I didn't think it was possible!

Ever since Katy found out she was pregnant and shared the news with us, I knew I would love this child, but oh my! When I held him that first time and looked at his beautiful face, I fell head over heels. I have never known a love just like this, and it is awesome. I could not sleep at all Monday night because I just kept thinking about him. At one point, I got my phone and just looked at his picture for the longest time. As much as I love him, I cannot even begin to imagine the depth of love that John feels. The very first picture of John holding Sam says it all. His face--just look at his eyes--are so full of happiness. There were things in Katy's and Jessi's lives that he had to miss (not by his choice...) but he fully intends on being a huge part of Sam's life. Just watching him hold Sam and talk to him about chasing bears was so sweet. Not that I want any of his life to fly by, but I can't wait until Sam is old enough to come running to us with his arms outstretched. Wow--that's about the best way I can put it.

Just a quick side note--I always tell people that I have 2 daughters. I go on to explain that Katy and Jessi are my step-daughters but after 16 years of being a part of their lives, I prefer to drop the "step" part of it. For years, every time Katy and Jessi and I would go somewhere together, we would have people tell them they looked just like their mother. We'd smile, say thanks, and go on. So, today one of my students comes in and sees the picture of me holding Sam (in my "I love my Grandma" frame) and she tells me that Sam has my nose. I just smiled and told her thanks. Then at lunch, one of my co-workers, who knows Katy is not my biological daughter, tells me that she thinks Sam's nose looks like mine. hahaha

He is here!!!

Samuel Emerson Pate made his debut this evening around 6:05! He weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces, and he is 19 1/2 inches long, and he is GORGEOUS!! Katy went for her regular 38-week checkup today, and they decided to send her to the hospital for labs--again. This time, though, they said they were going to induce. They broke her water about 12, and he was born just about 6 hours later, so not too bad for a first time pregnancy. Phillip said that she did a great job and that he was so proud of her. Of course, they are both so proud of their beautiful son, and I know they are going to be such awesome parents. John and I FINALLY got to the hospital around 8--long story--and got to see our sweet, precious Sam. Of course, Grana (me) had to grab him away from Papa John pretty quickly, but I did end up giving him back so Papa John could have some snuggle time. :) Even though I didn't give birth to Katy, I don't think that it is possible for me to love her and Sam anymore than if they WERE biologically mine. It is so hard to believe that she is a mommy now. The pictures of her holding Sam right after he was born are just unbelievable. I pray that God blesses this child throughout his entire life, and that he grows up to be as wonderful a man as his daddy is.

Friends

John and I a fantastic evening with some of the best friends in the world last night! It was Tim's 50th birthday surprise dinner at Cochina Superior. Misty, Rodney, Amy, Steven, Allyson, and Oliver were there. Of course, everyone was surprised we were there because I'd told Susan whether we made it would be a "wait and see" with Katy and Sam. Since we were there, Sam obviously hasn't arrived. (I'm holding out for this Friday, the 14th. :) ) Anyway, Tim was surprised by the party, which was surprising. He and Susan are together all the time, so for her to be able to pull it off was probably close to a miracle. :) He's quite observant about things, too. The big surprise she had for him was a photo story of his life. Pictures from babyhood and up. She said sneaking pictures out of the house was probably one of the hardest things to do, but she did. Some of them were SOOOO funny!!! I think my favorite was the one of John and Tim when we all went to New Orleans. John was wearing a rasta man hat and Tim had on a funky hot-pink hairy looking something. I'm not sure where Rodney was. I think he was hiding, but he missed the photo op. :) I forgot my camera last night, but Amy and Susan had theirs, so maybe there are some good ones to add for Tim's next big birthday. (I get to be the next one to hit the big 5-0, and Susan will be just a month behind. Fortunately, that's not for another 9 years. lol)

Still waiting for our Sam

Katy had to go back to the doctor this morning to be rechecked, and they did send her over to the hospital for labs and monitoring, but they decided to send her home. I talked to her mom earlier to get an update, and I could hear Sam's heartbeat in the background. It was nice and strong--144 beats per minute. She continues to have contractions, but they aren't very strong at this point. She has to go back Friday to be checked again. I know she and Phillip are so ready to have this precious baby in their arms, but it looks like Sam isn't quite ready. He and God will make that decision. :)

Life is good

Life is really good. There isn't anything in particular that has caused me to feel the urge to express this, but I do. It has been an absolutely beautiful day--the kind that makes me stop and realize what a wonderful world we live in. It's the kind, too, that makes me wish it would stay like this forever. It was warm enough earlier for me to sit on the steps in the sunshine and grade a few essays. (Which is what I REALLY should be doing right now...) The pups have played outside most all day. I just watched Bama as he rubbed his neck on the sidewalk. I'm sure he found something stinky, so bathtime will probably come much sooner than he hopes. lol John has worked in the garage, cleaning it up, all day. It's just one of those perfect days. I look forward to moving to the lake and being able to enjoy days like this with a water view.

The plans for moving to the lake are still uncertain, timewise. The house here will be paid off in January. (Anybody up for a party to celebrate??) I'd love to try to begin clearing, maybe in the fall, and begin building shortly after. Who knows though. We may still be weekending it in a 2 bedroom, one bath trailer in 10 years.

Katy and Jessi's step-dad, Roy, will be having surgery in April. This will be his second surgery in a little over a year. Keep him in your thougths and prayers that this one will be a huge success and allow him to get back to the things he enjoys. I'm sure having sweet little Sam will help to speed up his recovery time!