Poppi and Nana

 Adam has been so excited about being a granddaddy -- or "Poppi," as he wants to be called. Some of our kids already call him that, and he likes it. He's a silly, teasing Poppi. Can you tell? If Anna weren't in the hospital bed across the room, I think she's smack him for all the annoying things he says in his delight at his new role!

 It was a very, very long weekend in the hospital, and labor progressed so slowly. We're thankful the hospital and staff worked with Anna and brought about the natural delivery she wanted ... even though at the end, in the pain and exhaustion, she wasn't sure she wanted it anymore. The tricky part about labor pain is that just about the time you realize you do want serious pain meds, it's too late to get them. Ah well. Anna was phenomenal and pushed through it all.

 A natural birth without epidural or C-section is the healthiest option for mama and baby, of course -- although sometimes those options are needed, even life-saving. Anna recovered so well that the next morning the pediatrician who visited her room didn't recognize her as the 'new mom.' 

Gramm was amazing, such an attentive and caring husband and daddy. He's just the best. For those of you who know my side of the family, you'll be happy to hear that Gramm has a calm, even disposition, thoughtful of others and not bossy. I told him we're so glad to have his genes mixed into the pool. Anna's hoping the baby takes after him!

 And in his appearance, I'd say that's true. When I look in this sweet little face (which is often hiding from this bright world at first) I see Gramm's family features. He is absolutely darling, calm and not fussy, is nursing like a pro, and doesn't like having his feet messed with. 

 All is well. Adam and I are enjoying our time in Mississippi here in the Delta, which is a rich, unique culture. He stopped to buy gas yesterday and came strutting out of the station afterward, pleased with himself and holding a little bag. He'd found fresh fried chicken gizzards, a favorite food that he can't find where we live. 

This sweet little bloom I found in the hospital garden, alone on the bush. It made me think of this fresh new baby, tiny, perfect, beautiful.

 I've joined two facebook groups for watercolor beginners. (Some of those folks are not beginners!) I painted this before baby's birth.

 And, so that you can all share in the giggles, here's a silliness I saw on facebook:

When I get home, I may work up my own version of a Jane Austen board game. This one seems rather heavy toward Pride and Prejudice. I'd prefer one that reflects a broader range of her books and is more complicated. But isn't this a cute idea? "Mr. Toffeebottom" and "take to your bed!"