The Best Birthday Present!

Meet Jackson Brice! He arrived today at 4:24 p.m! He weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz., is 19 inches long and has a full head of black hair! Mom, Dad, & Baby are doing great! I will celebrate my birthday tomorrow (no fooling!) holding my new grandson! A rare and precious moment! I'm enjoying his little newborn baby sounds and breathing noises already!

First Family Picture! Grammy Laurie & Jackson

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

I have neglected this blog far too long and have several posts written (but not ready to post.) I have not forgotten you, my readers, and thank you for checking in on me . . .

But, I am still hearing well and it seems so natural these days that it is hard to find new sounds to write about. Today in church as I bowed my head to pray, I heard and understand every word my pastor said. I'm so used to his voice (and others) and don't have to concentrate too hard to "listen." I still do lipread if a person is soft spoken or if I am tired. The birds have returned and it is a joy to hear their songs every day. Even the rain is soothing and I notice it every single time when the raindrops start to fall.

March started out with some exciting news. . .Brad proposed to his girlfriend, Caitlyn, and they are planning a July wedding! So, we will be adding another member to our family! Caitlyn is such a sweetheart and we all love her. (Steve and I were going to find a way to marry her if Brad didn't!) She will be a great addition to our family and is perfect for Brad. They were here earlier this month for spring break. When she comes to visit, we make cookies together, have a cup of tea, go to the gym, or just talk. She loves to get up early like I do and we'll sit and talk in the mornings for an hour while we drink coffee. She and Brad will both graduate from Virginia Tech in May and will live in Connecticut after their wedding. (Brad has accepted a job in New London, CT - which is where Steve and I lived many years ago.) Below is a picture of the lovely couple, which was taken at Jason and Jessica's wedding. . .

March has also been busy with major construction in our house (and NOISE!) and it is finished. We have new tile floors in the hallways and bathrooms, and new toilets, sinks, etc. I had to repaint the bathrooms on the weekends and evenings before the contractors came back the next day. Did you know that paint brushes and rollers make a sound as you paint? That would have to be my "latest" sound that I've heard. We are trying to update our house so we can sell it in the next year or so.

I'm just about done with our taxes and will have more time for other things, like writing and catching up on my blog reading. I'm also trying to get things caught up, bills paid, etc. so I can leave for a few weeks.

Last, but not least, our grandson will be here very very soon! Our family is growing! I will probably be on a plane to Texas in the next few days when Jason and Jessica tell me to come. And soon I will be able to hold my baby's baby. . .and hear those newborn sounds I missed when our own children were born. Happy sounds!

Spring Fever and Medical Alert Bracelet Update

This is just a quick post. . . the weather was so nice here today! The temp's were in the 70's with a slight breeze blowing through. I had all the windows open in the house and thoroughly enjoyed hearing the birds making a joyful noise and the sound of the wind singing. Now all I need is a waterfall, according to my favorite quote (see above in title!).

I am consumed with income tax and insurance stuff and will resume my regular "longer" posts soon. I am also cleaning out files and doing a LOT of SHREDDING! We are having some work done on our house, too (new tile floors and bathrooms). Am trying to get things out of the way before JACKSON BRICE PULLINS arrives towards the end of this month! (Yes, it is a BOY!) I'll be on a plane to Texas when that special grandbaby arrives!

I've also been trying to exercise more to strengthen my back (which hurts) and started Body Step classes. Love them! I have to watch the person in front of me because the music drowns out the "leader" calling the different steps and movements. If I was hooked up to an FM system or something, that would be great. I did mention something to one of the instructors tonight and they are going to try to turn up the gal doing the "calling" next time I go.

The medic alert tattoo comments have been quite interesting. Steve told me that an EMT or doctor might overlook a medical alert tattoo on a person if they were covered with blood, etc. but they are trained to look for bracelets or necklaces, like the ones from Medic Alert. I probably won't do a tattoo unless it became the norm.

I actually have two different bracelets and wear them like jewerly. My chain/beads are interchangeable and I changed them out according to my outfit. I also have a pendant that I can clip to a regular bracelet or necklace. I'll try to post a picture soon. Here are some websites called Lauren's Hope or JewelBasket.com that show some options. The gal that made mine was very slow filling her orders so I would not recommend her (and will not post her website here, either). There are others out there, too. If you know them or want me to post a link here, leave a comment or send me an email.

Hope everyone is doing well. . . spring will be here soon!