Thursday, September 30, 2010

What a difference a week makes!!

It's hard to believe that it has been a week since my back surgery! The surgery was an out-patient procedure, and I was home by late afternoon.

We still can't get over the progress I've made in the past week. I had spent the majority of the past five weeks lying down. How wonderful it is to now be able to sit, stand, and walk (things that I previously took for granted.) My excruciating back and leg pain disappeared almost immediately after the surgery.

Our other BIG NEWS was the arrival last week of Garrett James Chester. Garrett was born on Thursday, September 23. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 23 inches!! Garrett is a very old family name from my mother's side of the family. Garrett Anderson, the second husband of Mrs. Waddelow, was our new grandson's great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. He lived in Accomack County, Virginia in the mid-1600's.

Here is Garrett a few minutes after he was born.
The proud new father...
The new mother...We've been able to Skype with them a couple of times in the last week, and that has been lots of fun. It will be at least two more weeks before I'll be given clearance from my doctor to drive to Fort Wayne to see Garrett in person. Tom and I are anxiously counting off the days.

I haven't been able to sit at my office computer for ten weeks until today when I charted Garrett's name and birthdate for his birth sampler. I'm hoping to finish the sampler in the next couple of days so that I can take it when we're able to go see him.

Thank you for all your lovely notes over the past couple of months. They certainly lifted my spirits. I had hoped to respond to all of your notes individually but found that wasn't possible. I hope you understand.

I hope to be returning to regular blog posts within few days.

22 comments:

CalamityJr said...

Welcome back to blogland - we've missed you! Can't wait to see Garrett's sampler finished. Take care and don't overdo!

Margaret said...

Oh Ellen, congratulations! Garrett is beautiful! I'm so glad you're not in pain anymore and on the road to recovery. Take care of yourself -- I bet it's hard not to be able to go see Garrett now. Hang in there!

Diana said...

Glad to hear your back surgery went so well! Your grandson is also very cute.

Jo Ann said...

Ellen so glad you are doing so well, and congratulations on that new, beautiful grandson.
Be sure to tell Tom congrats too. Sending prayers and blessings, Jo Ann ( Canton Ohio-Inn Stitches class taker ! )

Colleen said...

Congrats to you & your family. Garrett is beautiful. Good to hear that you are on the mend, but easy does it. Looking forward to seeing all the baby pics when you get to Ft.Wayne. So Glad you are back

Deborah said...

Glad that you are doing so much better. Congrats to your family on the birth of Garrett. He is beautiful.

Nancy said...

Garrett is just precious, and congratulations to everyone!

It is so good to hear that you're feeling better! And, you can even stitch! You must feel like brand new.

Cristina said...

Hoping you go on improving and congrats on the new addition to the family - he is gorgeous.

Marie Le Gouis said...

Glad to read you again with these two very good news

Sheila said...

So glad you are feeling so much better and congratulations on your new grandson.
I wonder if the family is anything to do with the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson hospital for Women in London. I don´t know the history, but believe it was one of the first Womens Hospitals ever.

Giovanna said...

Congratulations on the handsome new grandson, and glad to read that you are so much better. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Alexandrina said...

Nice news! Happy birhday to Garret!
And my congratulations to you!

woolwoman said...

That new baby boy is an angel - so serene with his father. Congratulations to you and Tom and WHAT a relief that your surgery was a complete success! Loved hearing the news - just dont' over do it ! hope you have a blissful weekend
Melody

Patricia Lessell said...

What a beautiful baby boy you have there Grandma!! I am so glad that your surgery was successful.
Lots of Love
Patti xxx

Robbin said...

I'm so glad the results were as good I'd hoped they'd be! I'm sorry for your weeks of agony and hope things get better and better and you get to see your new grandson soon.

Robbin

Bertie said...

Congratulations on your new grandson, and 23" will be a tall boy Ellen.

Glad to hear you are on the mend, must be a good feeling.
Hugs

Just Me and My Shadow said...

Great news all around Ellen, with your new precious Grandson as well as your successful back surgery......wonderful!! Welcome baby Garrett:)
Chrissie

Anonymous said...

He is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing pictures. :) Glad you are feeling better!

Sandra said...

Hi Ellen, so pleased to hear that your surgery went well and that you are now pain free and able to be up and about again, that must be such a relief. Congratulations on the new family member.

siesta said...

Congratulations!!!- Поздравляю!!!- Auguriiiiiiii!!!!!!!

Sherry :o) said...

Congratulations on your new grandbaby! How precious he is.

Glad to read that you are doing better and that you went for such a long walk! That certainly is progress...and I wouldn't worry about responding to each person individually - that would be a lot of time and I am sure you have many other things to catch up!

Karan said...

Good to read that you are recovering well from surgery - hope you're soon 100% fit.
Big welcome to baby Garrett & congratulations all round. :0)