It's kind of a long story, but will try to make it short and sweet!
I'm gonna be a Grandma, and my Jimmo is going to be a Grandpa - in October - to triplets - three identical boys, yes, you heard it right - TRIPLETS!!
Our daughter (Kristen) and son-in-law (Tom) have won the baby lottery...they announced to a stunned and excited family (in April) that they were pregnant with three babies - no IVF - it's completely God-given. It's called a spontaneous multiple pregnancy, and depending on what you read, it's about one-in-a-million! The first thing our son-in-law, Tommy, told us was that we had all prayed way too hard (and there were certainly a lot of people praying...)! All I can say is...thank you Jesus!!
So, after finding out about our growing family, Jim and I decided to make the move to Baltimore (from Ohio) to be with Tom and Kristen and help with our grandtriples! Over a year ago, I lost my job of 16 years, and had been working with Terri and Susan in our "junk" business, and learning to live with one less income (in looking back, God was definitely preparing us for "something"). We had been able to rent a space and try our hand at a few occasional sales. It was fun setting up shop and selling, and meeting new friends/customers, but unfortunately, we lost our lease, and closed our doors in August.
During that time (actually since May), Jim and I were in high gear, downsizing...purging, selling, and packing - it seemed like 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was an exhausting endeavor, but we knew it was going to be worth it. We also listed our home for sale in July, and after barely 2-1/2 weeks...it sold!!! Again, another prayer answered, and we were ready to hit the road. With the help of quite a few friends, we were able to get packed, loaded, and moved (a small caravan) to Baltimore on Labor Day weekend, and began our new adventure.
Leaving family and friends was the hardest thing to do. We traveled back to our hometown and said our good-byes, knowing we wouldn't see them until next year...at some point. God has also blessed me with so many girlfriends, who are like family - I cherish and miss each and every one like crazy. You know how us girls are about our girlfriends!! But, am looking forward to visitors after the boys are born...
Since we've been here, Jim and I have been able to help the kids get some things ready at their house, help Kristen with everyday things that are impossible for her...laundry, housework, etc., in addition to acclimating ourselves to "city life". We're definitely not in Kansas, I mean Ohio...anymore! But, God knew we could do this, so we will!
We're still settling into our townhome, and doing some decorating, and dealing with less space - for instance...going from two bathrooms to one for the first time in 20-something years - so, we're learning to share! Our townhome is in a great old apartment complex, in a wonderful area of Baltimore called Roland Park - large old homes, treed streets, and lots of history! And, only 7 minutes from our kids (much better than 7+ hours!
Kristen has had two trial runs to the hospital since we've been here, and over this past weekend was admitted to the hospital for the duration of her pregnancy. Being a multiple pregnancy, she is high risk, and is in her 31st week, and has had symptoms of pre-eclampsia - so the hospital is the safest place for her and our grandtriples to be until they're ready to make their entrance into our Hewitt-Stantz families! They want to get her to 34 weeks, so we're praying she will! The staff at the hospital have been wonderful, and are taking the best care of her and the boys. Tommy has been by her side, spending the night, and getting her whatever she needs. He's going to make a fabulous daddy!
We're all so excited and have no idea what to expect, but we're all ready to meet our little blessings, and experience the unique world of triplets!!! We know this is where we're supposed to be, and that God has had this planned for a long time, we're trusting in Him that everything will work out. And, we're so thankful to be able to be a part of it all!!
Tom and Kristen have a blog where they've been sharing their journey. Here's the link so you can get a closer look... http://www.hewitthattrick.blogspot.com/
I hope to be able to help with their blog, and throw in some of Grandma's thoughts and photos!! (And, you know how I love the photos!!!)
I'll be sharing more...so stay tuned!
Hugs from Baltimore!
Kathy
P.S. You knew there would be a "P.S.", right??? I'm also going to be looking for a place to sell some of my jewelry and junk - (in my "spare" time) - because I may be helping to buy diapers...they're going to need a LOT!!! So, I'll share my new "junk adventure" too!!
Oh, and a new home means a new place to decorate! When I'm done, I'll let you get a peek of our new "home sweet home"!!
In progress...
