Bodie Dennis VanLeeuwen is finally here!!

I've tried for two days to get the 100 pics I took of the birth experience on our family web page, but have been unsuccessful.  I tried at the hospital, the college and now at an internet cafe in town.  So out of 100 pics, here are a few of my favorites.  More to come, as soon as I can figure out Telisa's Mac!  It was an amazing event in Clay and Telisa's life, not to mention their entire families!!  Bodie is beautiful and perfect--we all couldn't be more happy!!  Enjoy a few pics for now everyone!

WAITING FOR BODIE!!!

So, here we are at the doctor's office on Thursday, March 20th, hoping to hear those most welcomed words, "Your baby is coming!  You are fully effaced, dilated to a 10, let's go have your baby!!"  Well, not today.  You are 75% effaced and dilated to a 2.  A little disappointed, but nevertheless, the heart rate was strong and healthy, so we will wait!  What else can we do?

Then on Friday, March 21st, the contractions were getting stronger and more painful.  For about four hours they were two minutes apart.  So we thought yipee!!  Let's go to a movie and then we will see what happens.  Telisa continued to have contractions all during the movie and experiencing quite a bit of pain and discomfort, so I suggested we go to the hospital and just have her checked out.  As you can see, it was lovely "Springlike"? evening in Cleveland.  After about two hours they sent us packing.  It seems it was false labor!  False Labor!  How can labor pains be false?

The next day Clay tried to show his support by pushing out his belly also.  Next, he tried shaking the baby out of her!  We are open for any suggestions at this point!  Today, Sunday, March 23rd is her due date!  Clay and Telisa are ready!!  Bodie, what is the hold up?

There are two kinds of people in this world.....

Here I am in Cleveland, Ohio awaiting the birth of my 17th Grandchild--Bodie Dennis Van Leeuwen.  It's been a blast staying with Clay and Telisa, however, they have a huge ginormous hairy, and I mean HAIRY German Shepherd named Titus.  Note the pile of dog hair from just one day!!?? Titus doesn't seem to realize my feelings for him.  He has made it his mission in life to be my constant companion and protector, following me where ever I go--to bed, to the bathroom and to each and every room I walk.  He  is always bringing me his bone and toys, laying them on my lap and expecting me to play!  Telisa can't believe that even when Clay is home, his usual constant companion, he still follows me!?    What to do?   Dog hair?  Yuck!  I must really love Clay and Telisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Titus really loves me!  Nothing is quite so sad as unrequited love!

Tiffany's Service Birthday Project

As usual, at these service projects, I forget to take pictures until it's almost over, leaving out the main crew that worked for hours! Kim, Kathryn, Dennis and Tiffany started working at 9:30 am cleaning windows and blinds on the main floor and basement inside and out. Tristen and crew came about 11:15. Cade was most anxious to help Aunt Kim clean the basement windows because he could stand in the window wells! Tara arrived at Tiffany's house about 1pm having to wait for Trinity to take her spelling test before she could check her out of school. Usual dilemmas: 1 flat tire, 1 dead car battery, 1 child vomiting all over herself and the car! Happy Birthday Tiff!

My Little Princesses!

Thursday evening Grandpa Dennis and I took six of our very own Princesses to "Disney on Ice Princess Wishes". The fact aside that it actually was an outstanding program, and we happen to have front row seats (that never happens!), it was my wish to be with our fun and giggly grand daughters, Jessica, Sabrina, Kourtney, Whitley, Bailey, Trinity, Grace and Morgan!! Den and I kept glancing at each other thinking these are some the rewards for being grandparents!!!

Argentina and Peru February - March 08

Dennis, Kathryn, Travis and Kim Peters off for an adventure of a lifetime!!!
The Post explaining this journey is at the bottom of all these photos! Yea, I'm over 50, sometimes I do things backwards!!!

Thank you Travis and Kim!! It's been a long time since I laughed so hard it made me cry!!! I love you now and forever, my son and daughter you always will be!

Off we go!!!!!!!