She's doing great now but, unfortunately, she had to spend a few days in the hospital after we arrived. It was a little scary and stressful for all of us at first and I'm so thankful that we were there to be able to lend some emotional and practical support during and after her hospitalization. My husband had to return home as we'd originally planned (see below) but I was able to extend my stay another week+ and help out with cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, baby cuddling, etc. so that the parents could catch up on their rest. I know they could have handled it on their own but I'm so glad they didn't have to. (Everyone seemed to be doing better by the time I left so I felt ok about leaving when the time came.)
They had a few days on their own and now the other set of grandparents are there visiting. I Facetimed with them yesterday and was happy to see the other Grandma preparing dinner for them...and hear that Grandma and Grandpa took the baby out on a stroller ride yesterday afternoon so DD could take a nap. (DD couldn't have chosen a better husband and in-laws. They're wonderful people!)
While I was in CA, my DH retired from his job, had a 3-day weekend which he spent doing yard work, and then went to work the following Monday for a new employer. His drive is even longer (1.5 hours each way) but when things settle down, he'll be able to work from home at least a couple days a week. Those of us who know him laugh at his idea of "retirement" but he's very excited about what he's doing with his new job. As long as he's happy, I'm happy.
As for my stitching....it's taken a back seat. I didn't even take any with me while visiting the new baby...and wouldn't have had any time to pull it out anyway. Once I returned home, unpacked, and reorganized I pulled out a sampler that was only lacking the personal touches to be finished. It's "Live Laugh Love" by Primitive Betty. Rather than use my initials and the current year in the "banner", I thought I wanted something older. I ended up using my late grandmother's (maiden name) initials and her birth year in the banner and thought it would be a nice way to honor her. (She didn't cross stitch but she was a talented seamstress, quilter, and crocheter and I think I acquired my interest in stitching from watching her over the years.) I "signed" the piece in much smaller back stitching. It felt good to finish something right off the bat after just picking up the stitching again.
Happy stitching!
