Christmas 2003. It was a busy, busy year. In June we moved from New York to Maryland because the house hunk was transferred. Moving is always stressful, but this time it was particularly so because we lived in our last home for nineteen years. So much stuff. So much stuff to sort and get rid of or throw out! Then in mid-September Hurricane Isabel roared into Maryland. Fortunately, we were not near the flooding, though one of the trees behind our building ended up on our balcony.
Our youngest daughter was pregnant, due in late December. We made arrangements to stay with our oldest son. Our daughter and her boyfriend were staying in a small room so Christmas was celebrated at our son's apartment. No baby. It appeared that the baby was in no hurry to arrive. We made arrangements to wait the baby out, but by December 29th, we were running out of our medications and reluctantly made the decision to go home the next day. That afternoon our daughter called, "Don't go yet! I've started labor!"
In a little while, her boyfriend called. "She wants you to be here when the baby's born." So we hopped in the car and made the forty-five minute drive across the Hudson River to the hospital. When we arrived, he was waiting for us and ushered us up to the maternity floor.
She didn’t quite make it for Christmas, but on December 29th close to midnight, Dan and I were with Jennifer and Dion, present when Daisha Monet made her entrance. Witnessing the miracle of a new baby never gets old. The precious gift of a new life—especially at Christmas—is a reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
Anny
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Five Faithful Companions!
Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? There are only a couple days left! If so, come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.
Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books, 2nd prize--4 books, 3rd prize--2 books. Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.
Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Don't for get to stop by Kelly's Blog and Amarinda's Place at www.kkirch.blogspot.com and www.amarindajones.blogspot.com Blessings on your day!Lacey Thorn Earth Moves
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIs there any xmas you don't remember?
ReplyDeleteMaybe a little late but that's okay, the best presents are always worth waiting for.
ReplyDeleteDear AJ,
ReplyDeleteThere are many Christmases I don't remember because they were "ordinary". We weren't broke. There were no disasters or memorable events. Just nice quiet Christmases with nice quiet times together. It seems like those are the ones a body SHOULD remember, but that's just not human nature. So I write about the ones that stood out. I think you would agree that the birth of a grandchild is memorable.
I can't wait to be a grandma! I think it will be the best of the parenting world. You can send them back when you're done and enjoy the pleasure of their company without the fall out.
ReplyDeleteNice blog, Anny.
ReplyDelete