Hello all,
Life is full of change, seasons and stages. I've entered a new stage- GRANDPARENT. Dawn and I just had our first grandchild, Marlee Jade born August 23rd weighing 6 lbs 14 ounces and 21 inches long. Having four adult children ranging from 22-29 we knew this day would come but didn't quite know when or who would be first.
With advances in technology we were able to attend an event in June called - Meet The Baby Ultrasound. Meet the Baby is basically a business located in a shopping center with private viewing suites. This type of business caters to expectant parents in many cities across the US. This event was my Father's Day gift.
The viewing suite provides a large room for up to 8 family members/guests to be seated on sofas facing a huge screen on the wall while the expectant mother lies on a table with the technician guiding an ultrasound wand across the mother's belly. This displays on a 100 inch projection screen showing the mystery inside. It was so fascinating especially in contrast to the little black and white photo from the ultrasound that Dawn and I received of the fetus of our children back in the 90's. I can remember how impressed my mom was with this cutting edge technology when I showed it to her!
We were able to determine from the ultrasound that Marlee has her father's nose. We could watch her tiny hand touching her face and get a preview of what she was up to while awaiting her arrival. The technology is fairly new so I can only imagine how much more clear the images will be in 10 years.
We are excited to enjoy what our parents and friends have told us about being grandparents. Such as enjoying them for a period of time and then giving them back and not having total responsibility 24/7 for their upbringing for 18 plus years like with our own children. This sweet child is one we get to enjoy at a very different season in our lives with much more confidence, wisdom and patience than the first go around. I have heard from many grandparents that they would have loved to have just skipped the arduous task of raising a child and to have gone straight to the joy of being a grandparent.
I have attached some photos. One is from Meet the Baby and was captured by ultrasound. I hope that all of you are doing well and staying healthy.
As always, thanks for being a valued client!
Best,
Charles
