Thursday the 17th at 10 pm I got a call from Jessica that she and her husband Q were on the way to the Hospital in Seattle and that she was in labor. I first asked she how she was doing with contractions, how far apart were they and how far from Federal Way to Seattle's Capital Hill neighborhood were they. They were half way there and contractions were coming pretty regularly at 4 minutes apart. I let her know I'd leave home immediately and meet them at the hospital. Even before I told her I loved her and hung up the phone I realized that it was unlikely the baby would be born in 2 hours and that most likely the birth date would be October 18th, my sister Cindi's birthday.
Cindi was killed in a car accident over 20 years ago when a drunk driver hit her head on. She was an excellent educator like so many in our family and had been returning home from giving a presentation. My daughter Jessica has always reminded me of my only sister who was 2 years older than me. We were very close for most of my life leading up to her death. The loss of Cindi at such a young age was devastating to our family. We have our memories of her and I have been pleased to see over the years that Jessica's facial expressions, cheek bones, disposition and body language often make me think of and remember my sister. A fun twist of fate occurred when Jessica had Paityn on Cindi's birthday. My dad, Ed, is into genealogy and has been tracking the maternal side of the family. I did the DNA cheek swab years ago so we have that data as well. For several generations back there has been 1 daughter that has 1 daughter keeping the matriarchal blood line going in our family. Grandma VanBuskirk was the only girl (Carl was her brother, cousins Ken and Bill's dad), she had 2 daughters but my beloved auntie who died this last year had no children. My mom had 2 daughters but my sister died before she had any children. I had one daughter Jessica who now has had a daughter Paityn. Years ago my mom and I told Jessica she needed to have a girl to carry on this line of women in the family. She said she would do her best and then we said, well in addition to having a girl, do you think you could have her on Cindi's birthday? Unbelievable - what are the chances of Paityn being born on Cindi's birthday?
Low and behold another miracle has come into my life. As you remember from previous posts, in June of this year I got to deliver my first granddaughter, Ayana, at my son Thaddeus and daughter-in-law Lindsey's home, in an unexpected early labor. It was a beautiful gift and I shall always cherish that experience. Both granddaughters (and great granddaughters) are so beautiful and mom and I really appreciate Jessica's gift to us! :-)
Baby Paityn and mom and dad are doing well. She was 7 pounds 8 ounces at birth and 20 inches long. She had a full head of straight black hair. Jessica's hair was straight at birth too and later became the beautiful curly hair she has now. Q's mom was also in the birth room and our little team of 3; both moms and Q, helped Jessica in the delivery. She was so strong in the labor and did so well. The look of love on their faces when they saw and held Paityn for the first time was beautiful. It seemed like they were surrounded by the light of love. I have some great pictures that I will somehow figure out how to post on the blog soon. Paityn is a good eater. Her daddy is already an excellent diaper changer. I love holding Paityn and can just feel how good it is for my health. I loved seeing my mom hold Paityn in the hospital too. I will continue to count my blessings everyday and to recognize the miracle of life, birth, love and family.
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