Eleanor Josephine

Welcome to the world, Eleanor Josephine Chapman!

She arrived at 8:57am this morning (Wednesday, April 30, 2014). She weights 7 pounds 8 ounces and is 20 inches long. She definitely looks like her daddy and big sister. We are all doing wonderfully. Feeling so blessed.

Stay tuned for her birth story...

Book Lover

Genevieve is in this wonderful stage of wanting to look at and be read books. It makes me so happy that she enjoys books this much. I hope this love continues for years to come.

The one thing I find funny is how she selects which books we are going to read. She seems to always group them by topic. We have three copies of "Goodnight Moon." We must read each copy of it. Same thing with Sesame Street books. If we read one, we must read every single one. If we read "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" we must also read "If You Give a Dog a Donut" and "If You Give a Moose a Muffin." If we read "Corduroy," it is immediately followed up with "A Pocket for Corduroy."  

39 Weeks

I honestly didn't think I would make it this far. When I was already dilating at my 36 week appointment, I thought for sure I would have another baby by now. No such luck. I think she's just too comfortable in there. Or maybe she hears her sister crying and fussing and is scared to come out. Maybe this is a sign she will be non-crier. Here's hoping.

Anyways, yesterday we went for our weekly OB appointment. Still 3 centimeters dilated and 60% effaced. The midwife did mention that due to the barometric pressure changing so much in the next few days due to storms coming into the area that I may go into labor. Apparently when that happens people go into labor like crazy. Last night a storm rolled through but no baby. We actually stayed at my sister-in-law's house last night just in case since she has a basement. Another set of storms are suppose to roll through tonight. The midwife I like the best from the practice is on call today and all this weekend. Figures crosses for one of those options.

Otherwise I'm back for another appointment in the office next Monday - my due date. I never made it to my 40 week appointment with Genevieve. She came on her due date and the 40 week appointment was schedule for a couple days after that. I'm starting to think about what we are going to do if we make it to 41 weeks and still no baby. They don't want to let me go much pass 41 weeks. I was firm on not being induced with Genevieve. No sure I can make it much longer this time around but also not sure about the effects of being induced either.

Something I haven't mentioned before has been my weight gain. For some reason I feel like talking about it today. Maybe it's because I can feel/see the light at the end of the tunnel. I definitely want the accountability to get it off this time. I am getting close to my scary weight. You know that weight that you never, ever hope to see on the scale? For me that's 200 pounds. Now I realize that there is a baby in my belly so I have a slight excuse for it getting close to that number. It's not like the weight gain is just from the effects of eating junk food. But I definitely gained more weight than was probably recommended. Some people (crazy people?) only gain like 15 pounds. I think my mother-in-law (who is a midwife) told me that it's recommended to only gain 18-25 pounds.

So far I've gain 56 pounds. Now I'm calculating that from my pre-Genevieve weight. I didn't get the last 10-15 pounds off from her. I only gained around 30 pounds with her. However, I was also probably the skinniest I had been in a while when I got pregnant with Genevieve. Hopefully this time around I will have more motivation and accountability to get the weight off. It is definitely hard to keep up with a 21 month old in my current state. I can't imagine keeping up with two little ones without getting rid of some serious weight and building muscle to carry those two around. Wish me luck!

Potty Training

Today my baby went pee-pee in the potty for the first time.

It was quite by accident really. Earlier in the day she kept sticking her hand in her diaper, which is something new for her. She normally doesn't pay much attention to that area. So I jokingly asked her if she needed to go potty. She smiled and ran down the hallway into the bathroom. I figured what could be the harm in seeing what would happen. So I took off her pants and diaper, and let her sit on the potty. She made a few sounds but did nothing.

Later in the evening, she put her hand in her diaper again. I asked her the same question and off she ran to the bathroom. This time Josh followed her and assisted her onto the potty. Guess what? She actually peed. She seemed so proud of herself and had a huge smile on her face. Guess she must know what she did.

I was so proud. There were tears. Can't believe at a little over 21 months old she actually might be interested in the potty. She did earn a reward of a strawberry fig newton cookie.

I by no means think she is ready and she probably (and hopefully) won't remember any of it tomorrow. I am completely not ready to potty train. Not even close. Can't even wrap my head around thinking about potty training. Maybe if I wasn't less than two weeks from my due date I could more seriously consider it. Josh, on the other hand, thinks we should go for it and buy some pull-ups.

Throw Back Thursday

Josh and I at Paradise Cove in Freeport, Bahamas in September 2011

Josh and I were fortunately enough to go on two cruises pre-baby. If you've never been on a cruise, I highly recommend it. During our first cruise we discovered this gem of place in called Paradise Cove in Freeport, Bahamas. We loved getting to stop at Paradise Cove on both cruises. We actually picked the second cruise due to it stopping in Freeport (among other places).

We enjoyed getting to snorkeled on both trips. I honestly don't remember much about the first trip but I definitely remember the second one. While we were swimming out to the reef, it started to rain. And by rain, I mean it was a torrential downpour. Now this didn't bother Josh much since he sinks like a rock, but since I float the rain drops kept pelting my back. I kept curling up in ball under the water for relief. I finally convinced Josh to go back in till the storm past through. Luck would have it by the time we made it back to shore, the rain had stopped.  So out we went for the second time. The reef was gorgeous. There were lots of fish and I believe a turtle or two. The waves were a little rough from all the rain storms the area had been having and they made me a bit nervous so we didn't stay out too long.

Paradise Cove also offers a fabulous cafe and bar. The conch fritters are delicious. We haven't been there since 2011 and I'm drooling just thinking about them. In fact, it would be worth the expensive of the trip back just for those conk fritters. Josh enjoyed getting to taste locally brewed beers. He even brought home the bottles to start his international beer bottle collection.

One draw back of Paradise Cove is both times Josh and I were bitten by sand flees. They are really small and you don't see them or even feel them biting you. They are kinda like mosquito bites but itching didn't really provide any relief. In fact I think they kinda burned. The first time we were not even aware of them. The bites showed up a few days later and we were convinced we'd been bitten by bed bugs on the cruise. Upon further research we discovered that it was in fact sand flees, not the bed bugs. The second trip we were prepared and packed the bug spray. Unfortunately the bug spray got left on the cruise ship and once again we suffered some nasty bites.

It's funny to look at this picture. I don't think Josh and I have changed that much. In fact if I wasn't pregnant, I would think that it could have been taken today. Hope to one day return to Paradise Cove (and that pre-pregnacy weight).

Genevieve Monthly

I realized when I was posting about what I packed in my hospital bag, that I never posted the finished product of Genevieve's monthly pictures.

6 pounds 7 ounces - 19.25 inches long

7 pounds 15 ounces - 20.25 inches long

9 pounds 15 ounces - 21 inches long

12 pounds 8. 5 ounces - 22.75 inches long

14 pounds 7 ounces - 24 inches long

Here are a few tips I've come up with. I by no means followed all these tips but they are things I've learned over the last year. The major key word is consistency:

• Consistently on when take them. This may mean having to set a reminder on your calendar or phone for each month. I also learned that the best time of day to take them was after Genevieve had woken up from her afternoon nap. This was when she was in the best mood. Plus I had all day to remember to take the picture. Once she woke up, I would change her diaper and put her in a white onesie if she wasn't already wearing one. Then take the picture. 
• Consistently on how you take them. I typically used my iPhone but also used my regular camera. The quality between the two greatly differs. Plus my iPhone met with an untimely death around the 6th month photos so I upgraded to the iPhone 4. I can definitely see a difference in the brightness and fussiness of the photos even though each photo was typically taken the same. Although I'm not the best photographer so the poor quality could be all my fault and nothing to do with the iPhone.
• Consistently on where you take them. I started taking Genevieve picture with her laying on that yellow blanket. The only problem with that was as she got bigger and was more mobile, she was less interested and willing to cooperate laying down. Some people take pictures with the babies sitting in their rocking chairs (which I'm thinking of adding for baby number two). The only problem with this is when you aren't home to take that picture. We were gone in Indiana for holidays and family trips for months 4 and 12. It was easy to pack the onesie, sticker and blanket and still get to take the picture on the right date. 

Stay tuned to see baby number two's progress...

38 Weeks

Quick update from my 38 week appointment yesterday.

I am now 3 centimeters dilated and about 60% effaced. Honestly I am slightly discouraged by this news. I was having contractions about 5-6 minutes apart on Saturday for 2 hours so I anticipated being further along. I know that pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks so I shouldn't be too discouraged yet with two weeks left. I just figured since dilation start at least two weeks ago and I had contractions on Saturday that the end of pregnancy was in site. So sick of being miserable. (Sorry to complain. I know I'm not the first pregnant woman. Women do it all the time. This pregnancy has just been a lot harder on me. I've had a hard time keeping a positive attitude through it.)

Good news that things are moving along and I've actually been able to sleep pretty well the last two nights. By pretty well, I mean only waking up twice during the night in order to use the restroom. This is a major improvement from the past week.

Can't wait to meet baby girl!

Nesting

The other day someone asked me if I was nesting. I had to think about it for a moment but came to the conclusion that the answer was no. With the move from Virginia to Georgia, I just haven't really cared about getting things organized. Once we got the necessities unpacked I preferred to keep everything else neatly packed in boxes. We are only renting this house for a year and know that we want to move out at the end of the term.

When I was pregnant with Genevieve, the nesting was out of control. I wanted to go through every room, drawer, closet, cabinet, etc and know exactly what was in all of them. Then I wanted to organize them. My credit card got a workout at Target to purchased lots of bins and containers. My label maker also got a workout in the process. In fact, I think I broke it and called Josh almost in tears asking him to fix it. If you don't have a label maker, I highly recommend it. I don't think I could live without mine.

So based on how crazy out of control I thought the nesting was the first time around I knew I wasn't experiencing it to that degree this time. That was until last night. Josh and I were going to bed a bit later than normal -after 11pm- and all the sudden I had this huge urge to clean up everything. I cleaned the kitchen (which I due every night before bed). But then I started to clean the bathroom mirror with Windex and empty out the trash cans in the bathrooms (Thursday is trash day so it definitely wasn't a priority to do it last night). Josh just looked at me like I was crazy and told me to go to bed. After picking up a few dirty clothes I was finally able to relax and get in bed. For the first time in a while I was able to instantly fall asleep.

In other news, 38 weeks today and appointment later this afternoon!

37 Weeks

Just a quick update. I had my weekly OB appointment to check on me and the baby. Everything is looking good but nothing has changed. So we continue to wait.

Update: Below is a picture that my sister-in-law took of my belly today. Clearly I am thrilled with the 3rd trimester. 

Hospital Bag

After last weeks OB appointment, I decided that it was time to pack the hospital bag. You know, just in case. When I was expecting Genevieve, I packed my bag and barely used anything out of it. This time I feel a bit more prepared and feel like I know a little more what to expect in the hospital. I found the list I used last time and added and subtracted to it. I hope to do another post after the baby is born with what I actually end up using this time around.

Mommy's Bag

• Ziploc Bag- This was on the list from the first time. The lady who taught the childbirth class recommended this to put the baby's hat in for Josh to take home at nights for the dog to smell. I assume Daisy will be fine this time around but who knows. 
• Slippers - Hospital floors seem disgusting to me.
• Maternity Bras
• Nursing Pads - I don't expect to use these since my milk came in last time after I was already home
• Toiletry Bag - You know anything you would take for a night in a hotel. Shampoo, Conditioner,  Face Wash, Body Wash, Lotion, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Contact Solution, Contact Case, Deodorant, Lanolin (a must for nursing moms)
• Suckers - This was also on the list from last time. I know I didn't even get around to purchasing these, let alone using them. The lady who taught the childbirth class recommended them for during labor. In face, I still have to buy these this time too.
• iPhone and Charger
• Laptop and Charger
• Clothes for Josh - This was on the list from last time as well and never got used. We were at the hospital for less than an hour in the middle of the night when Genevieve was born and Josh went home to sleep so he didn't need anything out of the bag. But if he had to meet me at the hospital in work clothes and my labor had been really long, he probably would have wanted the sweatpants and t-shirt I packed.
• Going home outfit - Yoga pants and a shirt
• Hairdryer
• Underwear
• PJs - I was really uncomfortable wearing the hospital gown the entire time the first time around so I wanted to have my own PJs this time around.
• Flip flops for the shower
• Folder - You seem to get a lot of pieces of paper while your in the hospital so I packed a folder last time to put everything in and went through it once I got home
• Nipple Shield - Had to use this in order for Genevieve to properly nurse and anticipate that I will have to again.
• Make Up - This didn't get packed last time and is one of the key reasons there is only 1 photo taken of me in the hospital
• Boppy - Didn't pack this the first time and just used the hospital pillows. But I definitely found it more comfortable to use the boppy to nurse once I was home
• Wallet with insurance card and driver's license
• Viacord Donation Kit
• Postpartum support belt - Bought this when I was pregnant with Genevieve and never got around to actually using it. A friend had recommended it in case of a c-section to help support the belly and not feel like your insides are going to fall out. I'm planning to use it a bit this time for support. Don't know if I will get around to using it in the hospital though. My back has been hurting much more this time around and anticipate that won't go away right away and hope the belt with support the abs and back. 

Baby's Bag - I actually put this stuff in my suitcase since there isn't much. The hospital provides a lot for the baby, i.e. diapers, wipes, etc. 

• Outfit for baby to come home in
• Blanket for trip home
• Onesie and newborn sticker - With Genevieve we took a picture of her every month in a onesie with her monthly age sticker. I have every intention of doing this with baby number two so we need to take the newborn picture in the hospital.
• Pacifiers - Can't remember if the hospital provides these or not. Some hospitals are doing away with providing them in order to promote breastfeeding. I don't know if I will use them in the hospital either but if baby number two is anything like her big sister, we will definitely be stocking up on these.

I few of the items above aren't actually in the suitcase yet since I use them on a daily bases and don't have extra ones. But I do have a post-it note in the suitcase of what isn't there so they can be grabbed last minute.

Youth and Cell Phones

In today's technologically advanced world, cell phones are in the hands of everyone - young and old. It seems that most people are carrying around smart phones. You know the ones that are basically small, touch screen computers? In fact when was the last time you say an old school flip phone? Do they even sell cell phones that are just plain old phones?

I admit that I am probably a little more addicted to my iPhone then one probably should be. I like to have it handy to take pictures, mainly of Genevieve and what she's doing. I expect that baby number two's arrival will help me with my addiction. I also admit that I do let Genevieve play on mine. She likes to look at the pictures and videos I've taken. She points out the people in the pictures, actually just mainly Daddy and Daisy. I do have one app that she can play with. It's a coloring app that holds her attention for a minute if we need to distract her. I do have a passcode on my phone that she has yet to figure out.

Yesterday at church I was quite appalled by the number of young children playing games on their smart phones during the church service. I know it's difficult for young ones to pay attention during the service. Trust me I have my moments as well. I bet parents are trying to keep them quiet and not allow them to distract others. But I can't believe that playing on the cell phone is the solution.

Which leads me to my main question, when do you think cell phones are appropriate for children? And what do you think is appropriate to be on them?

This Time Around...

This time around I am more aware of what to expect. The first time I thought I had prepared myself as best I could but I knew that the whole experience would be something that I could never fully prepare for.

This time I've been through it before and have more idea of what is going to happen. I think I am more nervous this time around. Every twinge I feel I keep wondering if this is the beginning of it all.

Needless to say, I am a bit scared. I question my ability to do it all again. I hope every mother has that thought at some point in time.

I question my ability to deal with labor pains. I went without pain meds the first time and hope to do it again. However, when I start to think too hard about it I doubt if I can make it. I wonder how I did it. I haven't thought about it since Genevieve's birth but lately I seem to be able to remember those labor pains like it was just an hour ago.

I question if I can endure the pains of nursing another baby. Nursing Genevieve was not a good experience for me. She loved it which was the only reason I was able to push through. It was very difficult for me and I knew felt like I really enjoyed it. I want baby number two to receive the same benefits of receiving breast milk. I hope to nurse baby number two for six months just like Genevieve. I do feel a lot less pressure this time around though, so hopefully that will help. Many of my friends say that it is much easier to nurse the second time around.

I question how I will be able to not sleep at night then be up all day with both children by myself. With Genevieve, if she had been up all night I was able to sleep and relax during the day once she was settled down. This time around I will have to be on my game during the day too. Better stock up on coffee now.

I know I talk a lot about my fears and my questioning my ability in all of this, but there are so much I am looking forward to.

I am looking forward to having another little baby around. There's nothing like a new born baby. I look forward to holding her and cuddling her. I look forward to that sweet baby smell. I look forward to the little baby clothes.

I am looking forward to seeing Genevieve take on the role of big sister. I expect it to be difficult for all of us in the beginning though. She's so young that we can't explain to her what is going on and how her world will be forever changed. With two children so close in age, I am so thankful that they are the same gender. I pray they grow up to be the best of friends. I pray they have a special bond that they will carry with them the rest of their lives.

I am looking forward to the middle of the night feedings. Crazy I know. I know with having two young ones that the middle of the night may be my only alone bonding time with baby number two.

Ultrasound Follow-up

This afternoon we had our appointment with the ultrasound specialist. It was a big odd. There was a nurse and an ultrasound tech in the actual room with me then once it was over we Skyped with a doctor for the results.

Good news, there is every indication that baby number two is a healthy little girl with a small head. And no indication that the small head is a problem or will be a problem in the future. Praise the Lord! No further ultrasounds or tests will be needed.

I joked that since Genevieve and Josh have huge heads and look identical that maybe this baby will resemble me and my tiny head. But those Chapman genes are strong, so I doubt it.

I did have to fill out a ton of paperwork. While I was doing that the nurse and ultrasound tech gave us some great recommendations for places to eat. I left the appointment starving.

36 Weeks

Yesterday started the 36th week of this pregnancy. Seems like the second half has flown by. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a big move plus a blue eyed, blond hair 20 month old have probably been the biggest distractors. So hard to believe that in 4 weeks we will no longer be a family of just three. That Genevieve will no longer be an only child.

There is so much that needs to be done. Here's my running list. I'm sure there are a million things I'm forgetting.
* Pack for the hospital for both me and baby number two
* Pack bag for Genevieve for when she stays with her aunt and uncle while I'm in the hospital
* Give said aunt and uncle the extra key to the house so they can feed the dog and incase I forget something for Genevieve
* Take a tour of the hospital
* Decide on a pediatrician for baby number two (We will be in DC around Genevieve's second birthday which is when she needs to go for her next well check so we are planning to keep her with her current pediatrician till after that.)
* Make a couple more meals to put in the freezer
* Bonus would be to deep clean the house. I probably don't have energy for that though.

Last week started our weekly appointments at the OB's office. Today was this week's appointment. We found out that I am 1-2 centimeters dilated and 60% effaced. Which means baby will be coming soon. My midwife said she would be shocked if I made it to my due date on May 5. Honestly I'm a little scared I will make it another week. I had a similar appointment with Genevieve and had her less than a week later.

Needless to say I'm freaking out a bit. I know I complain about being miserably uncomfortable but I know it's best for her development to wait till at least 37 weeks and hopefully more. I am so excited for her arrival but I want it to be at the best possible time for her. I look at my to do list and start to get nervous. Tomorrow I'm tackling the first two things on that list.

I thought we'd have more time till we were at this point. I'm really doubting my ability to birth another child. I need to start the self pep talks now. I thought I would have more time to mentally, physically, emotionally spiritually, etc prepare myself to nurse and survive many sleepless nights. Although I'm sure I would never be really prepared for any of these things but the ability to get through these moments would just come to me.

Last week we had an ultrasound to check the positioning of the placenta. The ultrasound confirmed that the placenta is in an okay position and a c-section will not be necessary. Praise the Lord! However, the ultrasound technician checked the baby's head size several times and she is measuring about two weeks behind. They recommended going to see an ultrasound specialist. I was set to go see them next Wednesday but given today's information the ultrasound appointment was moved up to tomorrow afternoon. We aren't sure exactly what "measuring small" actually means. We have been afraid to go google or webmd in fear of getting even more freaked out then we are. Josh's mom said they probably saw something that is abnormal to them and want to cover their rear ends by sending me to the specialist. Genevieve was born on her due date and was small, so maybe I just have small babies. But nevertheless I am really freaked out about it all. Please pray for us tomorrow afternoon.

New to Me New Car

After months and months of searching, we finally have purchased a new to us new car.

Let me start at the beginning. The week we discovered I was pregnant with baby number two was the same week we moved Genevieve out of the infant car seat and into the convertible car seat. Upon installation of the convertible car seat in my Ford Escape, we discovered that the infant seat doesn't fit comfortably behind the driver seat nor in the middle with Genevieve's new convertible seat installed. And so commenced our car search.

Since we knew we had till April to make a decision, we weren't in such a hurry. We set our price range, desired year range, and mileage limit; and kept an eye out. I added in some features that I felt were no negotiable. For example, I preferred leather interior to the cloth seats. No real reason why though. Also my Ford Escape has back up sensors that I have unfortunately become rather reliant on. So they became standard and a camera would be preferred.

We originally started looking at minivans - specifically the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan. Yes, we drive only American cars. We found a couple on the internet, contacted a few sellers, and ever test drove a couple. However, nothing seemed right and we decided to put the search on hold till after the move.

Once we moved to Atlanta, we upped our search. We weren't having much luck with minivans so we started considering a bigger SUV. We also decided to purchase a smaller infant car seat. The one we had was great but it is the largest on the market. In addition, there became a need to sell/get rid of Josh's car. About a month before we left DC our neighbors hit his car and the bumper was pulled off the car. So it no longer seemed an appropriate car to drive potential real estate clients around in. Plus it started dying routinely in route to his work.

After what seemed like a marathon long weekend at looking at cars, we finally found a couple that we were considering and pretty much knew its was between those two - a suburban or a tahoe. We finally went with the tahoe.

We are so happy with our new vehicle. There was a bit of a debate on who was going to get the new to us car as their primary source of transportation. In the end, victory was mine mainly due to the fact that I stay within a 15 minute radius of our house. It has all the bells and whistles that our last car/cars didn't have. We are having fun playing with the navigation system. I love the automatic rear door open and close. I look forward to watching DVDs on our trips back to Indiana. I am still getting use to it's size. Even though I am accustomed to driving a SUV, it is slightly wider and longer than what I had. I am supper hesitant to pull into most parking spots and I feel like it takes me 30 minutes to back it out of the garage.

On a side note, I am still not a fan of car salesmen. I know they have a process they want to go through in hopes of you purchasing the vehicle from them. But please if it's 7:00pm and you have a pregnant woman who is saying she's starving and her 20 month old is screaming because she is also hungry, please don't keep them another 30 minutes. That pretty much will guarantee that you will not get the sale even if it's a great car.

On the other hand, if the same 20 month old hugs the car salesman at the end of the experience, you do win brownie points. Part of why I was strongly considering buying the suburban was that the car salesman and other staff had been so wonderful to Genevieve.

Monogram Items

Baby number two's monogram items have arrived...

She can official come now. Well maybe not now. I'm a little over 35 weeks so everyone would probably prefer if she held off her arrival for a few more weeks. As miserable and uncomfortable as I am, I know that it's best for her to stay put in there for a few more weeks to give everything a little longer to develop and for her to gain more weight. 

Pray for us all in these last weeks. There is so much that I feel like needs to get done before her arrival but my energy level is low. Pray for a smooth, safe delivery.  Pray for a healthy, happy baby number two. Pray for us as we transition to a family of four. Pray for Genevieve too specifically as she adjust to the big sister roll and has to share Mommy and Daddy's addition. 

Throw Back Thursday

First throw back Thursday! Who is this handsome guy you may ask? This is my Grandpa Walker. I'm unsure of date of his photo nor his age. I'm thinking it was in his 20s.

They always talk about little girls being "Daddy's Girls" which I definitely am. But I was also a huge "Grandpa's Girl." I always felt his love and knew he was proud of me. I could do no wrong in his eyes. I don't ever remember my Grandpa expressing disappointment in me. My Grandpa was extremely important to me and he will always hold a special place in my heart. I miss him dearly.

Rumor has it that he was the one to gave me my first taste of alcohol. As the story goes, I was around three years old and the adults were enjoying their favorite beverage - whiskey sours. I kept asking for a taste and was continuously denied. They finally gave in and he let me have a sip thinking I wouldn't like it and that would be the end of it. I asked for my own glass after that one sip.

My Grandpa suffered from macular degeneration and gave up driving while I was in high school. However, he kept his car (a 1983 Ford Thunderbird) in the garage. Once I started driving, he let me borrow his car a few times when my mom and dad needed their cars and I needed to go somewhere else (usually swim practice). After one particular borrowing session, he told me just to keep it. I always felt a special connection getting to drive his car. It pained me when he let my mom use it as part of a trade in for her new car.

During my senior year of high school I was having a really difficult time in my Government/Economics class. I would go over to his house and he would spend hours helping me. I would read him the chapter, he would go through every homework question with me, and he helped me study for the tests. He most likely saved me from failing that class.

I am super proud that Genevieve shares his birthday. She was born on what would have been his 90th birthday. All though he never got to meet her or even know that I was pregnant, I know he would love her to pieces and be honored to share his special day with her. In fact, if Genevieve had been a boy she would have been named after him.