December 18
We are in our new home. We had arranged movers since all that carrying and lifting is not so good for a pregnant lady, with a history of infertility, especially in that first trimester. No one could tell I was pregnant by looking at me so the movers were always asking me to move thing. I finally cut them short by telling them, “Uh, that’s why we hired you guys.” After all, your Dad was in the hospital, The Pretty Little Dutch Girl looked like the last rose of summer (till the sun went down, when she managed to perk up and even go out) so you and I had all the unpacking to do. Thank God you are tough but Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, I hungered for rest.
December 23
Christmas Party at work. We danced with wild abandon. I am not so sure you enjoyed it because I left with a sharp pain in my side. So sorry Baby – but girls just wanna have fun.
December 24
Your 1st Christmas Eve, loosely speaking, cradled in your Momma’s womb. Christmas Eve dinner (scrumptious home made meat pies and tender ham – you seemed to like it) was held at Grandma & Grampa’s, so that Grandpa could continue his tradition of being Santa, going from door to door, handing out goodies. I went with him, dressed in red, his helper. It was the first time I saw your Great Aunt Neva in a long time and she kind of insulted us – she claimed I hadn’t gained much weight yet and asked me if I was having a kitten. This is the first hint that maybe there is something I should worry about – here I have been praying that I have the most intelligent baby ever (I admit it, I am an intellectual snob) – maybe I should pray that you are sustainable.
December 25
Dinner at Matthew’s house. My Sister Who taught Me Most of the Things I know had to serve 21 today which required 3 tables, in 3 rooms, set as if Martha Stuart was an honored guest. Who will you pick as your favorites from this motley crew? They were all present, except your Aunt No.1 Sister and Uncle Jim. Your Grandparents, your Uncle My One and Only Brother, who sings with your Dad at the supper table, as they do dishes, wherever, whenever and his new wife, your Aunt the Queen & Uncle Denis and your cousins, Your Aunt Lady of the Lake and Uncle Gary, your Aunt Baby of the Family and Byron, our family and Matthew’s are all together celebrating Jesus birthday. I went over in the morning to help prepare vegetables, in between singing lullabies to Matthew who was feeling the effects of being off schedule. I am sure you are going to love him but know somehow you will have a completely different sense of humor. Poor Puppy Shiloh exhibited the signs of needing a girlfriend in the worst possible way, so not only had to go though the indignities of having his tail tramped on but also being shoved away sharply when he tried to do the “nasty” on a guest’s leg. I had to believe it was one happy mutt when the last guest closed the door and his life was back to normal once again.
December 30
Regular checkup with Dr. D.. We talked about your Dad, The Pretty Little Dutch Girl and scantily about you and me. He was a little concerned about me being on Inderal for my heart palpitations but will talk to a Specialist and get back to me.
Probably by now you sensed I spent a lot of time worrying about your Dad’s health. Last July when he was so sick his biggest concern was he was dying and that he would not get in to heaven because the Christian Reform had ostracized him and in their little minds you only get the call to heaven if you are one of them. Imagine how surprised they will be when they die.
December 31
Dr. D. called me at work and told me the best advice he had been given was for me to continue on the Inderal and let the chips fall – a little ominous, would you not agree? Do you get the feeling they know just about as much as me and you?