Both Grandma and Grammy have been able to spend a lot of time with us since Ramona’s birth. I did the math and I think one or the other has been staying with us for about 8 of Ramona’s 14 weeks. The love, sacrifice and service they’ve poured out to us during this time has been just short of masochistic. We are so grateful (I also have to give a shout out to Nana, who I know would do the same if only she didn’t have to work).

Although I have strongly desired a family of my own ever since I can remember, I have never been one of those “now I’m complete” types. And I don’t buy into the idea that there are certain things “only a mother can understand” either. But motherhood has taught me a few things that I just never clued into before.

After Simon was born, the simple acts of caring for him, changing his diaper, feeding him, cuddling him and dressing him overwhelmed my time and energy. I thought, “Man, is this a lot of work!”. Duh. And then it occurred to me, “Someone had to do all of this sometimes tedious and often smelly work for me”. Duh. I’m embarassed to say it was the first time I ever really felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards my own mother. That she did so much for me just to keep me alive, and then raised me to be a fully-functional adult. Duh.

And now she’s here again. Again she’s sensed how helpless we feel and how in need of help and encouragement we are. And disregarding her own goals, her own sleep and all the comforts of her own home she’s doing everything in her power to provide for us so that we can provide for our children. Andy’s mom has done the same. In fact, my mom is the reason I’m able to post at all today. She’s in Ramona’s room, talking sweet to her and settling her down for a nap. I just want to let Grandma, Grammy and Nana know that there have been several times when I have literally wept with gratitude for all that you guys have done for us. There might even be a complimentary “#1 Grandma” mug in your futures.

After a long day at the ER, Ramona is doing pretty fine. Her color and saturations are normal (for her) and she seems very alert and engaged. She always likes the oxygen at the hospital, it probably just tastes better when someone else is buying. Thank you for your prayers and keep ’em coming. We’re just getting warmed up.

Love, Jane.

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