Day 38: Young Parents

A series of deaths has been steaming through work.  Late last year, my friend Rita lost her Mom after a year and a half of bad health (Rita was dealing with a lot of stress).  In the past 4 weeks, I've had two employees lose parents and another lose a grandparent.  I am really thankful I have young(ish) parents still.  I don't know what I would do without my parents.  I talk to my mom often (every day or every other day...sometimes more) and my dad a couple times a week.  I enjoy hanging out with them when I visit (or they visit me) and I know I can talk to them about anything (good and bad).  The worst thing about living in California is knowing if something happened to either of them, I may not be able to fly to Texas in time to say good-bye (this is a huge fear of mine). 

My parents were born in 1956, so they just turned 55 last year.  To put it in perspective, I work with a number of people my parent's age or older.  My parents had Ashley and I when they were relatively young (they had me at 24 years old), so we haven't really dealt with any major health issues.  My mom has suffered through migraines for years (way too many to count), but Ashley and I have finally convinced her to try a new treatment.  Based on initial feedback from her, she does seem to be feeling better.  My dad has high blood pressure, but takes a prescription to help control it.  I'm really thankful my parentals are young, in good health and see doctors regularly, so I don't need to worry about death quite yet.

Day 26: Diet Coke

I love Diet Coke. Some people might say I am addicted to Diet Coke. Tonight, I went to a work sponsored happy hour at a local restaurant...Jimmy's Famous American Tavern. I don't drink, so my coworkers always order me a Diet Coke :) If I am not drinking water, I am usually having a room temperature Diet Coke (I don't really like ice with my soda). For as long as I can remember, I've been a Diet Coke drinker. My mom introduced me to the deliciousness of Diet Coke at a very young age. Ashley and I were always taught to drink diet soda rather than regular because of the sugar in regular soda. My mom said if we drank diet, then we could have dessert, which is a mantra I still live by (who doesn't like dessert?). When I am at a restaurant with Diet Pepsi, I feel a little sad inside because Diet Pepsi isn't Diet Coke (but I will drink it in a pinch :)). I even love the fizzing sound Diet Coke makes when I pour it into a glass. Cheers to you, Diet Coke!

Day 20: Brand New Nephew

Around 8AM this morning (10AM Texas time), I received a call from my mom, Judy.  My mom is not normally awake at 10AM, so I knew something was up if she was calling...Ashley was being admitted to the hospital.  If you don't already know, Ashley is having a little baby boy (name TBD before birth) due January 22.  Apparently, he decided he wanted to arrive a couple days early.  This morning, Ashley had her normal OB appointment and her DR said her amniotic fluids were low, so they were inducing.  Stuart immediately grabbed Ashley's stuff and left to meet her at the hospital, while my mom and dad stayed with Monroe until closer to the delivery. 

Ashley called me about 9:30AM: 4 centimeters dialated, IV in, and getting ready for the epidural.  As I tried to work throughout the day, my mind kept wondering to Ashley in labor.  I hoped and prayed everything would go smoothly for her and little baby boy (please, have a healthy baby).  I texted her around 12:45PM to see how everything was going and received a response 15 minutes later..."8 centimeters dilated, so getting close. Today is definitely the day.  I will keep you posted." I called Ashley again at 1:36PM, Stuart answered the phone and said "Congratulations, he was just born."  I cried a little and told all my coworkers like the proud Auntie I am. 

The pertinent statistics: Born 1/20/12; 3:13PM (CST); 8lbs, 13.2oz; 21 inches; dark brown hair; Blue eyes

Baby Boy Keller Right after birth (No name as of yet)

Baby Boy Keller Being Held By Mama

Papa's first grandson...finally a boy :)

  

He already holds a little piece of my heart.  I talked to Ashley tonight and Mama and baby are doing great.  Monroe was very excited to meet her baby brother and told me all about how he has BIG eyes :)  I can't wait to meet him in March, but hopefully I can call him by an actual name soon!