Welcome

Dear Ramona,

It is hard to believe that a week has gone by since the day you were born into this world. Now that you are here, I can't imagine our family ever being complete without you.

You arrived on Saturday, April 18--your expected due date--at 6:06 AM, just as the sun was coming up. As I watched your new little body emerge from mine, and heard your strong, vivacious cry break the morning stillness, I felt that you were truly a gift from God.
Soon after you were born, you were surrounded by people who already loved you and were anticipating your arrival. Below is a picture of you with your daddy, Forest. Before either of us held you, he walked over to where the nurses were cleaning you off and started talking to you. Your cries quieted and you turned your head towards his voice, as though you recognized something familiar amid all of the confusion outside of the womb.

And here you are with me, your mommy.

Your grandpa Parry and his wife Teresa came to greet you that day . . .

. . . and so did your grandma Michiko and grandpa Roger.

A couple of days later, the nurses and doctors decided they could trust us to take care of you on our own. We left the hospital on a beautiful spring day and took you back with us to your new home.

Hopefully you find the accommodations and service acceptable, despite the inexperience of the staff.

You've brought so much joy into our lives already . . . welcome to our home, little Ramona.

Love
Your Mommy

She's Here!

Well I am not one for poetic blog posts so I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Our little Ramona Lynn Dixon was born today at 6:06 am weighing in at 7lbs. 6oz. and 20.5 in. long. Mom and baby are both doing great and enjoying life.

We can't wait to meet you

What is missing from the following photographs?

Each time I see these items lately, I envision a tiny person inside, filling up the empty space.

Our lack of a washer/dryer sometimes results in my washing clothing in the sink and drying it with a blow dryer. But look--when you stick the nozzle into an infant sleeper, and get the hot air going, it almost looks like there is a baby inside . . .

Dear Baby in my belly,

I know you don't have much in there right now, but there is so much STUFF out here just waiting for you.

And we're out here, anticipating your arrival, too. We can't wait to meet you.

Love,
Your Mommy

Youthful Advice

This past week was my last week of substitute teaching for Urbana Schools. As I have neared the latter stages of my pregnancy, students in my classes have kindly offered their personal wisdom and counsel, some of which I would like to document below:


6th grade girl: "When is your baby due?"
me: "In about a month."
6th grade girl: "It's going to be painful."

10th grade boy: "Isn't your baby due next week?"
me: "Mmm hmm."
10th grade boy: "That's gonna feel great."

2nd grade boy: "When is your baby coming?"
me: "In about a week."
2nd grade boy: "Be ready!"

Showered

Some people say it's not possible to spoil a baby, but I wonder if it is possible to spoil an expectant mother. Last week another baby shower was held in honor of our unborn child--and although the presents were all for Baby and not for Mom, I still felt completely showered with kindness and support. Above is a diaper cake received as a gift from my friend Crystal, and below are my friends Jackie and Jenny, party planner and hostess.

They provided a delicious spread of food . . .

. . . and supplies for a project to make our own "sugar scrubs--" a homemade moisturizer/exfoliant. Thanks to all of their efforts to organize such a fabulous party!

There were plenty of other pregnant women there at the shower, but my friend Jessica and I were by far the closest to term. Jessica has since had her baby girl this past week. . . congrats to her! I guess I am next in line . . .

A Sushi Celebration

Above is Karin, one of my favorite people to make sushi for. Since she had a birthday and just finished her dissertation, a sushi party was in order . . .

. . . as well as some birthday cake . . .

. . . and birthday candles for birthday wishes.

Below is Karin swatting at the candle smoke in hopes that it would escape detection by her scrupulous fire alarm.

Congrats, Karin! I hope all your wishes come true.

My Friend Marie

This is me with Marie, one of my favorite people to play cello for.