1. What state where you in when you had your Shelley? Anchorage, Alaska
2. Were you surprised by the gender or did you already know? That was before good sonograms. Unfortunately my first words to my beautiful daughter were, "oh, no! I wanted a boy!!" Boy! am I ever glad it was a girl
3. Who was present in your birth room? Husband, one doctor, one nurse
4. C-section or Vaginal? Vaginal
5. Epidural or Natural? If Dr. LaMaze were alive and I met him in a dark alley tomorrow, I would let him know what "natural" childbirth feels like. I even went on to do it two more times! Keep in mind Shelley weighed in at 8.6 James at 10.6 and Wes at 9 even. With Kate I had a little bit of meds at the last minute because I got the nurse in a strangle hold and forced her to go get the sleeping doctor! Rob was stroking my forehead (which I hate) telling me that I could do it without meds. Ha! After he pried my fingers from around his throat, he hoarsely told the nurse to go wake up the sleeping doctor. Oops, too late for an epi. Only lala meds. Then she weighed in at 7.12. Shoot! I could have SNEEZED her out!!
6. Hospital or Midwife? Hospital
7. Great experience or Horrible experience and why? AMAZING! When they put her on my chest, she was all pink and beautiful. Stuck her thumb in her mouth and fell asleep. It was in the days when they were changing over from labor and delivery rooms to birthing centers where everything took place in the same room. Mine was kind of geri rigged. It wasn't finished so the dr. didn't have everything he needed. I really didn't care. Rob was a great coach. My mom and sister were right outside the door. I was on my way. It has been the most beautiful journey ever taken. And now I get the pleasure of watching Shelley with Caleb! What fun!
8. Love at first site or gradually? Within seconds. By the time she was put  on my tummy I was IN LOVE! Never for a moment has it stopped!
9. Co-sleeping or crib only? Rob wouldn't allow co-sleeping. (BFM) If I had had my way she would have been in bed with me a lot more. After she was a toddler we compromised. I had a little area beside my bed that had several folded up blankets. She was allowed to come in, lie down, and cover up. Many nights she would fall asleep with my hand rubbing her back. I was on my bed and she on her little pallet.
10. To Vaccinate or not to Vaccinate? Parental pressure forced me to. Left to myself I would not have done it.
11. How long did you nurse? 13 months!! I was so proud that I made it that long. My mother was appalled that I kept nursing. So, I became a closet nurser. Again, it was back in the days that you almost had to be militant about it.
12. TV or no TV? We did not even HAVE a tv until Shelley was 5. We made the decision to get one because she would go over to friends' houses and want to watch tv instead of socializing. I now kind of wish that we had never gotten one. Shelley has never had a problem socializing. (Is THAT the understatement of the YEAR!!) It's too easy to let the foul mouthed, immoral fellow in the corner of the room babysit.
13. Choice of Diapers? REAL ones! Saved tons of money AND helped the environment before it was fashionable to do so. I loved the feeling of reaching into the dryer and getting out the warm diapers. I lovingly folded each one and got caught up on my prayer life as I folded. Back then, pampers crinkled when you picked up the baby. I wanted a soft tushed little one. It really wasn't difficult or even yucky! I really didn't have a choice since we couldn't afford fake diapers. They were a luxury for rich folks or welfare people.
14. Did your baby take a pacifier? She had her thumb! Ah, yes, her blessed thumb! I love thumb babies!
15. Favorite part of infancy stage? Nursing
16. Favorite part of baby stage? Belly laughs
17. Favorite part of toddler stage?  Every minute was a girly moment with Shelley. From her necklace that she always wore to shoes (anyones') that she could sneak and prance around in. She always carried a purse and a baby. She would make little "nests" in all the corners of the house.
18. Baby item you couldn't live without? Johnny Jump up. Yup. It was so sureal to see a little baby hanging from the doorway bouncing up and down.
19. Any disasters the first year? Not that I can recall. Later, yes.
20. Most difficult part of the first year? Learning to nurse.
21. Easiest part? Cherishing each and every moment I spent with my little blond haired beauty.
22. Philosophy of parenting? 1.I would do ANYTHING if it were bring her closer to God.  2 .Enjoy EVERY minute. We had so much fun! 3. Fun education. I never scrimped on books or the time spent reading them.

Today we are at Shelley's house holding the baby and spending time together! I love my family, especially my grandson.