OKLAHOMA HURRICANE 2023

Oklahoma Hurricane 2023

That is what some are calling it because there were winds in excess of 100 mph on Saturday night.  (Forgive if I repeat.)  Our dear little Max is still in OKC Children's Hospital, now day I think 13 and he was on track to come home today.  Saturday his daddy, Nick, came back to town for a gig and to accept delivery of their new couch.  Saturday evening he pulled into the driveway and started to get his vibes out of his red Rave 4 when he said the wind nearly took him out, so he thought the vibes can wait, they will be okay, not him if he was hit with debris.  So inside he went and he had been in the house a few minutes when this happened.  

The neighbors tree pulled out of the ground and crushed both of their cars, absolutely crushed.  Honestly, it is one horrible thing but would have been a lot worse if he had continued on to get the vibes.  He would have been crushed too.  There are small miracles.

It was terrifying for Nick to be at home all alone, to have this happen, no power, in the dark, and he had never been in any of this kind of weather before, traumatizing.  I would not be surprised if he has PTSD from it all.

THANKFULLY the house received no damage, but poor little Min's backyard swing-play center is toast.

She was so upset to see her chalk all over the place.

Now, back at the "ole' homestead" we suffered our own damage.  Our massive oak tree in the backyard decided it was done with one of it's limbs.

It snapped and landed on the corner of our lovely back porch/patio.  This damage will push the need to replace the roof, which we had been putting off.

Luckily, the neighbor next to us is having a pool installed, roof, room addition and had immediate access to a tree guy.  We hired him on the spot but had him first to go to the daughters house to uncover the cars.  Our clearing will happen sometime.  It was most important to try to uncover the cars to see if they can find the car seat for Max to come home.  

Because both girls homes are without power we have a houseful staying with us.  Nick is staying in town to navigate the insurance system and see if he can get a rental because if not my car will be going to OKC and I will have Min.  Even if they get to come home they will have to stay with us because of no power.  There may be a lot of pallets on the floor and we may go to the cabin!!!  Although the generator is running there full time too and here.  Thank GOD we have a generator.  The heat index is supposed to be horrible today so staying in a house without A/C will be miserable and so we may also be housing B's dogs!  Hopefully we can get a small generator going at their house to work some fans.  

On the home note, little Max, who was to come home today, yesterday developed something.  They did not know what was going on with him.  The doctors suspected a brain bleed or infection or something else.  Poor Af was absolutely beside herself with fear for her baby.  She didn't know what was going on and since her car is here in Tulsa, and CRUSHED, she was stuck all by herself at the hospital dealing with whatever it was.  At a bit after 3 am this morning she sent a text saying that it's an infection and he was put on heavy doses of antibiotics.  Thank GOD!  It was so scary to think something else.  Hopefully now the infection will be kicked and he will be home next week if not sooner and that their power will be on soon.  

Another good thing is that is a go for the next surgery, the Glenn in 4-6 weeks when we start the Min sleep-over again.

Also, on the Dana front is that I did get to see her one last time on Friday.  She was coherent that day but I understand from her daughter and my daughter who went to see her yesterday that she is no more.  They've stopped all her medications that she has been on forever and she's only on pain meds.  She is not eating anymore.  This reminds me of Momma at the end.  Momma wasn't even on pain meds, she was on nothing.  The not eating will shut down all her organs so it won't be long.  So sad.

He's Home

It was a grand day in our lives, a REAL "Grand" Day!

Max is home and after 3 months since his birth he is home and we got to hold our grandson for the first time.

THIS cannot be perfect enough.  Min was just on cloud 9 to get to hold her little brother.  She was calling him Maxi-Poo before we got there.  I'm very glad their little family is whole now.  It is not without a lot of work on their part.  Max has tons of stuff hooked up to him but he is also only 3 months old, still a BABY!  

Now he grows and we wait for surgery #2 in a few months.  There is still a lot to do and that little Min will be with me more than not still.  There are many doctor appointments they have, back and forth on the turnpike, once a week, but he is home.  That smile on Granddad's face says it all.  He could NOT wait to hold his first grandson.

Her smile too.

Absolute perfection.

Baby Watch Is On

Well, I'm here in LA awaiting the arrival of our newest grandchild, a little girl.  So excited to meet little Miss Minerva.  It's hard to believe that just a few months ago they announced the news and we've patiently awaited the day.  Today is actually is the due date so any day now we will meet here.

I'm here to hopefully be of assistance in any way I can.  Tick Tock...we wait, wait, wait. 

Oh, and check out the new me, down nearly 20 pounds and two sizes in jeans!!!!!

story continued...

The Innocence of a Child

The innocence of a child is quite amazing.  

She is a pro at brushing her hair and it is getting so very long.

 We had Snicklefritz Friday night and it went very well.

Then Saturday morning as the air began to warm I wanted to take her outside to look at some of the flowers in our backyard.  Yes, yes, we have mirrors on our fences.  We got the idea from a local restaurant and since then The Hubby has picked up random mirrors at estate sales and the flea market.  I LOVE them and so does Snicklefritz.  The yellow flower is a shrub called a Japanese Kierra.  My greatgranny called it a Mexican Rose for years and made it so hard to find until I saw it in an edition of Southern Living a few years ago.  If you buy one get the double NOT the single.  It blooms off and on all summer and especially during hot times.  

 She loved smelling all the flowers during her exploration of the yard.

 My fabulous lilacs.  LOVE their fragrance.

 Had to buy some inside stuff for the family that is descending on us for Easter dinner today.  20 in all will be sitting at our many tables today.

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy New Year!

Well, well, well, it is officially 2014!  I can't believe it.  When I graduated high school in 1974, 40 years ago (blech-bad taste in my mouth), I never in my wildest dreams understand that I would be alive in the 2000's let alone 2014!  I'm OLD!  EEK!  Not really but when you see the numbers....shivers!

Last night we kept little Rio for New Year's Eve, while her parents hosted a party.  She was good except for trying, yet again, to get her down for bedtime.  Before she came though I spent about 30 minutes of some quiet time with a nice cup of hot tea to relax because I knew I would be busy, and indeed I was, gladly.

Bedtime was a bit rough but she was down at 8 and I soon followed knowing she had a tendency to wake up fitful.  Again I was write because at 12:30 she was awake and not happy.  It was only an hour ordeal :( but she was back asleep but I wasn't.  My mind kept me tossing and turning till about 3 when I finally drifted only to jolted awake at 4 am.  So up we were and she was quite happy, as was I when she giggled at me.  Awww, the joy of a grandbabies!  I will nap later!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Granny Fail

ME

I am a granny fail.  Last night we were to keep Rio overnight and everything seemed to be going great until bedtime.  I think the bad stuff started earlier in the day at the office.  I was trying to put her down for her nap and usually it is no problem.  I pick her up pat a few times and then she is asleep.  Yesterday she wanted her momma and cried and cried and sobbed and sobbed until Briana had to come in and take over.   

Rio and Vera

So then they brought her over about dinner time and as it turned out we went next door for a holiday drink with the neighbors and I took her over to show off.  She was so sweet and sat in my lap for about 20 minutes eating cheese and being adorable.  I left before The Hubby to feed her and get her ready for bed.  Dinner was a great success with squash, cottage cheese and dried pears.  She did a lot of walking around and around the house and every time she got close to her bedroom with the sound machine on and lights low she would cry.  I had an inkling that something was not right with that.  I then began the routine for bedtime.  We brushed her teeth, changed the diaper, lotioned, pajamas and read her little "Good Night Moon" book.  Bottle and sound machine on but WOW, nothing to do with closing the eyes.  She started to nod off until Clayton pushed open the door and cried to get on the bed where we were sitting.  RATS!  Then it was on, the crying and sobbing and screaming and squirming.  I spent 15 minutes with that and was wrung out.  I could not stand for her to be so upset, my heart was breaking.  She was so upset with the crying and she was doing the hiccuping thing.  We went into the living room and I sent a text to Briana that I didn't think it was going to work.  She said she would come get her but I should persist, that eventually she would give it up.  I guess I just am not tough enough anymore.  I could not stand to see the usually happy Rio so upset.  The Hubby said, "Why did you do that.  Just let her cry!" Oh gosh, I just have lost my confidence in childcare but I think it's a combination of things.  I didn't want to have Rio not like being at Granny's and not like her room.  (I have got to clean out the guest room - paintings to the ceiling.)  I caved and had to be rescued.  I think too I don't want to rock the routine that B&B have set up for Rio but maybe I need to do Granny rules at Granny's house.  This has got to be fixed as we are going to try this again on New Year's Eve and there is no calling to be rescued.  It is definitely an all-nighter as they are having a huge party.  I need to get the easy flow of getting her down again.  I don't want to be a Granny Failure.  

10 Months Old

This little doodle-bug turned 10 months old yesterday.  I can't believe she is growing so fast.  She should be walking in a few short weeks, standing alone all the time now.  That face, oh how I can't turn away from that precious face.  Check out her little dress.  Her Momma has become quite handy and whittling down shirts to make dresses for her.  That little jewel was once one of my very favorite shirts that she cut down.  It tore in a bad place, ye,t I didn't have the heart to get rid of it and thought she could use it.  Voila!  

The Joy of Rio

We had another overnight with the darlin' Rio!  This one was much better as she is 8-1/2 months old.  

Momma dropped her off and unpacked the entire household with her (I remember those days).  I was excited and a bit scared yet again.  It's a huge responsibility as I also recall in my younger parent days. 

She was quite a content little lady crawling around, laughing and giggling, especially when Clayton came into her eyesight.  Don't you just love this photo of her.  What a dumplin' she is.  The only problem was she DID NOT want the bottle.  Momma is getting ready to wean and bottle was not on her radar.  Kind of worried me but she seemed fine and ate her fruits, veggies and oatmeal.  She went down at about midnight till four then up till five and down again till 8:30.  Not too bad I must say. 

This morning I enjoyed my coffee outside and she enjoyed watching the bubbles I made for her.  Confused Clayton a bit too.  Ah, the joy's of Rio!  We love her so.

A Tale of Two Papa's

Early Sunday morning we scooted back in town from the cabin to watch little Rio, helping Briana out while she worked MadeTulsa's booth at Blue Dome.  Gladly we watched Rio!  She has had a very eventful week this little sweet-pea.  Her first tooth finally erupted, she started crawling and can get from her tummy to a sitting position.  Oatmeal is also becoming a favorite thing with her favorite fruit of peaches.  My, my, my they grow up so fast.  

She did some bonding time with her Tulsa Papa and Clayton...

and then a few weeks ago time was spent with he other PawPaw!  She adores him.   

Baby, Baby, Baby

Monday Morning Ramble

Good Monday morning...brrrr, it's in the 30's here this morning and I DON'T like.  Wow, why is it so chilly this early in the season.  I am not ready for the chill but I guess I can't fight it.  

The knee is a bit better today, not as swollen and sore but definitely still there.  I've been waiting since Thursday for a call from the scheduling office to see if the insurance will pay for the MRI and then the surgery.  If the insurance says no on the MRI but yes to surgery that will make me want to scratch the head.  I mean wouldn't they want to know exactly what the doctor is going after in there!  At this point I'm ready.  I'm tired of crippin' around here and being so careful and this cold weather will make it ache more.  I've already been dealing with a potential crick in my neck since the cold hit.  

Today is the first day for B2 to go back to work leaving B and baby Rio alone, on their own for the first time since she was born....wow, 7 days ago.  Rio is 7 days old, one week.   

Saturday I went to see Daddy with the purpose of taking him to see his first great-grandchild and he was elated.  We hopped in the car and trekked over there.  Isn't this picture awesome.  

Rio and her Great-GrandPapa!

Wordless Wednesday

Grandpop