To Nolan With Love.wmv

Your Dad's Birthday Celebration!

Dear Nolan,

Last Sunday, July 13, Papa Jack and I met you, your Mom and Dad, and Mimi and Papa Reif at Olive Garden Restaurant in Hickory to celebrate your Dad's birthday (July 15).

Papa Jack and I arrived first and got our table. You and your parents arrived next. You looked adorable. We were so happy to see you, and by the way you smiled, I think you were happy to see us! Mimi and Papa Reif arrived soon with your cousin, Ella!! We were so happy to see them, and glad that Ella came along too!

We enjoyed visiting with Mimi and Papa Reif. We hadn't seen them since the day you were born! Mimi and I took turns holding you, and your sweet cousin Ella helped with your bottle. She was just the perfect little Mother. I held you and you fell asleep in my arms. I put you back in your car seat, and you slept all the way through dinner. You were such a good boy!



After dinner, we enjoyed dessert. Mimi brought a big birthday cake for your Dad! It even had a soccer ball on it. The waitresses made your Dad stand up, and they introduced him to the other diners and sang to him. We all gave him a round of applause. He was such a good sport about it! Afterwards, your Dad opened his birthday cards and presents. He got a gift card to one of his favorite book stores, some money, and an i-pod stereo.



Your Dad had a nice birthday celebration, and I'm so glad we could be a part of it.

I love you sweet one.

GiGi :-)

Trip to Great-Grandma and Papa Wilson's House

Dear Nolan,

Hi sweet boy! Your Great-Grandma and Papa Wilson had been wanting to see you for a long time, SO on Sunday, June 29, Papa Jack and I met you and your parents in Wilkesboro, and we drove up to Mt. Airy for a visit! We had lunch together at a little restaurant just over the state line in Cana, Virginia. It was called the Hungry Farmer. We enjoyed a big buffet lunch, and of course, we enjoyed watching you! You entertained us all with your little sounds and smiles. The folks at the adjoining tables even commented about how cute you were!

After lunch, we headed down the mountain to Mt. Airy and Great-Grandma and Papa Wilson's house. This was your first visit to their house. You enjoyed looking at everything. Great-Grandma Wilson enjoyed holding you. She just couldn't believe how much you had grown since the last time she had seen you. Great-Papa Wilson took lots of pictures of you. We spread out a blanket for you on the living room floor, and enjoyed watching you kick those little legs. Of course, I got on the floor with you and tried as hard as I could to get you to laugh. . . and I did finally succeed!! It was a fun day! We left Great-Grandma and Papa's house with big hugs, "I love you's," and promises to get together again soon.

     

I love you so much Nolan. I will write again soon.

GiGi :-)

Father's Day 2008

Dear Nolan,

This year, your Dad celebrated his first Father's Day, and Papa Jack celebrated his first Father's Day as a Grandfather! Your Dad is so proud of you! Can't you just see it in his face?

Papa Jack and I met you, your Mom and Dad, and Emily and Bradley at the Broyhill Inn in Boone for a delicious brunch. After that, we drove out to the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. You and your parents enjoyed spending some time at the Valle Crucis Park later that afternoon. It was a beautiful day.

Love you sweet one!

GiGi :-)

Your First Beach Trip

Dear Nolan,

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, you left for your first trip to the beach. Your Dad drove you and your Mom to Papa Jack and GiGi's house in Hickory. You pulled in our driveway around 8:30 a.m. I already had the car packed with my suitcase(s) plus towels, sheets, etc. It took us a few minutes to decide where we were going to put your things and your Mom's things! When traveling with a baby, you have to pack additional items like a pack-and-play, a bouncer, baby toys, a car seat, a diaper bag, and of course, diapers. Making it all fit is similar to assembling a puzzle. We did, finally, get all of the pieces to work, and we were ready to go. The only things left now were putting you in your car seat and exchanging our goodbyes. Unfortunately, Papa Jack and your Dad didn't get to go along. They both had to work. :-( After the last kiss and hug, we were off--next stop--your Great-Grandma Clark's house. I drove, and your Mom sat in the back seat with you.

Great-Grandma Clark lives in Chatham County in a little town called Pittsboro. It is about three hours away from Hickory. We made pretty good time--just two stops I think. We ate lunch with Great-Grandma, and then, while your Mom fed you, I tried to figure out where Great-Grandma's luggage would go!! Oh, I almost forgot--you got to meet your Great Uncle Eddie (my brother) and your 2nd cousin Kurt (my nephew). They live across the pasture from Great-Grandma. They let us borrow two beach umbrellas--and you guessed it--we had to get those beach umbrellas somewhere in the car. I didn't think it would happen, but with Great Uncle Ed's help, everything fit and the car trunk closed. We were finally ready to leave--next stop--Oak Island, NC. Ha, ha, ha, ha. . .

I drove, Great-Grandma sat up front with me, and your Mom sat beside you in the back. We headed toward Raleigh so we could take I-40 East all the way to Wilmington. Nolan, you were such a sweet little traveler. You slept much of the time, and when you were awake, your Mom had plenty of toys for the two of you to play with. You hardly fussed at all. Your Mom said that you hadn't had a bowel movement in several days, and I think she was a little worried about that. Well, guess what?? Not far out of Raleigh, you just decided to put an end to her worrying! We had to stop and change, not only your diaper, but your whole little outfit, plus clean up your car seat. You just lay there and smiled!!!! This little break made Great-Grandma Clark happy, because it gave her a chance to smoke her cigarettes. Great-Grandma gets a little grumpy sometimes when she doesn't get to smoke her cigarettes.

Okay, we were on the road again. I'm not sure what happened when we got to Wilmington. We were trying to get on US 17, and we finally did--but only after taking a wonderful tour of the university there. GiGi was so intent on looking at the road signs that she forgot to look at the road. Okay, we did have one little "close call," but not to worry. The brakes worked really well, and everyone had on seat belts. We didn't hit ANYTHING--we just had a little "whip lash," and I think your Mom may have gone into shock for a couple of minutes. She recovered quickly and let GiGi know how she felt about the whole thing. :-)

We finally started seeing signs for Southport and Oak Island. We got so excited! What should have been a three-hour jaunt (from Pittsboro to the beach) turned into a six-hour expedition!! Aunt Emily, Uncle Bradley, and Maggie (their dog) were already at the beach. They left about 6 a.m. and had been out on the beach for hours! They would call us and say, "Where ARE you?" We would reply, "We are TRYING to get there!!"

When we were about 10 minutes away, we called Aunt Emily and Uncle Bradley and asked them to meet us at Lowes Foods. Earlier in the week, I had ordered our groceries online. (That was the one smart thing I did.) We just needed to pay for them and load them in the car. We put all the groceries in Emily and Bradley's car and headed for our beach house!!

The beach house was right on the oceanfront. It belongs to one of Great-Grandma Clark's good friends--Barbara. It had four bedrooms, two baths, a living/dining room, a kitchen, and a utility room. It was just perfect for us. My favorite part was the covered porch. It had a swing and lots of rocking chairs for rocking my Nolan to sleep--which I did every single day we were there!!

Okay--let's talk about your first walk down to the ocean. Your Mom held you, and I video-taped the entire thing. Of course you LOVED being outside, but when your Mom bent down to dip those little toes in the water, you started to cry. Poor baby--the sound of the ocean, the waves crashing, the sand, the water coming at you like that--it just scared you to death! In your five months of life, the closest thing you had experienced to this was your little blue bathtub--and you weren't in love with that. This was nothing like your bathtub. Suffice it to say, that your first encounter with the ocean was not a positive one.

We were worried about exposing your sensitive skin to the sun. Your Mom would take you for early morning and late afternoon walks on the beach, but during the heat of the day, you would stay inside with GiGi and Great-Grandma Clark. My favorite part of our entire trip was spending time with you--especially rocking you to sleep out on the porch. I would hold you close and swing with you in the swing or rock with you in the rocking chairs. The sound of the waves and the constant ocean breeze just put you right off to sleep--almost like a lullabye. When you fell asleep, I just kept holding you and looking at you. I didn't want to put you down. I love you so much Nolan.

We all laughed about your hair. Every time we would go outside into that hot, humid, sticky weather, your hair would go from wavy to curly! Your head would be covered with little curls--it was precious!! Of course, your Mom had the cutest outfits ever for you to wear--especially the yellow one with the matching cap!! Priceless! People would stop to say how cute you were. :-)

We had dinner in Southport at a little restaurant right on the Cape Fear River called Fishy Fishy Cafe. It took us forever to be seated, but the atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious. We will definitely go back! Southport is such a beautiful place. The streets are lined with big old homes that have been lovingly restored. There is a homemade ice cream shop and a pretty waterside park with benches. There are all kinds of little antique and gift shops. It's just the place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon or take an early evening stroll after dinner. Emily and Bradley even took a carriage ride around the town one night.

Our days at the beach seemed to fly by. By the end of the week, you were used to the ocean. You didn't cry anymore when your Mom would dip your toes in the water. Actually, I think you were starting to like it. I bet one day you will be a regular "beach bum." Next summer, you will be 1 1/2 years old and walking! I can't wait to see those little legs running along the beach.

Your Dad missed you and your Mom so much. You should have seen the grin on his face when we pulled in our driveway on Thursday evening. :-) Your Mom missed your Dad too! This was the longest they had been apart from each other. They talked several times each day. Nolan, you are surrounded by people that love you and love each other. You are a lucky little boy.

I will write again soon.

Gigi :-)

Four Months Old!

Dear Nolan,

Just look at you. I can't believe how quickly time is passing. We are almost in June, and I haven't had a chance to talk with you about what happened during the month of May! Let's talk about Mother's Day. This year, Mother's Day was extra special, because YOUR Mom celebrated her very first Mother's Day, and GiGi celebrated her very first Mother's Day as a grandmother! Here are pictures of the card I received from you. It meant so much to me!

Your Mom loves you so much, Nolan. It is hard to describe the feeling that I get when I watch you and your Mom together. Everything she does for you is done with such thoughtfulness and tenderness. She calls you her "little man."

A few weeks ago she called me to say that you were laughing out loud! Her voice was filled with such excitement. She held the phone up so that I could hear, but (of course) you didn't cooperate. Nolan, you are growing up and changing so fast. You have learned to roll from back to tummy and from tummy to back. You have discovered your fingers and toes. You love bright colors, and you love to dance. You especially like to be outside. Your Mom and Dad like the outdoors too. They like to camp and look forward to taking you on camping trips with them.

I will write again soon. I want to tell you about your first trip to the beach.

I love you sweet one. Goodnight.

GiGi :-)

P.S. Here is a picture of your Great-Grandma Clark holding me in the hospital not long after I was born.

Papa Jack's Birthday Weekend

Dear Nolan,

Papa Jack's birthday is tomorrow. He will be 53 years old. To celebrate, we rented a cabin for the weekend in Ashe County, NC. It was outside of Jefferson off of Highway 88--not too far from your house. You, your Mom and Dad, Aunt Emily, and Uncle Bradley joined us. We had such a good time together.

The house had three levels. The top level had a sleeping loft, half bathroom, and a game table. Speaking of the game table, your Mom and Dad played a very exciting game of JENGA. They both played with great skill, but your Dad ended up winning. We enjoyed watching them play--they are both very competitive by nature. We had alot of laughs!!

The middle level had a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. You and your Mom and Dad slept in this bedroom. Papa Jack and I brought the Pack-and-Play crib so that you could be right next to their bed. The kitchen was nice--we cooked out hamburgers Friday night and made tacos on Saturday night. YUM! Of course, Papa Jack had a birthday cake that we enjoyed all weekend! The sofas in the living room had recliners built in--so the guys (and girls) could just kick back and watch tv. This weekend was a BIG basketball weekend--The Final Four. We were hoping that Carolina would win and advance to the national championship game, but they got beat (pretty badly) by Kansas.

The lower level had two bedrooms and a bathroom. One of the bedrooms was really big--it even had a pool table in it. There were two decks. The upper deck had a gas grill, rocking chairs, and swing. There was a hot tub on the lower deck. Your Mom and Dad and Aunt Emily and Uncle Bradley enjoyed that!

Josh, Maggie, and Gracie were with us. Yes, we brought the dogs. It was a little challenging, but overall, not too bad. The cabin was next to Peak Creek. It was so nice to sit out on the porch with a cup of coffee and hear the sound of the water. The dogs LOVED the creek. As a matter of fact, Gracie would not urinate unless she was IN the creek!!

On Saturday, your Mom and Dad drove a few miles down the road to the New River State Park. They may canoe and camp there in a few weeks, and I get to stay with you! I can't wait!!!

We all had fun being with each other and being with YOU. In the mornings, you are especially happy. You just smile and gurgle and talk. WE LOVE YOU, NOLAN!!!!

I wish I could talk with you a little more, but GiGi must grade papers!

I love you sweet boy.

Gigi :-)

I love being with you!

Dear Nolan,

During my Easter break from school, I got to spend some time with you. I arrived at your house around 1:30 last Friday afternoon. Your Dad was at work, and your Mom wanted to run some errands. I enjoyed keeping you so much. We danced together as I sang a little "made up" song that I used to sing to your Mom and Aunt Emily when they were babies. We looked at some of your new books, and you sat in your bouncer and "talked" to me! You especially enjoyed checking out the bathroom mirror and the living room ceiling fan.

When your eyes started to get heavy, we moved to the rocking chair in your nursery. You looked up at me with those beautiful blue eyes, and I thanked God for you. I can't explain why the tears rolled down my cheeks. They must have been tears of joy. I know that being your GiGi is the most joyful experience I have ever known. It wasn't long before you fell asleep, and I put you in your crib for a nap. I stood over the crib and watched you sleep for a few minutes.

It's hard to believe that you have already outgrown your bassinet. Your Mom and Dad said it was hard to move you into your own room and put you in that big crib. They were used to having you sleep in their room. But your crib is so cool, and there is so much to see in your little nursery. It's like being on a safari! You have this neat little mobile that plays music while a zebra, a crocodile, a monkey, and an elephant twirl around under a fabric canopy above your head. You have five wall hangings that surround your crib with pictures of a turtle, a tropical bird, a monkey, a zebra, and an elephant. Your bumper pad, dust ruffle, and diaper stacker all have jungle animals on them, and there is a gorilla hanging down from one corner of your bed. Your room is just a fun place to be!! Your Mom took these pictures of your nursery (shown above) and sent them to me before you were born.

I will write more later. I'm going to bed now.

Goodnight sweet boy. I love you.

GiGi

Almost Eleven Weeks Old!

Dear Nolan,

Let me tell you about your first Easter. You and your Mom traveled to Greensboro with us to your (Great) Uncle Steve and (Great) Aunt Anne's house. Your Dad had to work, so he didn't get to come and we missed him so much!

Anne is Papa Jack's sister. She and Steve have two girls--Brooke and Elizabeth. They live in a big, beautiful home with lots of room to spread out and are always so nice to invite us for special holiday gatherings. Great-Grandma Wilson, Great-Papa Wilson, Aunt Emily, and Uncle Bradley were also there.

We missed your (Great) Uncle Mark and (Great) Aunt Diane. Mark is Papa Jack's brother. They weren't able to be with us this year, but they want to meet you! They live in Winston-Salem and have two children--Whitney and William. Whitney is a senior at UNC-Wilmington, and William is a rising senior in high school.

Nolan, we had so much food! Great-Grandma Wilson always brings: her famous sweet tea, honey-baked ham, green beans, corn, "red apples," rolls, brown sugar cake, and coconut cake. This Easter she also made a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top! Anne made deviled eggs and "Nan's potatoes." Nan was Aunt Diane and Uncle Steve's Mom. She was a sweet, sweet lady! I made a squash casserole, broccoli and rice casserole, fruit salad, and cold broccoli salad. We all gathered in the kitchen and bowed our heads as Great-Papa Wilson asked the blessing, and then we shared a wonderful Easter lunch together.

This Easter was extra special because this year we had YOU! We all took turns holding you, and Great-Grandma Wilson even rocked you to sleep. Papa Jack and I gave you 4 little books and an activity gym. You lay on the mat under your new "gym" and just gazed up at the shapes, colors, and sounds. It was so much fun to watch you.

It is wonderful to have a baby in the family again--it is wonderful to have YOU.

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Your Great-Great Grandmothers

Dear Nolan,

I love this picture! It was made on our wedding day with our sweet Grandmothers. Pictured from left to right: MaMa Clark, Mama Farrell, Me (GiGi), Papa Jack, Grandma Wilson, and Grandma Medlin.

Our Grandmothers were so special. We will never forget them or the lessons they taught us. I will write more about each of them later.

Speaking of Grandmothers, your Great-Grandma Clark has been sick this week. She has been in the hospital with double pneumonia. I went home to take care of her. She is doing much better now.

I will write again soon. I love you Nolan.

GiGi

You Favor Your Dad!

Dear Nolan,

I was going through some digital photographs tonight and found a baby picture of your Dad. He is on the top and you are on the bottom. This was one of the pictures Mimi sent to me to use in a slide show presentation at your parent's wedding rehearsal dinner. You really do favor your Dad so much! I wonder if you will have dimples like your Dad!

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Books!

Dear Nolan,

I can't wait to share books with you. There are so many books that I want us to read together. One of your Mom's favorite books was Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. It was her first book.

It begins, "In the great green room, there was a telephone, and a red balloon, and a picture of the cow jumping over the moon." That green room was such a peaceful place to be! I can't wait to go there with you.

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Wishes For My Grandchildren

Dear Nolan,

I guess that watching "The Ultimate Gift" started me thinking about something I read many years ago. I don't know who wrote this, but I think it is worth sharing with you.

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand-me-down clothes

and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches.

I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that

you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the

lawn and wash the car.

And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car

when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies

born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you

believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger

brother.

And it's all right if you have to draw a line

down the middle of the room, but when he wants to

crawl under the covers with you because he's scared,

I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother

wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your

friends and that you live in a town where you can do it

safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you

don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so

you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a sling shot, I hope your Dad shows you how

to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn

to add and subtract . . in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your

first crush on a girl, and when you talk back to your

mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your

hand on a stove, and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you

don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a

joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your

Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a

baseball through your neighbor's window and that

she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when

you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you--tough times and

disappointment, hard work and happiness.

To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

I love you, Nolan.

GiGi

The Ultimate Gift

Dear Nolan,

I watched a movie with Great-Grandma Clark this weekend. It was one of the most beautiful films that I have ever seen. It was called, "The Ultimate Gift."

It was about an extremely wealthy man who wanted to leave more than his money to his very spoiled grandson. Jason, the grandson, had always lived a life of luxury. He had never worked a day in his life, and he didn't know how to appreciate anything. In order to get his inheritance, he had certain assignments that he had to complete. Through these assignments, he was taught the value of hard work, friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, and love. He learned that money is not everything and that it certainly does not buy happiness. I hope we can watch this movie together one day!

I kept you on Friday night so that your Mom and Dad could spend some time with their friends. After a hectic week at school, being able to hold you in my arms was the most amazing stress reliever ever. As you took your bottle, you would look up at me with those bright eyes and wrap your tiny fist around my little finger. Wow--all the worries of the world just floated out of my mind!

You are starting to "coo" now, and you make the sweetest little sounds. I look forward to those sounds becoming words! I wonder what your first words will be.

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Mimi's Birthday Party!

Dear Nolan,

Last weekend, you visited Mimi and Papa Reif to help celebrate Mimi's 60th birthday. You got to meet so many new people. Some of them were family, and some of them were friends of Mimi and Papa. I heard that you were such a good boy, and I can tell by the pictures that your Mom and Mimi sent that everyone had a good time. I am going to post some of the pictures.

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

The Best Valentine

Dear Nolan,

Papa Jack and I enjoyed staying with you on Thursday evening. It was the first time that your Mom and Dad had been out together for an evening alone since you were born. It was Valentine's Day, and they went out for a nice dinner while Papa Jack and I kept you!

We enjoyed taking care of you so much. I love your nursery with all of the jungle animals. Your Mom and Dad picked out the "Zanzibar" theme for your room. It is decorated with elephants, giraffes, alligators, monkeys, zebras, turtles, and tropical birds. There are stuffed animals peeking out everywhere, and I saw toys for us to play with and books for us to read. There is a sign on your door that says, "Nolan's Room," and there are wall hangings, a wooden shelf, and a wall clock. There is also a rocking chair. It is the same rocking chair I rocked your Mom to sleep in. Beside the rocking chair, there is a small end table with a little lamp on it. The base of the lamp has a blue elephant, a tall giraffe, a zebra, a turtle, and a friendly-looking alligator on it. I believe there is even a monkey trying to crawl up toward the lamp shade. At night, it gives off a soft glow of light that would put any tired Mom or Dad to sleep!!

We looked at "The Wheels on the Bus" book. I tried to sing the song, "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round, Round and Round, etc." I think that you liked the book better than the song! We put you in your crib and watched as you stared at the animals spinning around on your mobile. At four weeks old, you are so alert!

Thank you for the best Valentine's Day ever. I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Four Weeks Old Today!

Dear Nolan,

The last four weeks have flown by. I can't believe that you are a month old. I got to see you yesterday. We had such a good time. Papa Jack and I met you and your Mom and Dad at Shoppes on the Parkway in Blowing Rock. We did some shopping. Banana Republic had some great sales. I got your Mom a couple of things. Nolan, she is just amazing! It's been four weeks, and you can't even tell that your Mom has had a baby. She is a size 4 and wearing her pre-pregnancy clothes again. That makes her very happy!

You were such a good boy while we shopped. You were in your little Baby Bjorn carrier. Your Dad walked around with you all afternoon and you (dressed in your fuzzy, brown bear outfit) just snuggled up close to him and slept. When people would comment about your bear outfit, your Dad would say, "I have one just like it!" Isn't your Dad silly??

We drove into Boone and went in Mast General Store. Your Mom and Dad picked out a pretty birthday gift for Mimi. Her birthday is this weekend, and you will get to see her. I know she and Papa Reif can't wait to see you again!

Oh Nolan, you got to meet your cousin, Keely, this weekend. Keely was born just a few days before you to Uncle Michael and Aunt Kimille. Keely has three older sisters: Mikala, Zoe, and Ella. They were excited to meet you too! I know that you and Keely will enjoy growing up together, and I'm sure that you and all of your cousins will make wonderful memories together.

You had your first trip to Coyote Kitchen yesterday. It is a little restaurant in Boone--delicious food. Your Aunt Emily and "Uncle" Bradley met us there. They couldn't believe how you had grown and changed since they had seen you last. You woke up when we got inside the restaurant, and I got to hold you! Yeah!!!!

This Thursday is Valentine's Day, and your Mom and Dad have a "date." I am going to keep you while they go out for dinner. It will be the first time they have been out for dinner (alone) since you were born. Your Mom even got a special dress to wear. I've got to get busy and buy some Valentine's Day cards. This year, I have a grandson to buy for! You have touched my life, my heart, in so many ways. I love you sweet boy.

Sleep tight.

GiGi

Three Weeks Old Today!

Dear Nolan,

Happy Birthday sweet boy. It has been a week since I've written to you. It's been busy around here! My Mother (your Great-Grandma Clark) visited with me last week, and your Mom brought you down to meet her! Great-Grandma Clark said that you were one of the prettiest babies she had ever seen. She enjoyed holding you so much. She made a big pot of Chicken 'n Dumplins, and she also baked a pound cake (two of your Mom's favorite things to eat).

You also got to meet your Great-Grandma and Papa Wilson (Papa Jack's parents) this week. Papa Jack took them to meet you. They were so happy to finally get to see you! Great-Grandma Wilson said that you were cute as a button! She also talked about how much hair you had, and she said that you looked like your Dad. It was the first time they had seen your home, and they just loved YOUR room with all of the jungle animals!!

One of your Mom's best friends, Courtney, also got to meet you this week. She lives in California, but was home for a few days and stopped by to see you while she was here.

You have been a very popular little man since you arrived. We are all so proud of you, Nolan.

Sleep tight. . .I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Happy Two Week Birthday!

Dear Nolan,

You are two weeks old today! Your Mom took you for your two-week check-up, and you had grown in both inches and pounds. The doctor told your Mom to begin putting you on your stomach sometimes. That way you can get lots of practice with lifting your head. I'm sure it won't take you long to "catch on."

We get to see each other in three days--I can't wait! Also, you get to meet your Great-Grandma Clark (my mother). She is visiting with me this week. She is looking forward to holding her first great-grandchild!

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Getting Out of the House!

Dear Nolan,

I talked with your Mom on the phone yesterday, and she had finally been able to get out of your driveway and venture into town. The winter weather in Ashe and Watauga counties can sometimes make traveling impossible--unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. The dirt road leading back to your house is especially tricky in bad weather. Yesterday, the temperatures began to climb and the road conditions improved so that you and Mom were able to get out of the house and take a little field trip! Your Mom dressed you in a bear outfit that I bought you before you were born. You looked so cute in it!!! You had your first trip to the grocery store, and your Mom said that you were such a good boy! Today, you and Mom went into town and had lunch with your Dad. Nolan, you aren't even two weeks old yet, and you are already out and about town having a good time! Isn't that wonderful?

I will try to write more tomorrow.

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Your Dad

Dear Nolan,

It is getting late, but I just had to write. I've missed you today. Let's talk about your Dad.

I have known your Dad for two years. Because he is married to your Mom, he is called my "son-in-law." I want you to know that I love your Dad just as if he were my own son. Nolan, your Dad is such a good man. He is a hard worker, and he is passionate about his work. He loves your Mom so much, and he helps her any way that he can. Sometimes he helps her by cooking or by taking care of you. When your Dad looks at your Mom or looks at you, love is all over his face! Your Dad is a kind and compassionate man. That means he cares deeply for people and puts other people's feelings before his own. Your Dad is easygoing and good-natured. He doesn't anger easily or talk in a loud or boisterous manner. Nolan, your Dad is so intelligent. . .a genius mathematician!! Your Dad is a gentleman, meaning that he is gracious and polite, and also meaning that he is a gentle man--soft-spoken with a kind heart and a sweet spirit. You know in many ways, your Dad reminds me of my Dad. I wish you could have known him. He was a special person.

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Home from the Hospital

Dear Nolan,

Okay, let's continue with the story. Your Dad stayed ALL NIGHT at the hospital with you and your Mom. He didn't want to be away from either of you for very long! I can only imagine how special those first few moments must have been--Mom, Dad, and Nolan all together as a family for the first time!

On Tuesday, the doctor checked you and said you could go home. You were home by lunchtime. I still think that is pretty amazing! Your Mom asked if I could be at your house by 1:30 p.m. because your Dad had some errands to run. "Of course I can!" I gladly accepted the invitation--I couldn't wait to see you again. I brought some vegetable soup, but your Mom and Dad had already eaten. Nolan, your Mom was so well-prepared for your birth! She cooked all of these wonderful meals ahead of time and froze them. That way, after you were born, she could spend more time with you and less time cooking. She is one smart Mom!

When I walked in, I saw you asleep in your little bassinet. We stood over that bassinet many times in the weeks before you were born just trying to imagine you in it! To finally see you there all wrapped up in your receiving blanket, so happy to be home--well, let's just say that it was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Your Dad ran some errands, and I stayed with you and your Mom. I finally got to hold you for the first time. Holding you for the first time was different from holding your Mom for the first time--not better, just different. You felt so soft and warm and delicate. You were completely at ease in my arms. It was the most comfortable feeling ever! I didn't want to put you down.

Later in the afternoon, while your Mom fed you, I stayed busy by cleaning up the kitchen, sweeping the floor, and making up the bed. I had to do something with all of my nervous energy!! You insisted on falling asleep when your Mom tried to feed you, so she placed you carefully back in your bassinet. I convinced her to stretch out on the futon to rest for a few minutes. I sat with her and told her how much I loved her. She talked about how beautiful you were, and I could see that she had fallen totally in love with you!

Speaking of being totally in love with you, let's talk about your Dad. Yes, your Dad will be the topic of my next post--maybe tonight before I go to bed. Right now, I've got to do some school work. Your GiGi is a school teacher!!!

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

Your Birthday Story

Dear Nolan,

Okay, where were we? I had just finished the whole birthing story. Now, let's talk about your MiMi and Papa Reif. You were maybe an hour old when MiMi and Papa Reif arrived at the hospital. They drove from Charlotte to see you!!

When MiMi saw you for the first time, she just cried out of pure joy! Her baby boy (your Dad) had a baby boy! Your Dad gave her a big hug, and it was just such a special moment for all of us. MiMi kept talking about how beautiful you were. She told us that your Dad had a head full of dark hair when he was born--just like you! After your Mom finished feeding you, it was time for you to meet your Papa Reif. He was thrilled to see you, and had his digital camera ready to begin taking pictures!! Nolan, because of you, we just couldn't stop smiling!

Papa Jack, Papa Reif, MiMi, and I all stood at the nursery window and watched as the nurse did what nurses do to little newborn babies. She undressed you, and bathed you, and gave you a shot (I couldn't watch!!). She also weighed you and measured you and washed your hair. I remember knocking on the glass to get her attention so we could find out how much you weighed and how long you were. She was happy to oblige. We stood there the longest time just gazing at you and falling more and more in love with you.

MiMi was so funny. She kept saying, "Look, it's a penis!" You see, your Uncle Michael and Aunt Kimille have four girls (your cousins), and MiMi hadn't seen a little baby penis in a long time! You are going to make so many wonderful memories with those little cousins.

We took turns taking pictures of each other and of you. We were as foolish as grandparents can be. People passing by just smiled and gave us that understanding nod. We were soon on our cell phones calling family and friends to share the news of your birth. Suddenly, I realized that my sleep loss didn't matter--I wasn't tired at all. Nolan, at that moment, I was so full of energy and so high on life. I have never felt younger!

The next time I write to you, I want to talk about several things. I want to talk about the day you came home from the hospital, and I want you to understand how much I love your Mom and Dad and how much they love you. You are a special blessing.

I love you sweet boy.

GiGi

One Week Old Today!

Dear Nolan,

I have so much that I want to tell you. I hardly know where to start. Let's just begin with your birthday! You were born on Monday, January 14, 2008 , at 11:14 a.m. You weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and you were 19 1/2 inches long. You had a head full of dark hair, and you were perfect in every way.

Your Mom called me around 10:40 the evening before you were born. She was having some uncomfortable contractions then. She said your Dad was in the shower and that she would call if they left for the hospital. Papa Jack and I were so excited. We had been waiting 9 months to see you! The doctor thought you might arrive on January 9, but you decided to take a little longer.

About an hour later, your Mom phoned to say that she and your Dad were on the way to the hospital. She told me not to worry, and she told me to wait for a phone call before we came. She thought it might be a "false alarm." Nolan, at that moment, I had so many emotions building up inside of me and so many thoughts going through my mind! I was happy, scared, excited, joyful, tense, anxious--I was actually laughing and crying at the same time!

In a few minutes, your Dad called and said that your Mom was ready for us to come to the hospital. He said that she was hooked up to a monitor, and they could watch the length and intensity of the contractions. How cool is that? In the background, I could hear your Mom say, "Tell her we are in Room 7." That's all I needed to hear. We were on our way to Boone, NC, Watauga Medical Center, 3rd Floor, Room 7!

I called your Aunt Emily to let her know that her sister was in the hospital. I could hear the excitement in her voice, as she told us that she would meet us there. Wow!!! It was really going to happen. On the way to the hospital, I prayed for God to keep you and your Mom safe, and I prayed that you would be strong and healthy. I prayed that your Dad would be courageous during your delivery into the world, and then I remembered what it was like when your Mom was born. Suddenly, 24 years ago was like yesterday. Scenes of Friday, December 2, 1983, at 6:01 a.m. came back clearly. . .but this time, it was my firstborn welcoming you into the world!!

I walked into Room 7 about 1:45 a.m. Your parents looked wonderful!! Your Dad was just amazing. He sat right by the bed holding your Mom's hand through every contraction. (Actually, the grip that your Mom had on your Dad's hand could be compared to the grip of a vice that your Dad might use at work to hold a piece of lumber in place!) I watched as he fed her ice chips, and when the pain was almost unbearable, your Dad would stand with his face inches from your Mom's to help her focus. Papa Jack, Aunt Emily, and Bradley (Emily's boyfriend) arrived shortly afterwards. We all stayed in the room with your Mom and Dad, until your Mom thought she might be more comfortable if we waited outside.

We moved to the 3rd Floor waiting room, and there we stayed ALL NIGHT. Your Dad would come out and give us updates, and sometimes we would go back to the Birthing Center and get updates from the nurses' station. I think we may have slept an hour or two, but it was hard to relax when we knew what was going on just down the hall! Around 6 a.m., your Mom got some special medicine that helped with her pain. That medicine is called "an epidural," and Nolan, when you are in labor, it becomes key to life--trust me.

At 9 a.m., your Dad came out and said that your Mom was dilated to 9 cm. He looked so happy but a little tired!! I went downstairs to the cafeteria and got him a cup of coffee, and Papa Jack gave him a newspaper so that he could have a keepsake from the day you were born! We knew it wouldn't be long before you were here! Your Dad went back to Room 7, and we continued to wait. Every time we heard footsteps coming down the hall, my heart would jump. We got a phone call from your MiMi and Papa Reif. They were on the way to the hospital and wanted to know if you were here yet! We all love you so much, Nolan.

Your Dad came out somewhere between 11:50 a.m. and 12 noon to let us know that you were here safe and sound. He said that you were feeding, and he said that your Mom was "amazing." We all hugged and started back to Room 7. As we turned, we saw several gentlemen standing nearby waiting on an elevator. They had big grins on their faces. They had just overheard our conversation and experienced the excitement of our news! They were the first of many people to offer congratulations on your birth!

Nolan, I wish there were words to explain what it was like to see you for the first time. I just know that I will never forget that feeling of seeing you and your Mom and Dad all together and knowing that I had become your grandmother--your GiGi.

I love you precious one. I will write more later.

GiGi