Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

The clock and the calendar are moving forward. Is it possible that grandmothers-to-be get the nesting instinct? Maybe it's just that I'm a teacher and KNOW that I gotta cover the bases before I leave town. As the day draws closer to the birth of these babies, I feel I must have everything done and everything in its place. Don't worry...too much pressure, you say...Ricky is here at home to help me sort through STUFF as well as the emotions involved...because here I am again at a bittersweet moment....removing Mama's belongings from the home I grew up in and anticipating Dottie's and Ada's arrival. What a transition in life! Coming to terms with the past, present and future in the form of preserving sentimental treasures; putting into the right home and hands practical, useful items; and creating a perfect place for the twins to come home to...in Dallas and in Albany...One thing I know for sure, I have been one LUCKY girl in this life. Blessed with a wonderful mother, brother, husband, two daughters and most recently, two sons-in-law and now the GRAND SLAM of all blessings...two granddaughters to dote on! Ain't life GRAND! Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock...

I remember...first...

Seems like yesterday...my family and friends showered ME with gifts and well wishes for our first baby. Jo Granberry hosted the party in her home. Mama made the dress I wore...poly/blend floral...tan with little flowers...short cuffed sleeves and decorative buttons on the front. Nell and Dot weren't called Granny and Grandma Dot then...but soon...

Yesterday...Sept. 4, 2010, yesterday...Karen hosted a shower for family and friends for Amy. I didn't make her dress, but she looked just beautiful! Granny came. And I think I saw Mama flitting by...on the hummingbird feeder. The most beautiful butterfly kept coming to the feeder right in the dining room window where we all came for food...yep, I'm pretty sure that was Grandma Dot. She was feeding right along with us.

We missed our family who were away...on the road...ill...and in heaven. But we had the most wonderful afternoon. Every gift had a WOW factor! From lotsa diapers...WOW! To hot pink "silkies" to memory books to Madonna onesies...I could go on and on...Ugg boots...coupons...pink and quilts..and flowers and shoes and bracelets and bonnets and bows and tooooo much to tell.

Each giftbearer was so thoughtful and gracious. Each were asked to write a note to Dottie and Ada...can't wait to read those!

Yeah, I remember...Amy...first...toes and bibs and booties...I remember...