BABY IS HERE

Megan is an amazing young woman. When I think of all that she has gone through I shudder. There is so much that I can not tell, and much that needs to be told.Out of respect for her I censor my writing.

Some of the things she has had to endure from 18-24 has been

ARMY boot camp (AUGH!)
being a diesel mechanic in Iraq
pregnancy in that country and army field medical care
the birth and raising of a child w/out the father
diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma
other disorders/some of which are directly related to serving in a war

And now a miracle baby conceived after chemo and radiation.

For two months this baby has been trying to come into the world. Megan has been in and out of hospitals during this time and on two months of bed rest. Then today, on his due date, the midwife broke Megan's water, and Megan birthed Randall Crain Jr. into the world at 3:48 pm at 8 lbs 4 oz, and 21.5". Daddy Dole was there for the labor and birth, he helped deliver his son, cut the cord etc.

Dole has been a good man for my daughter, and a good father to Alanna.
(I say a prayer for him as he is heading back to Afghanistan for a year, please keep him in your thoughts.) I am so grateful to him for being there for them all.

Alanna says her brother is a big fat boy, and very cute. I laugh.

Again I thank you all for coming to read this from time to time. Knowing that there is empathy and genuine love and caring helps me through the tough times. Though I avoid drama, at times I feel like life is one big soap opera, with mine just a bit more surreal with unbelievable true stories that make you say "WTF?" (my favorite acronym of the year I think)

xxpatti