Survival (from Mom/Grandma)

The kids have all gone to their respective homes, and I am still upright and breathing. I did have a little help from babysitters (poolside) and from Grandma-Far-Away (movie theater).
I hired a teenager to stay with the kids at the pool while I took Kalena back to the house. Emma didn't go in the water, but for some reason loved being down there. Even Tucker mastered the rope swing after some encouragement from his siblings and cousins.

Grandma-Far-Away went to see "Meet the Robinsons" with 6 kids while I again took Kalena back to the house. There was also time at the playground, lots of play in the yard and garage and house. There were no major injuries - just a small cut on Nick's leg from a piece of glass - Kalena broke the glass out of a picture frame and I must have missed a piece in the clean up.

I think they found just about everything I had around for them to play with from the small plastic soldiers to the ping pong to color books. The big kids are all big enough to make the pogo stick go now, and Gabe was the champion jumper.

I was a little frantic at first, but found that I haven't forgotten how to take care of children. It must be like riding a bike - you never forget how. And I never had to fish Kalena out of the creek.

The kids were all good eaters and were game for just about all the food I fixed. They were a little perplexed at hot turkey sandwiches though, especially the Porters. That must not be a food they eat at home. Tucker was also pretty upset when we went to the Dairy Queen where he ordered a strawberry blizzard only to find out it had strawberries in it.

Larry and Tim apparently got a lot of work done, and now Larry is on his way to help out the Rudds. He looked like he needed a long nap, which I'm sure will be first on his to-do list tomorrow.

No Noah grandbaby

Well.. this week was exciting in a way the Manger family wasn't planning. Steph had her amniocentesis and didn't get the report until we were packed and driving to LAX. The test couldn't guarantee the lungs were mature, so the induction was rescheduled until next week. That meant changing airlines tickets , car rentals and hotel rooms. I don't even like to think of what that means in terms of money; but babies rule!!

Stephanie and Nate went back to the doctor and were given more choices. Guess the little guy is over 8 lbs and gaining wt. They are doing all they can not to have a C/ Section. I try to not sway them one way or another, but it's hard for someone in the profession, not to think the worse.
So Michelle and I are flying back next Tuesday for a Wednesday induction.; we come back on Saturday and I turn around and fly back to Chicago the next day with Phil... So much for adjusting to the time change.
My job wasn't too happy with my plans, but there was no choic. I am lucky to never get sick or have to stay home with kids; so I have a good track record. But it still is an inconvenience to a very busy department when a nurse is gone.

Anyway, just wanted to catch the family up on progress of Baby Watch. But then you guys have been through this before!
Love,
sister/ aunt chris

Layin' in supplies (from Jan/Mom/Grandma)

The seven grandchildren are coming on Wednesday afternoon, so I went to town for groceries today. You know, the essentials like pudding, apples, root beer and the variety pack of cold cereal. I baked cookies today and stored them away in plastic bins that should each be an adequate amount for one snack time.

Still need to pick up a few videos. I'm thinking of putting a bell on Kalena.

Larry and I are going to the coast for a couple of days starting tomorrow to rest up for the invasion. We tried to childproof the house somewhat today. Still have some cleaning supplies to put up when we get to the actual day. I put up things like permanent markers and push pins. Grandpa put air in the basketballs and cleaned up the garage.

I'll let you know if I survive until Sunday.

j

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

Hummers are back

I finally feel like spring is in the air. The hummingbirds are back and my plants are coming back to life. One chicken got out of the coup today and was just giddy while tearing up the grass. It seems like I haven't had time to relax since getting back from my last work trip. Greyson and I purchased cribs and bedding last week at babies'r'us. That is quite the place, but it really is nice to have such selection all in one place. And they give 10% off for twin purchases. Mom and Dad let us borrow their truck for 2 weeks so we are taking full advantage. After putting one crib together it became obvious that the new nursery just isn't big enough for two cribs and a queen size bed, or the rocking chair or dresser. So I found a sturdy bunkbed set with almost new mattresses on craigs list for $350 that I will be picking up tonight. Hopefully that will free up a bit of room to get the other crib put together. We decided to move that queen bed out into the room above the game room so if people visit and don't mind not having a bathroom at night they can sleep out there in peace and quiet.

What else... I am getting bigger. I swear I can tell on a daily basis that I am larger. I already am having back pain at night that keeps me from sleeping well. I might try more walking to see if that will help. Mother bought me some nice maternity shorts and capris but it is a tad too cold for those yet. So I am basically wearing the same 4 pair of pants over and over, but that makes it pretty easy to decide what to wear. I just have to keep on top of the laundry.

Take care everyone.
Melanie

Picture of Katia

A Wonderful Companion

I am trying to load a picture of "my best dog ever". Katia became seriously ill last wednesday, followed me around all day whining and by thursday was not able to keep her food and water down. She had increasing difficulty walking and I was having to help her walk, etc. I took her to the vet today and the decision was made to end her suffering, starvation, and dehydration. Her kidneys had shut down and she was extremely nauseous.
I loved her well and I loved long, but her body could no longer support her continued wonderful romp through life. Sadly I was forced to bury my face in her side and said goodbye to my big brown loving friend.

Grandma got a Toyota Camry

Well,

Grandma Sharp/ California finally settled on at White Toyota Camry with all the bells and whistles. It was in the showroom and was calling her name. She couldn't get the green color she liked, so they made a deal she couldn't resist. Is in the process of learning all the fancy stuff; keeps starting the window washers instead of putting the car in gear. But is liking it; even got a new garage spot that we hope will be easier to get into.

Stephanie is 36 weeks and will probably be induced at 38-39 wks; guess our little Noah is a big baby and they don't want her going to term or later. Has a larger chance of a C/section the further into her pregnancy she goes. So Michelle and I ( Grandma -to -be )will fly out first to try and make it to the delivery.. If not, we'lll clean, shop and cook so things will be ready when she gets home. After Nate goes back to work, Phil and I will go back for a week to help. We'll stay at a hotel, unless needed so to give the family space. Then Michelle and her husband will go back out to help a little later.

The puppy continues his training; good for several reason. I am losing a couple pounds with all the heeling and walking, which is very good. But such a pain correcting and practicing a 5 month old dog.

Well, gotta go.. Grandma's coming over to see if I can help out with the bells and whistles.

Love to all,
Chris