. When we come in the door for a visit, he is usually cleaning the kitchen vacuuming the floors, cooking breakfast or taking care of Jen's needs. Wow, my hat's off to this man. From what I've seen, I believe Ryan is going to be a great Dad. With Jen having all the examples from her Nanny Marie and Mama Emma to follow; and hopefully I have influenced her in a positive way, our baby boy is going to have great parents. I would like to close this blog with an Irish quote: Go n-eírí an bóthar leat. May the road rise with you.
God bless each and everyone who reads this blog.

A sinner saved by grace, Nanny

What A Party!

Psa 139:13 You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14 I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart.
Psa 139:15 When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there---
Psa 139:16 you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began.

God is so awesome and amazing. Emma, God's creation, is more precious than all the jewels of the world. Her beauty surpasses the finest sapphire or the clearest diamond that could be found. She is made by God and given to our family as a gift, a valuable and treasured gift. Randy and I thank God for Emma and the privilege to love and cherish her. It is our desire to live an exemplary life in front of Emma in order that she will come to love Jesus and realize her need for a savior while she is young. There's no greater joy on earth than to see your children and grandchildren come to Jesus. Wow, what a party! So much excitement, so much to do! Nanny must admit there was a little anxiety with the thought of going to CHUCKeCHEESE PIZZA for the party. Years ago I took Jennifer and Jason to Show Biz Pizza in Paducah, KY, when they were small. I left that place with a horrible migraine headache and hadn't stepped foot into such a place since that time! But, it was Emma's 2nd birthday celebration, what could I do? Times have changed, I have mellowed or my hearing has greatly decreased (I would prefer the mellowing out). The place wasn't bad, the pizza was good, the games were fun, the entertainment was entertaining, the party was a hit! Most importantly Emma had a great time. Now, Nanny is looking forward to see if there really is such a thing as "terrible 2's", I may be partial, somehow I don't expect a severe outbreak of the epidemic at Nanny's house. God bless each one who reads this blog.

A sinner saved by Grace, Nanny

Forgetting What's Behind - Happy New Year

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Phi 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

2010 was a good year, it could have been better, it could have been worse.
Looking back, Randy and I see God's hand prints on every aspect of all the events which took place. We are so thankful that He is in charge. We greatly miss our friends and team members we left in Romania. There are somedays still that we shed tears for them. Randy and I are so blessed to be home and near our children. Our grandchildren have brought us joy unspeakable and we are anxiously looking forward to the arrival of our first grandson in April. Emma has kept me on my toes. We play baby dolls, read books, watch her favorite movies, and color but my favorite thing we do is just snuggle in Papa's chair...that's a very special time. Yes, God's been good and I look forward to what He has in store for Nanny and her family in this New Year. As a child of God, with Christ in your life, He brings hope as the New Year begins, a new start. This is what God's word says: 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. In this New Year if you don't know Jesus Christ as your savior, you can, you need to, everyone needs a savior. He will make you a new person, give you a new heart, make you new from the inside out. Don't just take my word, try it for yourself, you won't be disappointed. God bless each and everyone of you and a Happy and joy filled New Year to you from Nanny's house.