I've been ready for a while......
As you all know, it' birthday month, with the expectation of a newborn sometime.
I've been going to sleep for the last month thinking....
Is it tonight?
Finally, I decided to accept the invite from my grandsons to hit the slopes.
We were heading out to Manning Park overnight, Feb.12-13th.
After all it's MY Birthday and so we made all the necessary arrangements.
We phoned home every few hours, because last time she labored for 30 hours.
I had plenty of time to get back...so I thought.
Remember, there's no WiFi except at the lodge.
The short of the story is that Joy Anna was born at 1:00 am Feb.13th, 2016!
Could I ask for a better gift?
Yes, she is beautiful and content and who does she look like?
I've never been good at that.
Now I'm going to take you back a few hours....
Tara and I were both on call for the arrival of this new child.
What good is that when we are both at Manning Park?
An aunt and uncle consented to being on call.
Feb. 13th arrives, fresh snow,
and we enjoyed a wonderful birthday breakfast in the cabin.
A loud knock on Cabin #34.
"Housekeeping!"
I opened the door to see a friendly smile.
I immediately invited them to enjoy some freshly baked french toast.
They hesitated, and were quick to inform us that they had a message to deliver.
"Christopher phoned and announced the birth of a child."
My face expresses it very well...I was in shock...total shock.
How could she deliver that fast?
Was I really supposed to believe this?
While at the same moment we were receiving the news,
John was in the backroom with the boys preparing the candles and cake.
I really thought this was a scam...
I thought they were all putting me up to this.
There were many screeches and cheers of laughter.
So much for skiing.
I've never seen a crew pack up so quickly.
Everyone, including the boys wanted to race back to meet their new cousin.
A proud family with many smiles and hugs.
Congratulations Christopher, Suzanne and Ivy!
The rest of the photos tell the story.
Ivy stayed with us for a few days and was reading to Joy!
I love watching Ivy interact with Joy as it brings sheer delight.
Two sisters entangled in each other's lives forever.
How special to hold this little bundle of Joy in my arms.
Those first quiet tender moments and snuggles need to be savored.
How does it happen that I share my birthday first with my daughter, Mikki,
and now with my granddaughter, Joy Anna.
A mother holds her children s hands for awhile......
their hearts forever.
