Monday, April 7, 2008

A Few Very Special Things

First of all, thank you all so very much for your comments after I posted about Momo's passing. I was both surprised and comforted by such a wonderful outpouring of support. I greatly appreciated it.

I've been home for a little over 24 hours and am happy to report that I'm a lot less grumpy than I was during the slightly longer than expected layover in Denver. We were able to get a flight out a few hours earlier than expected, because the folks at the ticketing counter figured out how to get around that computer glitch so that we could fly standby. I definitely savored those three extra hours at home last night. (And yeah, Uncle Barry, sometimes little league baseball jamborees in the cold Seattle rain can be advantageous when they get you home a day earlier and avoid a weather related flight fiasco.)

Our trip to Alabama was as good as such a trip could be. It was sad yet healing at the same time to be in their house surrounded by so many memories of her. I realize that everybody thinks their grandmother is the picture of angelic perfection. But I kid you not when I say that she really was one of the most wonderful and sweetest women that ever lived.

One of the things that I was reminded of during the trip was just how excited she was about Spot's impending arrival. Over the last couple of months as her health deteriorated even further, I think the thought of her first great-grandchild was one of the things that kept her smiling. And while this baby will never get to meet their Momo, she still managed to leave them with some memories of her.

She had set this quilt aside for me and was planning to give it to me when I was supposed to visit in late April. She had made it for me when I was a baby. I would like to point out the prevalence of brown in this quilt. So much for the little old lady at the knitting store who was shocked by my choice of brown for a baby blanket. (Okay so it was made in the late 70's when brown was popular...but no need to tell that little old lady that, right?)

As I mentioned she had begun crocheting sweaters, just as soon as the words "I'm pregnant" slipped out of my mouth. Jaime and I found them quickly after our arrival, as the works in progress sat next to the chair where she liked to crochet and watch TV. I remember spending many happy hours sitting next to her there during vacations working on a variety of projects while watching Wheel of Fortune or the morning news.

The girl sweater is done, with just some ends to weave in and buttons to sew on.

She had not gotten quite as far on the boy sweater. But thankfully she had taught me to crochet the last time I visited, so I should be able to finish it for her.

After being away and suddenly out of the loop for a week, it was strange to be back into the regular routine of work today. Luckily it went quickly, as there was plenty for me to catch up on. It is also hard to believe that I'm 15 weeks along today. The update at Baby Center informed me that the nose bleeds and occasional stuffiness I've experienced over the past month or so are very likely pregnancy symptoms. Bizarre. But the website went into an explanation about increased blood flow and yada, yada, yada. So I guess its true. Besides everything, you read on the internet is true, right? I've also spent an inordinate amount of time lately looking at my profile in the mirror in an attempt to determine how much of this roundness is baby-related versus pre-existing. I asked Jeramy for his opinion this morning, and he leaned heavily towards pre-existing. Honesty is really his downfall, I tell you. In Alabama last week, D-daddy went with baby roundness...what a wonderful grandfather! But of course the last time he saw me I was several pounds lighter too.

Most of my nervousness has subsided. Well except for when I get some cramping and then completely unnecessary bathroom breaks to check for spotting ensue. But I digress. We've actually gotten brave enough to start working on Spot's room. Last weekend we installed new closet doors (and by we, I mean Jeramy). He also started organizing his office while I was away as part of the effort to consolidate all of his stuff into one place. The big ultrasound is in mid-May, and I'd like to have it in such a state as to allow us to start painting once gender is identified.

Even with the increased confidence, potential belly roundness and sinus issues, I must admit that it is still all so very surreal.

6 comments:

Jennifer said...

the quilt and sweater are gorgeous...what a wonderful gift to have from your momo. and that's so great that you'll be able to finish the blue one she started...what a lucky baby to have those special sweaters! xo

Kathy V said...

I am glad to hear that you are doing okay. The sweaters and quilt are gorgeous. What does that funny lady in the craft store know about baby blankets anyway? Brown is a wonderful color. And hello will probably hide more things than a pale pink or pale blue. Glad you are back safe and sound.

Mazzy said...

That quilt is so beautiful and special. What an amazing grandmother to have given you such a lasting piece of herself to share with your baby.
15 weeks already, wow! It just seems like you were telling us about your positive like last month or something. I am so glad to hear things continue to go so smoothly for you.
Husbands should never be asked questions regarding belly size. I have learned it is the only way to a happy marriage. ;)
*hugs*

Nicky said...

Almost none of my non-maternity clothes fit, but my husband still insists that any noticeable bulges were pre-existing. Last night was the first time he admitted that maybe I was getting bigger.
Glad you're home and settling back in.

Maria said...

Your trip home sounds both sad and very wonderful. How so very sweet of your loving Momo to be knitting baby sweaters for you. I think its wonderful that you'll be able to carry on the work she already started. I love the quilt, so great that you got it back. It so cute and retro.

So excited for your big u/s, May can't come soon enough.

Barb said...

What wonderful wonderful memories and mementos from your Grandma. I'm sure she is so pleased that she was able to leave those things for you.

xoxoxoxoxo