I was a young VERY Mother; 15 years old. And I think I've been dreaming of becoming a grandmother since my first born came along in 1967. I always loved babies. Loved their soft skin. Loved their smell (most of the time). Loved how they needed me! Then, finally, 10 months ago, it happened. I get "the" call.
"Hello, Grandma," my middle son, Craig, said into the phone. I could hear his typical smile, even through the telephone line. I told him, in my sleepy voice, that he must have dialed the wrong number (thinking he had meant to dial my Mom, the REAL Grandma). He whispered, "No...we meant to call you." So he, they, were not kidding! I was going to become a GRANDMA! Woo-Hoo!!!
My son and daughter-in-law were only a few weeks pregnant when they called me that early Saturday morning, and it was like a "watched pot" as I waited and waited for time to tick by. Since the parents-to-be are long distance, I relied on emailed-pictures of mommy-to-be and monthly doctor appointment news. During my daughter-in-law, Mei's, January visit, WE found out our angel was a little boy. His name would be Kaden. I liked that... especially since my name begins with a "K.
I, along with my sister, mother and my other daughter-in-law, gave the parents-to-be a baby shower. Not just any baby shower, though. It was a couples shower. OMG, it turned out wonderfully. Friends of my son's whom I hadn't seen in decades came along with their wives and families and fun was had by all. I must say, we could have opened a baby store when Mommy and Daddy were finished unwrapping gifts.
The months did pass, finally, and we all began counting down days. Now we're talking! Then on a quiet evening in latter May, my daughter-in-law was feeling some "odd" pains. (I knew what was coming). The following morning she and my son met with her doctor and they were told that ALL was not well. In fact, things we're not right at all. Her amniotic fluid was half what it should be, which could cause many complications for baby Kaden and Mommy. The doctor scheduled Mei to have labor induced, later that day. After the inducing medication was prescribed, Mei quickly began dilating. But by 11:00 PM that evening, baby Kaden was stressed and the doctors had to back off the medication. Hours slowly dragged by...then at 8:30 the following morning doctors find that Kaden is not exactly where he should be in the birth cancal and that the cord was wrapped around his tiny neck. A C-section would take place in moments.
...moments later, Kaden arrived; purple and not breathing. He was swooped up by nurses and an oxygen mask covered his little, sweet face. Tubes were quickly jammed down his throat and inserted into his itty-bitty limbs. His prognosis looked grim. THIS COULD NOT BE HAPPENING, was my thought. No, it couldn't!
The next few days were unsettling for every relative and friend who knows the parents and parent's family. Phone calls were constant. Instant messages zipped back and forth via cell phones. We waited for any news. Good news, that is.
On day four, Kaden began to show enthusiasm for life. He was eating, looked alert and almost all tubes were removed. At that moment, I KNEW ...he was a fighter like his Grandma (ME). Of course, he is! A few days later doctors let him and mommy pack up and head home. Ah.... "Home Sweet Home."
Today is his birthday. He is two weeks old and cute as a bug's ear. Today, as on all the days the past few weeks, I've given thanks to the Man upstairs for taking such good care of Kaden. I also give thanks to Kaden's wonderful doctors and care-givers at the hospital. Life is good.
The little things I complain about once in a while, are nothing. Mean nothing. Are not important. Life is 
important. A life. Our lives. Baby Kaden's life, which he now has ahead of him.
Happy Birthday, Kaden!
Love, Grandma Kat.
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