A new journey

I've started a new journey - missing Ian....I don't know where it will lead.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

A baby book

I was looking for our bank statement from January (last January because yes, we haven't reconciled it yet - I know, I know, we've been preoccupied) when I came across Ian's baby book.  So here are some memories from his baby book:

This was our first look at Ian's little face - three months before he was born.....can you see him?  His little head smushed up between who-knows-what body parts.

Ian was dedicated on January 31, 1993 at First Southern Baptist Church, Lompoc by Dr. JT Reed.  JT always gave the parents the meaning of the baby's names along with a note from him:
Ian means "God is gracious" and MacDonald means "son of world mighty or world ruler."  Ian, as you set out to conquer your world may you find that it is not by works but by grace that we find God and thus life.  Always remember, "what does it profit a man if he gain the whole world, but lose his soul?"

Ian's baby book asked for info on his grandparents and parents - this is what I wrote about Ian's maternal grandparents:
Grandmothers special interests and talents:  singing, disinfecting things, reading.
Her physical features:  reddish-brown hair, startling blue eyes, 'Wilcoxon flaring nostrils', small hands and flat feet.

Grandpas physical features:  tall, distinguished looking, a barrel chest, no behind and dark hair with a touch of grey.

The rest of the book asks a series of questions like -
  • How and when we heard the good news - went to Dr. Callahan to be tested but we were already sure I was pregnant.  You were conceived on Feb 1, 1992 (that may be TMI but the fact that we actually KNEW this was amazing - Alex and Amy were complete surprises)
  • Classes we took - none, we figured we knew it all by now.
  • Reactions from family and friends - "Again?", "Do you know what causes this?"
  • Special advise from family and friends - "Stop having children"
  • What we wished for you - that you would be healthy and grow-up in a safe & sane world.  Our biggest hope is that you will come to know Jesus Christ in a personal way.  We hope you will grow-up respecting others, be considerate, successful and happy. (you were all these things Ian and more)
  • Mom's appearance during pregnancy - moo cow
  • Mom's favorite maternity wear - the latest in tent-ware
  • Comments about the delivery - short and sweet (1 1/2 hours), sat around in between pushes, waiting for another contraction.
  • Mom's first reaction to baby - I checked your color and placed you on my chest.
  • Dad's first reaction - Eric said, "There he is!"
  • Other memories of the event - you were sooooo beautiful, very serene looking.
  • Born at 12:26pm, 8 lbs, 2 oz, 20 3/4", grey eyes and black hair, a birthmark on your back and looooong feet and toes.
  • Other names we considered - Peter

At 2 months you were in the 90% for height and the 150% for weight at 16 lbs., 5 ozs - you were a chunker

  • In November 1993 you had your first asthma attack and we took you to the ER
  • On 12/5/93 you chipped your front right tooth on the side of the bathtub
  • Sometime after that Amy (my apologizes to Alex - all these years I've blamed him for this little incident) let you in the bathroom while I was on the phone and you fell against the toilet and bit completely through your tongue, almost cutting it off.  You had it sown back together in the ER  but had to have it redone a week later by an oral surgeon.
  • You slept through the night at 7 weeks (bless your little heart!!)
  • You turned over for the first time on 3/1/93
  • You stood up on 8/19/93
  • You took your first step alone on 10/20/93
  • Your first word was 'dada' in August 1993
  • You spoke your first sentence in March 1994
  • As a baby you were:  sweet and cheerful
  • You laughed when:  people talked to you and when daddy 'boxed' with you
  • At age 1 you were: mischievous, laughed a lot, liked to keep up with your brother & sister, rock out to music
  • You liked music with rhythm
  • At 14 months your favorite expressions were: mama, dada, oh no, all gone, amy, alex, more, bye-bye and guts.
  • Your favorite lullabies were:  "Jesus Love Me" and "Down in the Valley"
  • You hated having a blanket on (and you were still that way, up until the day you died)
  • How you woke up in the mornings: in a good mood and cheerful
  • What you thought about Santa Claus - scared of him every year.
  • How you spent your days: playing with Alex & Amy.  You loved to go outside.  You used crayons for the first time on 12/21/93.
  • My greatest joys: watching your personality emerge - bright, playful, curious, mischievous & independent.
 All these memories just make me miss you more - but they also make me smile, just like you did.

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