Our Bonus Baby

I have been chastised for waiting so long to post about my 3rd Sack of Sugar. It's not that he's not just as wonderful, because of course he is, or that he's not as special. I've just been so busy being "present" that I haven't had time to visit the "virtual".  

Both of the previous grand babies are nothing alike. Starting with gender and including hair/eye color, skin tone, temperament...well, you get the picture. How would number three be different? He started by being the only one who was late. 

The other 2 were both early, Megan going into labor 12 days before Reid's due date. Helena was early, too. Surely that means that's just the way her body does things, right? So we pack up and head down almost a week before the "expected" date, which of course we wouldn't make. WRONG. This baby decided to set himself apart by being 5 days late. He probably would have gone longer, but Meg went in on a Friday night to be checked out (baby wasn't moving the way he was supposed to). The Dr. said she was already at a 5, water bulging and if he broke it, it would only be a matter of hours. She agreed, but when they broke her water, they found she had another bag, holding the baby up. A point in the "like Reid" column. That explains why that stinker wasn't making a move to get out and probably would have been in for a few days longer. At 8 pounds 14 ounces, it's a good thing he didn't!

Clark Mercer Morales came into the world at 1:01am, July 20. All dark hair (point, Helena) and fuzzy. A really big boy, he set himself apart from the others by bringing on the curly hair (whoopie!) and weighing over a pound more than his sibs. Just like the others, he has his own look. Reid is blond and looks like a mini Papaw, Helena looks like she is a lot more Japanese than her DNA would attest to and looks like me. Clarkie Doodle looks like his daddy. Curly headed and blue eyed, Eddie finally has one that folks don't ask who his parents are.

I got to meet Clark much sooner than I did the other 2. This hospital was a little more strict about coming in and out of the waiting area unaccompanied, and it was pretty far away. Instead, we just waited outside the curtained area, so I was able to hear his first cry, and it was a loud one. I was also able to hold him when he was just a few minutes old, still wet and so new. What an incredible blessing! So much joy and relief when they finally make their entrance. We spent about an hour with them and then headed back to relieve the wonderful person who was sitting with the kids, Meg's fabulous neighbor. 

The next day, we took the big kids up for a few minutes to meet their brother. They were so excited! Reid was especially interested in seeing him. I don't know what I expected from him, but probably what you would normally expect from a 3 year old boy! Instead, he couldn't take his eyes off Clark and whispered sweet things to him the whole time we were there. Helena was most excited about her big sister shirt and couldn't wait to wear it, but we were barely able to get Clark's on his big ol' self. I thought we were going to have to cut it off.

We only stayed a short while, took the Bigs home and let them rest. When they got up, we went back for Clark's birthday party, a tradition we started with Reid. A friend was in town so joined us for the festivities. Clark didn't enjoy the cake, but his brother and sister were glad he had a birthday!

The next day, during church, we got a text. "They are discharging us, come get us!" We gathered up the kids and headed down to the hospital. That afternoon, we headed home with a new bundle of love. He has fit in perfectly. Nurses like a champ, up to about 13 pounds at 1 month and doesn't seem phased at all by the toddler turmoil that swirls about him. He's a sweet natured lovie who likes to cuddle.  Meg had her usual over supply problem, this time it seemed even worse, but now has it under control with a combination of pumping, cabbage, and sudafed.

What a blessing this 3rd one has been. How good is God to allow parents to enjoy the gift of grandparenting? As great as my kids are, those grand babies are so much sweeter, so much softer, so much yummier. Or maybe I was trying so hard to get it right the first time, I didn't realize how right it already was and I just needed to let things be. I am taking advantage of every minute second I get with those precious darlings because I know it won't be too long before they will be working hard to hide their sweet, soft, yumminess. You never know when  the smell of Baby Magic will be long gone from their hair, when it will be the last you snuzzle a neck, check a "giggle gland" or are "forced" to fall asleep with you lips pressed against a soft cheek. I don't want to look back and realize I missed it.