Waiting for Caroline

This is a little "catch up" posting. As most of you know, the 2 weeks before I had Caroline, I was placed on strict bedrest. So, we had lots of family and friends come to help take care of Will. We have really been blessed by those who were able to come and lend a hand.

Michelle, an incredible friend, came for several days at first. She finished little projects that I had not yet done, cleaned house, cooked, and loved on Will. Michelle was releaved by my cousing Genny.

Genny, a graduate student at UGA, did a great job of cooking. I think she surprised herself.

Will was becoming a pro at sitting up on his own!


Mike's parents came up next. They took Will to the park where he had a great time!

Sliding with Grandpa

Riding the frog with Grammy.


Oh, they found a beachball.

My first Mother's Day. I sneaked out of bed to spend some time with my little man. Caroline was just kicking, waiting to come out into the world. Just 2 days to go!

The night before I left for the hospital, Will pulled up for the 1st time in his crib. I was so glad that I got to see it happen. Of course, Mike had to lower the mattress immediately. These babies are definitely going to keep up on our toes!

He is so proud of himself! Thank goodness the camera was in his room so that I could be there to keep him from diving over head first!

Visits at the hospital

When Caroline was born, we were blessed with visits from many friends and family. We tried to get pictures of everyone, unfortunately, we weren't able to. Lisa, Will's fabulous babysitter, brought her two younger daughters to see sweet Caroline. We missed taking her picture, but was so grateful that she and everyone else were able to come by.

I don't know who is more tired. Caroline or me.


Jennifer and her son, Joshua came by just in time to play with Will. Her kind mother, Mrs. Smith, also came along. She has been visiting from Wisconson. Missed her picture, too.


Our most wonderful, previous neighbor, Tammie.

Oh, how we miss her and her precious family!!!

Daddy and his "baby girl."

Jenny and Scott, friends from the Atlanta Minis were so sweet to stop by to see us. It was a great surprise.

Michael, Vicki and their handsome boys, Perry and Cooper were enjoying our little Caroline.

Caroline is HERE

We are proud to announce the arrival of Caroline Golden Savage!

She was born on Wednesday, May 14th at 2:45 PM. She weighed 5 pounds, 8 ounces and 19 inches long. She has light ash blonde hair. Her Mommy, Daddy and big brother, Will are very excited about having her in the family.

Caroline was born 4 weeks early. Amazingly, and to my surprise, she did not spend one minute in the NICU! She had no trouble breathing and "pinked up" immediately. We were tickled to see that she was doing so well.

Sleeping peacefully.

Daddy looks ready for action in his scrub gear. He was dressed and ready with the camera. Mike was very excited, almost like a kid around the holidays.

Here is our sweet angel with mommy. Caroline was a scheduled C-section in order to avoid previous complications. When the doctor delivered her, she was kicking like crazy, swinging her legs all over the place. (Just like she did before she was born.)

Daddy is quite taken with Caroline. He is already singing to her and telling her silly stories.

Two southern girls in pink.

And of course, a southern girl must wear bows.

Michelle and Joy with little Caroline.

More daddy time.

Will came to the hospital to visit his baby sister for the first time. While he hasn't grasped who she is, he does know she is another baby and mommy holds her a lot. Caroline looked at him peculiarly, too.

Holding both of my babies. As I held them, I couldn't believe that both of these precious children came from inside me. It was a really beautiful moment. Will just wants to get another good look at her.

Grandpa and Grandma with their new granddaughter.

Mike's sister, Jennifer. Aunt Jennifer fell in love immediately.

Everyone has been asking about the nursery for Caroline. So, here are pictures of the pink nursery she will come home to. The nursery is filled with family heirlooms that Caroline and Will will come to treasure as they grow older. Even though these family members have passed away, it is precious to be surrounded by these handmade items that were made by them with great love.

I made most of the bedding and curtains. The crocheted blanket on the crib was made by my mother when she was pregnant with me. The quilt hanging above the crib was handsewn by both of my great grandmothers when I was born.

The plates on the shelf above were handpainted by Caroline's great, great grandmother Golden.

Mike found the dresser at a thrift store, painted it, changed the legs and hardware and turned it into a beautiful changing table. The glider rocker was found at a consignment sale. It was covered with denim, I recovered it with some velvet-like, mauve fabric.

Mother's Day Reflections

As my 1st Mother's Day approaches, I cannot help but reflect on my own mother, Cindy Marie Golden Martin. Born in Kansas in 1947, she passed away to be with the Lord at the young age of 57 in 2005. She was a dedicated mother and an incredible and rewarded nurse for over 35 years. Losing my mother at 32, I knew I would have a long life without her. I would have to rely on my memories of her to get through my wedding and raising babies.

When I hold my son, Will, and soon, Caroline, I recall the songs my mother sang, and the silly nicknames she called us as children. On occasion, I refer to her as Grandma Cindy, especially when my great-grandmother's clock chimes or Will sees her picture in a frame. As they grow up, I will fill their hearts with stories of their precious grandmother, so that, although they never knew her, they will in some way, know her. If she were here, she would spoil them beyond measure. I have a feeling that their Grandmother Renee, Aunts, Cousins, my sweet Step-Mother Cheryl, and close friends will take care of the spoiling.

Our daughter is expected this Wednesday, May 14th. She will be given the name, Caroline Golden. We chose Caroline, because she is a southern girl! Her middle name is in honor of her grandmother Cindy, great-grandmother, Beulah and great, great-grandmother, Wilma. It's a lovely, precious way to honor the women who came before her.

So, as my 1st Mother's Day approaches...and I find myself with an incredible son and expecting our new, beautiful daughter in just a few days, I honor my own mother, her strength, and her memory.

A picture taken in June 2005, five months before her passing.

Kicking up her heals at a country music concert. Love that pink, foam cowboy hat!

Pictures of my first moments as a mother with Will. He was so tiny and vulnerable then. Quite different from today.
I know my mom has been there throughout and will be there on Wednesday when we welcome little Caroline.