This time...

[Dee4j]

CONGRATS!!!


glad everyone is healthy and happy

[AustinBoston]

Did they know it was a girl before hand or was this a true surprise?

None of us had official word on whether it was a girl or a boy, but...

I'm not a believer in things like ESP or pshychic powers, but there is something in PJay's family when it comes to babies.  It could be a fermone thing or ecosanoids or something, but PJay's mother has only been wrong about a baby's gender once, and that one time, she said she was unsure.  The first time she saw DD this year, she said she had an overwhelming sense it was a girl.  Both of our DD's also thought it would be a girl, and although they haven't called anywhere near as many as their grandmother, neither has ever been wrong.  Even as very small children (5 and 7), they both knew their baby brother would be a boy (when none of the rest of us "officially" did).  We were sufficiently convinced that we paid little attention to boys names and didn't heasitate to buy pink baby clothes.

So in one sense it was a surprise, but in another, it was not.  The doctors and nurses were more surprised than we were.

-----

On a separate note, PJay will be flying down at the end of the week.  I'm hoping that her mother will drive up from Florida for a few days while she's there, so that we can get pictures of four generations of women.  PJay's mom is young enough (early 60's) that she could very well live to see at least some of her great-great-grandchildren.

Austin

[AustinBoston]

Congratulations, Gramps!

A native North Carolinian...what a novel concept!:sombraro:

Hmmm...a native North Carolinian, born to Yankee parents.  Is she a northerner or a southerner?  I suspect that just because a mouse is born in a cookie jar dosen't meant it's a cookie.  'Twill be interesting to see if she grows up to be a Yankee Gal or a Southern Belle (or better, best of both).

Austin

[ForestCreature]

Congrats to all of you. Bet gramps can't wait to take the grandkid (some day kids) camping!

[AustinBoston]

Congrats to all of you. Bet gramps can't wait to take the grandkid (some day kids) camping!

One day last January, we were at a camping and RV show, and I must have asked various dealers 10 times "How many grandchildren will this hold?"  It was the very next day (at dinner time, of course) that she called to tell us she was pregnant.

Now how did I know that, BEFORE she knew herself, and before they told anyone they even suspected?    Why, I knew something I didn't even know I knew! :confused:

Austin

[Cheryl]

Having been born in Shreveport to two hardcore New Englander parents, I can postively state than I am an American, Ya'all! Born on the bayou!
I hope your dear granddaughter enjoys the diverstity of her roots!
Cheryl

[brainpause]

Yea!

Holly and I win! She was born on our birthday!

Larry

[Monterey]

1:23 AM?  Man, I knew the Marines liked to move out early, but jeez!

Congragulations Grandpa and Grandpa, and a big congragulations to the new parents.  Hope everyone is doing fine.

[wavery]

Congratulations to your entire family. :!

(I don't know how I missed this thread :eyecrazy: )

Grandkids are GREAT!!

There is a special place in grandpa's heart for his 1st granddaughter. I'll never forget when my granddaughter asked me if I would marry her .

You have a whole new and exciting life ahead of you. Grandparents are very special and play a VERY important role in the child's life. It's an awesome responsibility.

[AustinBoston]

There is a special place in grandpa's heart for his 1st granddaughter. I'll never forget when my granddaughter asked me if I would marry her .

I've only seen two little cell phone pics, and heard a few little cries over the phone, and she already does hold a very special place; I would do anything for her.

You have a whole new and exciting life ahead of you. Grandparents are very special and play a VERY important role in the child's life. It's an awesome responsibility.

Of course!  I have to make sure she gets enough camping!  

On a more serious note, though, as I look at my kids, I would not be surprised if none of them live within 1,000 miles of each other.  DD#1 will follow her Marine husband around.  DD#2 will probably never leave the Northeast (she's in PA right now).  And DS, well, the jury is still out, but I don't see him trying to live near (or far away from) his sisters.  I won't be surprised if he settles here in Minnesota, but would not rule out some farflung corner of the globe, either.  

So the only way my grandchildren will likely get to know their cousins is if Grandma and I make it happen.  No one else will take on this role; the kids themselves would if they could, but Marine paychecks and college loans being what they are, travelling a thousand miles or more to visit will be a big stretch.  They can camp with them near home;  :tent:  I'll take them to see the country (and their cousins)!  :U

That was what was in my head back in January, when we were looking at RV's exactly one day before we found out she was pregnant.  At that moment, it changed from speculation to mission.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

DD#2 will probably never leave the Northeast (she's in PA right now).

What part of PA?

[AustinBoston]

What part of PA?

St. Davids, northeast suburban Philly.  She's at Eastern University.  Her fiancee is from the area, and most or all of his family is near there.

We will probably be in the area frequently; we usually camp in the Lancaster area when we do.  I'll contact you when we might be there and might have time to get together.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

St. Davids, northeast suburban Philly. She's at Eastern University. Her fiancee is from the area, and most or all of his family is near there.
 
We will probably be in the area frequently; we usually camp in the Lancaster area when we do. I'll contact you when we might be there and might have time to get together.
 
Austin

Please contact me when you will be in the area.  I would love to meet you and I might be able to round up a few other COTOCians to bring along.

[Monterey]

Please contact me when you will be in the area.  I would love to meet you and I might be able to round up a few other COTOCians to bring along.

Count me in too.  We usually camp in Lancaster county or in Gettysburg.  And we live only about 20 miles from St. Davids.  Heck, I pass it every day on my way to work.

[chip]

First:  Congrats on the new addition to the family, AB!  

Second:  Count us in on the Great AB Comes East (Again) Rally.  Whenever it happens...