Life is good Morgan.... Home at last

     Well little Miss Morgan?  Your homecoming went off without any issues. Mom called me and told me she was waiting on your Dad to get the car at about 1:00 on Oct 3.  She said things were great and they were bringing your home.  NeNe and Taylor were already at your home getting excited for you to show up.  Things went on like Mom and Dad knew how to do this. The experience with your sis gave them the confidence that parenting another baby would be exciting and fun.

     G`Daddy was excited because I hadn't seen you except for maybe an hour total since you were born.  With all of the visitors you had I knew I would get my time with you soon and Plenty of it!!  You are the perfect little angel as I expected. Holding you and looking down at new life is just an amazing thing. God is Great!

     When I look at the Joy in Taylor's eyes, when she sees you,  I can tell she is going to be an awesome sister.  The years of fun and laughter you 2 will bring each other as well as all of us is worth looking forward to.  

     Mom put on the same outfit she took Taylor home in and you could be twins.  The Good Lord has blessed us a second time with such a beautiful child.  It's gonna be an amazing ride and yours starts now.  I pray that God will continue to bless us all and guide us in leading you and your sister on the right path in this world. Love you Morgan Ann!!!

G`Daddy

    

Morgan Ann Zickafoose 10-01-12 Welcome to our world!

     It was an average morning when I left for work at 6:30. I had been bugging your mom too much lately and I think she was getting a bit irritated with some of us checking so often, so I decided not to  bug her this morning. At about 7:30 I decided I would send her a text. I simply asked if things were normal today or if there were any changes, Her response was no. Things were very quiet all night and not but a few contractions.  So I decided it would be a while.

     WELL,  a couple hours later Mom called me and said she was leaving work to go meet your Dad at home and they were going to the hospital. This was just before 10:00.  Mom said contractions were 5 minutes apart but only 30 seconds long so she wasn't sure. She would call me after she got examined to let me know if I need to get off of work. 

     At approximately 11:30 Grandma (NeNe) left a voice mail while I was getting gas in my mail

truck. It said "Call me ASAP cuz they have just given  Jessica meds and it was time."  By time I got in to take my mail so they could send others out with it, it was about 12:15.  Just as I clocked out at work and was leaving I received a text from NeNe  "We have a baby" was all it read. Curiosity got to me because your mom has thought the ultrasound was wrong and you might be a boy. I text back to NeNe "Is it a girl?" She text back "Yep"".  So I guess that answered that question. 

     I got home to stay with your sister, "Taylor", because your Aunt Natalie couldn't stay. Your Dad called within a few minutes. His words were "It came out" hahahaha then he went in to tell me that it all happened so fast they couldn't give Jessica any medication. It was hard on your mom. He said "Jessica was freaking out".  

     Well, it's 4:00. I've posted as many pictures that I have on Facebook. Am updating this blog and waiting for your sister to wake up from nap. Can't wait to take Taylor to the Hospital to meet her little sister and to get to hold you myself and welcome you to my life. Love you already you beautiful, sweet little Morgan. See you soon. G-Daddy 

Will this be IT?

     Well Kiddo will this be my final post before your arrival?
   
     Things are progressing here. Mom's doctor's appointment Wednesday was good. The doctor did tell her, however, that he probably wouldn't see her next Friday on her regular scheduled appointment. He is expecting to see her sooner!! She was 3 centimeters and having a few contractions.  This is Friday (5:00 am) and I haven't gotten a daily update yet but we will see in a couple hours when Taylor is dropped off for the day.

     Mom and Dad are experienced at this since you are their 2nd child. They seem to be more comfortable with everything and calmer. Dad has arranged for a couple weeks off work and Mom has her classroom ready to hand over to her replacement. She can't wait to welcome you t.o their home, spend your first 6 weeks with you and just cuddle with her new creation.

     Just having my morning coffee in our rocker recliner!! Keeping it warm and cuddly for you to join Nene or G-Daddy soon!! Looking forward to your sweet little face.  Hugs little one. Sweet dreams, rest up, see ya soon!

Waiting.....again......

     A few weeks ago I lead a video discussion  in a class at First Christian Church where we attend. It was a lesson on storms in our lives and how God  gets us through them.  Rob Bell is a young Pastor with a child in this video. He compares God's Love to the love of a Parent to the child.  Rob and his child were in a rain storm in the woods. The child's only reality at that moment in time was the thunder and lightning and heavy rain. That is all the child knew! What was happening right then, right there at that moment. Anyway, the father kept holding the child tight whispering. "I love you buddy!, we'll get through this, I love you."

     I'm sure when your mom and dad look back at the time before your sister, Taylor's, birth, they feel a tad bit like they were in a "storm". Knowing that was their first child and they were going to experience something they never have before. Giving birth to another human being and having the sole responsibility of raising and loving this child had to be a bit overwhelming.

      About 11 days before Taylor's birth, I made a blog entry in her blog about waiting. How mom and dad were preparing for her birth.  Physically speaking your mom feels she is at the same point as then. This would make you arrive around September 30th! WOW!!!  How amazing would that be  if it happened so soon!! Mom said today that she has lost a portion of  her mucous plug and has been having some of the contractions as she was back then. We can never tell about the miracle of birth, but this does point to the 8-9 month period of pregnancy.

     I'm ready for the STORM!! It will be a storm for you because your reality will be arriving into our world. Nothing else will matter except that moment right then and right there for you. Well you know what? That will be my reality as well.. Nothing is going to matter for me when that time comes at the moment right then!! As God will be whispering in mom and dad's ears as well as mine. We will be whispering in yours. "I love you baby,  we are going to get through this together, I love YOU".

Getting a bit anxious and excited again............ waiting... again.....

You can come anytime now

     I was walking the Elk's, playing golf with Daddy the other night and out of the blue he says, "well Jessica can have her anytime now".   He explained that at the doctor's visit this week they were told that if you came early you would be developed and okay from this point on.  We are still 4-5 weeks away according to the original due date.
     Grandma (Mamaw or NeeNee as Taylor calls her) was reading in a magazine the other day. She turned and said to me, "she is the size of a head of lettuce". The book told her that this is the size you should be. Kinda funny how many different ways society tries to figure out and compare the development of a child. I say let God take care of it and not try to figure every detail. With me it's really just conversation. Excitement that the day is getting closer and closer to the day of your arrival.
     Your sister Taylor doesn't have a complete grasp yet of how your arrival will affect her. She does have a baby doll she is attached to. She sleeps with it and her monkey every nap time at our house.I can't wait to see her face when she really gets involved in the little things with you. I still remember your mommy when she would hold Aunt Natalie. She loved to bottle feed her and she always had a nurturing smile on her face when she was doing so. She was definately proud to be the big sister. Of course she was 3 1/2 years old and Taylor will be almost 2, a slight different age and experience so we will see.
     Still praying often for your healthy arrival little one. As the day gets closer our anticipation gets stronger and stronger. God Bless you in your final days of growth. Sleep tight until then.

7 month comparison

Here is mommy at 7 months with you.
To the right is mommy with 7 months with your sister Taylor.
I don't see much difference maybe you can.

All the doctor's appointments are going fine. Mommy has a 1st grade teaching class in Converse Elementary now. I think she can finally relax and settle in. It is a great environment so I think she can start to concentrate more on important things.... YOU.

It's been a while since I've posted. Really, it's been very busy with other things but you are not forgotten. We are all still trying to prepare ourselves and Taylor for the impact you will have on our family. Grandma Strange is preparing our house to babysit a newborn as well as a "terrible two" toddler. It will be interesting to say the least.  We are counting down. Mommy wants more sooner than later. I think she is ready now.  Sleep tight little one.

What's in a Name?

     Since my last entry the job of picking out a name for you is still ongoing! I jumped the gun announcing you would be a Caitlyn.  There has been some indecision that the name previously chosen is not the one Mom and Dad want anymore.  Things come up and other's situation tend to sway this choice as it did years ago with your Aunt Natalie.

     In 1988, the year aunt Natalie was born we were deciding on names for boys and girls. We were sure the name for our "son",  if it were to be  a boy,  would have the name Jacob.  Of course we shared this with everyone that we had chosen this name. This was the only boy name we had picked out because we liked it so well.  Others,  within our family, were also with child and had discussed their choices as well for their child when the time came.  It was our understanding that Jacob was never mentioned from this person,  as a matter of fact they had a mentioned a few other names to us .  This other family member had the advantage of giving birth 2 weeks before us and had a boy.  Low and behold to us, out of the blue,  they called their son "Jacob".  It was kind of funny but still put a question in our mind. Should we stick with our name choice.  We decided that we would stick with Jacob.  It didn't matter to us because we liked the name.  Well your Aunt was a girl and it didn't matter.  So Natalie it was.

    I think Mom and Dad have a name picked out now that they really like.  We will leave this our little secret for now.  No sense giving the neighbor down the street or friends and family anymore ideas for their child.  They can google up a name of their own.

Busy Summer Before your arrival

     Fun vacation week for G Ma and G Daddy. Took a few days and visited the shore of  Lake Michigan. Walked some beaches, saw some landmarks and shopped. Finished up the week with a wedding. Mommy's college room mate, Michelle Kiefer, Got married on June 30th. Mommy was maid of honor and Taylor was flower girl. Your sister Taylor did an amazing job and was really good all weekend. She is growing up so fast. Mommy cried giving her speech at the reception and blamed it on YOU and hormones. Can you believe that? You are getting the blame already. hahahahaha.

     I think mom and dad have decided on a name for you. The spelling of it is still in question. Caitlin, Caitlyn or Catelyn are the choices. I think they have ruled out the latter because they don't want a nickname of Catie. I prefer the Caitlyn with the "y". We will see. "Ann" is your middle name choice after someone on both sides of the family.

     Before your arrival in about 4 months we have another 2 weddings to attend. Including your aunt Natalie and Jeremy on Sept. 14th.  Soon though you will be here and we will never remember how it was without you..... Just like Taylor has always seemed to be here. Time flies!!!!!! I am praying for your continued healthy development and can't wait to hold you before the end of this year, 2012.... Rest up Baby Girl!!

Another girl for G-Daddy

     G-Daddy knows girls :)!   And the results of the ultrasound says another girl is on the way.  This news is exciting for me cuz I know you are going to arrive in a "girl friendly" and prepared home.  Mom and Dad have already planned to switch your sister to a big girls bed and move her room to the extra bedroom. This way you can come into a 100% ready nursery.  Grandma and Taylor  have been painting her room for just that moment.

     Mommy has had another visit to the doctor since then and he says you weigh 1/2 lb. The news of your healthy growth is always reassuring that things are progressing according to God's plan for your arrival.  Mom and Dad are installing another family swimming pool for you to learn how to swim and have many many fun summer days in the future with your sister and family.  They have worked hard to get this home just right for all of you since they bought it and moved in over 1 year ago.  G-Daddy couldn't be happier that you will be just 3 minutes and 10 seconds away:)

      Even though I am sure your sister has no clue of the impact you will have in her life, She is ready and willing to take on the role of Big Sister and loves having a new room with "bigger" girl stuff.  The playroom between your rooms will be an amazing bonding place for you and sis to keep secrets from mommy and daddy. LOL

     Still awaiting anxiously for you my little grandchild. Not sure of your new name yet but whatever it is will be cute, I am sure. Just over 4 months to go!!! See you soon.......

Still preparing for your arrival

     Things just keeping us busy with fun things. The thought of another grandchild soon gets us thinking about our home and things we can do to make it fun for kids. We have done some work in the play yard so G-Ma and G-Daddy's house will be a fun place to visit and play. I found a smaller fort and slide that Taylor is loving. Also added pea gravel so small falls wont hurt. G-Ma wanted a sandbox and a spot for a water table. And I added a swing. It was lots of fun putting this all together. Others are calling our yard the "Strange Park". Hahaha and they are trying to think of a more professional name. I like "The Strange Park" cuz its simple.

   

    I guess the only news we have on your progress is that Mommy will get an ultrasound on May 22nd. Hopefully we will know if you will be a little sister or little brother then.  That will make a big difference cuz all of our homes are "girl" friendly and clothes that have never been worn, toys, etc etc........ But a boy would get us busy with new projects. We will see soon. About 9 days actually.  You will be an amazing gift to us regardless. 





Easter 2012

     Well,  Easter has come and gone this year.  This holiday reminds me of your sister Taylor. It was 2 years ago that we were informed that we would be grandparents for the first time. It's hard to believe that was 2 years ago.  You will be here before we know it and once again all of our lives will be just a bit different because of our added addition.

     Grandma got Easter dinner prepared as much as she could before we left for Church. We  attend Sunday School so we had to be there at 9:00. The Easter ham was ready to be put in the oven so your mommy said she would swing by before her, dad and sis joined us for church service at 10:00. Church was uplifting with the news of our risen savior and it let out about 11:15.  We ate around 12:00 with Aunt Natalie, Jeremy and Landon. Food was great.

     Easter baskets were here for Taylor and Landon. Taylor enjoyed her Chocolate Easter Bunny for dessert.  She bit the head right off and was in heaven. Oh the love of Chocolate that runs through this family's veins. Taylor got some of that blood in her for sure.

      
     Not much progress on the outside for you. Although I know that God is working on his creation of you even as I write. Mommy did have a regular check up a week or so ago and things are good according to the Dr. 
     Your announcement was made public this past week.  Mommy officialy let a picture session by your Aunt Natalie go public on facebook. Your sister did the typical "I'm the Big Sister" shirt wearing modeling to announce the news.

     Happy Easter BabyZ 2!!!!!  Get some rest cuz it's exciting here and we are anxiously awaiting the day you arrive already.

First Ultrasound Baby Z 2 March 7th, 2012

     Today was a short day for G-Daddy at work so I was able to get home around 3:15 from work. Taylor was in her jacket and Grandma had her car just coming back from a walk.  I knew ahead of time that I would get some Taylor Time when I got home because we were babysitting her until family dinner. Mom and Dad had their doctor's appointment to see the first ultrasound of you.   

     Mommy called you Baby Z 2 on her email so that's where the title of this days blog came from. Daddy call the picture of you "his little fish".  When they arrived at dinner we were entertaining Uncle Gerald and Aunt Joyce, Natalie, Jeremy and of course the Zickafooses. Taylor had already had a couple helpings cuz she was so hungry today. Like always. Mom showed us the picture of you and Dad was right! You looked like a little fish. :)  Well, the doctor said things were great! Your due date is October 21st.  Not much more excitement but that should do it for the day.

Monday March 5,2012

      Having my morning coffee just thinking about how another grandchild might change things in our lives a bit. Watching the weather before work sitting in the rocker/recliner we should do a lot of rocking with you.

      Mommy went to the Doctor last Tuesday for a normal visit and they scheduled an ultrasound to check you out. This ultrasound is this Wednesday. It will be too early to find out whether you will be a girl or boy yet. That was the first question I asked and also daddy asked the same thing.  It will be neat to know if Taylor will have a little sister or brother, and a date on your expected arrival.  Not much will matter except the color of crib sheets and minor things. The home you will be brought home to is already baby ready.

     Your Mommy had an article in the paper today about her teaching job.  She said she moved back to Marion partly because her mother lived here and she would become the full time babysitter for TAYLOR.  AND come October YOU! She didn't mention you in the article because you are not public knowledge yet, Soon maybe we can share the great news. The ultrasound is in a couple days so maybe then :)

Good and Exciting News Again! Here we go :)

     It was Thursday, February 16th at about 4:30 in the afternoon. I had just finished up with my daily mail route and was in the Marion Post Office soon to clock out. A text alert came to my phone and I saw it was from Jessica.  "Can you guys stop by tonight?" , was all it said. Well, Beth and I had both been sick all week and she was at home nursing Bronchitis. I replied with "What's up? Mom is sick today and I don't know if we can".  The reply from Jessica was,  "Hold on, I am sending you a picture".  When the  picture message came through I was excited to see Taylor with an ornery smile on her face. Immediately I read the t-shirt she was wearing. It read " I am the Big Sister".  Enough texting, I called Jessica immediately and asked her how long she knew and other details.  She said Matt, wanted to be sure I knew before Beth because with Taylor she knew weeks and weeks before me and kept it a big secret.  She also said Matt was the one sending me the texts. How funny!!  I told her I would get Mom there somehow and would be there soon.

     I got home and asked Beth if she was up for some pizza?  Jessica and Matt had invited us and thought she might not want to cook. (an out and out lie that was haha). I told her we would only stay long enough to eat and come home to rest ASAP.  We walked through the front door and Taylor was peeking around the corner. I told Beth " Oh yea, there really is no pizza!!" She read Taylors shirt and the congrats and smiles started. Great News after a long days work and a week of illness for us!