OH, BEACH-BABY-TO-BE

Beach-Baby-Barker, I realize, is nothing unique, as blogs go.

There are many blogs about baby-this and baby-that. Some of it is fantastic information about and for babies, babies-to-be and about and for parents and parents-to-be. As a mother to only one child, this journey is something I want to document. So, this is just my journal, for us, but you're so very welcome to go along. I hope you will.

See below, Brittany and Brandon (taken on their wedding day, March 8, 2010). They fall into the parents-to-be category.

Me?

I fall into the grandmother-to-be (name to-be-determined) category and the thrill I feel is beyond compare.

Why Beach Baby? Because we're in South Florida, so why NOT? More importantly, Beach-Baby-Barker is scheduled to debut into the universe on October 29. I'm no authority on astrology, but I think this makes BBB a Scorpio, right?

We are still in cautious mode, but have relaxed somewhat as Brittany enters the end of her first tri-mester.

The first two ultra-sounds have been done and our little BBB is looking and sounding just fine. Hearing the first beat of its heart, I fell madly in love with something the size of a grape (close enough).

A little human. A combination of many gene-pools, but I know there is a little of me and a little of Gerry (Granddad-to-be, but name also TBD) swirling and twirling in the mixture.

Yes, my heart melted when I heard that little, yet strong and fast, heartbeat for the first time. I don't think I was even breathing until the sound of the baby burst into the room. Tears and squeals of joy erupted from Brittany and Brandon (yes, me as well)in that darkened and very quiet examining room. I was honored to be there at this very special time, and seeing that tiny image had all three of us spellbound and filled with emotion. So tiny, yet it already had us wrapped around its still-forming fingers.

The image went out to a small group of family members via cell-phone pictures and the hard-copy was placed on the refrigerator. We couldn't stop looking at it and both Brandon and Britt kept copies with them for viewing at work (her at Chase Bank and he at Harrington Law Firm).

After the first glimpse, Britt continued on her regimen of good-eating and nurturing BBB. Brandon, Gerry, our dog and three cats continued to keep an eye on her and be supportive as she dealt with the usual pregnancy issues.

Second ultra-sound went well, with Brittany and I there for listening and viewing. Our reaction? Awe. Brandon was on the phone (Gerry, too) with us to make sure all was well, even though work prevented his actual presence. It was a regular visit.

Please join the journey by popping in along the way, just to see how we are doing, offer advice, tips on things we must have and things we shouldn't waste our money on.

Oh, send suggestions on what the baby should call me.