I seem to have lost track of time. My husband and I drove back to Mendocino today from LA. But let me go back in time when this all started. Jeanette was to be induced on Tuesday, the 3rd. We had assumed that it would be at a civilized hour, but her doctor had her arrive at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 2 AM. My husband and I arrived there at 3 AM. They put Jeanette on a twelve hour medication that would help initiate labor. Around 6 AM she started some stronger labor and three hours later, she had an epidural to relieve some of the discomfort. The photo above was taken around 7:30, shortly before she had been given some relief. Her sister is beside her.
This clock represents so much that is missing but present. Jeanette was in labor with strong contractions from six in the morning on the 3rd until she delivered her baby boy, Lincoln at 8:10 AM the next day, Wednesday the 4th. She was in labor a total of 30 hours, most of it being quite intense and constant. We waited and waited and waited all through the hours drifting in and out of her room watching and fretting and cheering her on. To say she did remarkably well is an understatement. She weathered all the pain and the hours and the uncertainty without complaint or hardly a whimper. My youngest daughter has taught me so much about dignity and courage and grit. She was awesome. And her husband stayed the course with support and love and tender care throughout.
Little Lincoln weighed in at 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 21″ long. He even has a dimple on his left cheek. His cry is strong and distinctive and his body solid and even a little chunky. His feet are so long and now we know why Jeanette was in constant discomfort with his strong and steady kicks especially the last six weeks.
Jeanette has wanted a baby for as long as I can remember. A career is one thing, but this baby has been a longing that will give her life more balance and reasons to bake more cupcakes and plan fun events.
I am a pretty proud grandma too. The hardest part for me was leaving him and saying good-bye at the hospital last night. I have been gone for two weeks and life is calling me back home. Jeanette and Ben have his parents arriving on Monday, and I know they will be so excited to have a chance to hold him and get to know him. I will go back in a few weeks again. In the meantime, I need to find a few threads in my life that were hanging loose and see if I can’t begin to weave them back into a solid shape.
Oh my! Nine months plus an extra week plus 30 hours! I’m so glad to know all is well. Little Lincoln, welcome to the world!! xoxoxo Kari
Thank you, Kari. I need to get back to emails and comments and life with good friends like you!!
Welcome indeed!
Oh I need to get back to visiting again. It has been such a long time. Thank you for the wishes.
Thanks so much for sharing this happiness. Your daughter appears to be a carbon, make that diamond, copy of you.
What exquisite and generous words you have offered. That in itself is a gift. Thank you!
Congratulations to you all. A lovely addition to the family!
Thank you for the wishes. Now I need to get back to my textiles in this space. All of my life for the month of July has been focused on family, but this is part of living and creativity too!
It is so special to welcome a new one. I was there for my grandchildren. Those first breaths on their own, I would like to have captured in a bottle. Life is so special and to have a piece of it is truly moving.
May Lincoln have the all blessings.
Both mine were born at Cedars. Your photos capture the smell of it all. Thanks.
Thank you Pat. You must have relived a little of this with these photos and recalled your time with your own deliveries. I loved your generous and caring words.
We brought the computer along on the trip to NH and Maine so I could be in on all the excitement. Now I can shut it off and put it away, knowing you and the family are all A-OK! Take care, dear friend. And what a beautiful baby. I know it must have been hard to leave the gang behind and head back home. I’m finding some fun textiles along the way, shall report back when the treasure hunting is over!
Love, Nancy
Thank you Nancy for keeping us close. Yes, do put your computer away and look for fun textiles. I will be so happy to see what you find along the way. Send me photos! And have fun with the hunt. It is such a fun and favorite thing to do.
wow. i am overflowing!
Now I need to get back to a focus on textiles as well as beasts!
Phyllis, congratulations to you and your family!!
Thank you for visiting. I loved looking at your beast on your blog and the earthmover face. Great!
Congratulations Grandma!!! Just read about your wonderful, exciting new addition to the family. Welcome Lincoln, what a lovely boy so strong and sturdy. Relieved all is over with a blessed ending, and I send greetings and love to you all. Your daughter Jeannette sounds amazing and I am so thrilled that she has received her heart’s desire. God bless. Lots of love, V.
Thank you, Valerie. It seemed a lengthy journey but one with a happy and healthy ending. Now back to come other textile-related postings here. Hope you are well.
What a beautiful baby boy! Congratulations <3
Just since I have been home and seen him on skype, he has already changed. Thank you for the wishes.