Hello from California,

Well ,the Manger family is in for a very exciting week!! Stephanie and Nate should be having their baby on this coming Tuesday. Steph is at 37 weeks gestation; and is having a big baby. The doctors feel if she goes full term the baby would probably be about 9 lbs. In the " old days" women just waited and attempted a normal delivery or scheduled a C/section. Now they have more choices which makes it harder on the parents. As large babies can come with more complications for the mom and the baby; they have choices ; not an easy thing for parents- to- be who just want to do the right thing.

Anyway, Michelle and I will be flying out Monday night to get to Chicago Tuesday morning. Stephanie will be induced and hopes to deliver that day. But who knows? Mother nature still rules even with medical intervention. But there are so many new medicines that make the chances of a successful induction very possible. There are medicines to soften the cervix ( sorry fellahs, if this is too graphic) and IV meds to cause contractions.

Phil/ Dad/ grandpa-to-be to be will stay at home for this part of the story and watch the puppy and cat. Then when Noah makes his appearance, there will be lots of telephoning and pictures being sent back to Grandpa's cell phone so he can share in the joy. Michelle and I will return to California on Friday and work the next week while the new couple enjoy their alone time with baby Noah. Then the new grandparents will fly back to Steph's for a week. We'll stay in a nearby hotel, so to be close enough to help, but far enough away not to interfere. ( we hope)

Michelle and Christopher will fly back for a week to help; they are so excited, too. It's hard for Michelle not to be near her sister and especially now that a nephew is coming. On their way back to California, they will stop in Las Vegas. Michelle's best friend from high school married a professinal football play. His name is Grey Ruegemer and is currently with the Giants. Before he was with the Patriots, Miami and one other team.... Anyway.......... Grey and his wife have formed a youth foundation to put books in schools and are hosting a bowling fundraiser; so Michelle and Christopher will help.

Sorry this is soooooooooo long; but we are just so excited.

Glad to hear Melanies pregnancy is doing so well. We love all the postings, especially Grandma.
Bye for now,
Hope to have good news this week.
Chris