My Grandbaby II
 

Sunday Nov 5, 2006 5:15AM
Good morning my new grandbaby.  What a surprise.  I went up to go with your Mom, your brother (Gage) to an arts and craft fair yesterday and Gage had this tee-shirt on that read "I'm Going To Be A Big Brother"...  well as always Paw-Paw was the last to know... Gee-Gee, Mary, and Lauren found out Friday night.... haha...Me being Paw-Paw again.. I like the sound of if... Gage has kept me on my toes these past 2 years that's for sure.  It was about 2 weeks about Angie (she is my first cousin) called me and told me that she and Reed were going to be grand patients...  it will be their first...

Well your brother, Gage, calls me Paw-Paw.  I'm thinking about retiring from Singing River Hospital System, where for the past 30 years I've worked in the Information Systems dept as a computer programmer.  I've started my photography work back up and I'm having so much fun with it now.  I've got and idea for a picture that involves you and your Mom starting now..

When  we get a due date I'll put a count down on here..... To say the least I'm excited and nervous... but I'll tell you one thing being a grandparent is the best thing in the world...

Love you little one... it's only 245 days for me to wait..
Paw-Paw

254 Days
Sunday Nov 6, 2006 6:15AM
OH NO...
it's a Monday morning and it looks like rain today.  I talked to your Mom last night and told her what I wanted to do... the picture idea... and she liked the idea.  Oh yeah... something I forgot to tell you yesterday... Your Aunt Mary got up and was ready at 4AM to go to the hunting camp with her boyfriend and his Paw-Paw yesterday... now when I call her and ask her to go with me it takes her hours to get ready... hahahha Well Paw-Paw had better get a move on.... Work.. work... work...
Love ya little one,
Paw-Paw

250 Days Left
Friday Nov 10, 2006 5:15AM
G
ood morning... Paw-Paw is taking today off, but I can't sleep so I got up.  I picked up Mary yesterday at school and then we went to get your brother Gage.  Mary wanted an ICEE so went looking for a store that had them... I don't think Gage had ever had one. He sure liked it...haha... I know this morning it may seem like it's going to be along time before I'll be taking you to the store buying candy and 'ICEE's', but in the truth is it want be anytime.  These past 2 years with Gage has flown by... Your Mom goes to the doctor Tues, your Dads birthday.   I know she's nervous and worried.  I hope you'll let me make pictures of you.. Gage doesn't want Paw-Paw making pictures of him... haha.. Well Little One Paw-Paw is going to run for now.. ok..
Love ya Little One,
Paw-Paw 

246 Days To Go
Tues Nov 14, 2006 6:00AM
G
ood morning.. well today is a big day.  Your Mom goes to see the doctor today for her first visit... Today is also your Dad's birthday.. 29 today.  I'll write you more this afternoon once I talk to Melissa about the doctor visit.

228 Days Left
Sat Dec 02, 2006 6:15AM
G
ood morning little sunshine II. You and your Mom went to the doctor and she got to see your little heart beating.  This made her (your Mom) feel good.  We had a very good Thanksgiving.  I cooked a lot of good stuff and brought it up to your house.  I found out that that brother of yours likes dumplings.  I wish you could have seen him eating them.... well you got to know they were good.. Paw-Paw cooked them.. hahaha
Once again Thanksgiving had it's problems.. Your Great-Great-Granny Carrin  was in the hospital in Perry, Fla.  Gee-Gee went down there to be with her and your Aunt Mary came to stay with me.  Mary likes to be home with Gee-Gee when night comes so this got her upset somewhat and then while we are planning and looking forward to your arrival I've got a cousin that is about to leave us.  I know that this is the circle of life at work, but still it doesn't make things any easier. 
Your brother Gage has let me shoot some pictures... and I think they turned out pretty good.  I'm proud of them.. he is so funny...Your Mom told me that she tells him when I'm going to pick him up from daycare and he gets so excited.. this just makes my day.. You've got a lot to look forward to Little One... ;-)
Well Paw-Paw is going to get a move on this morning... i need to clean the house up some...not going to do to much... hahah... love ya
Love ya Little One,
Paw-Paw 

213 Days Left
Sat Dec 17, 2006  7:30AM
GOOD Morning little Sunshine II...
I'm not sure what nickname to give you just yet so for now I'm just going to call you Sunshine.. ok... Not much going on just now we're just waiting for Santa to come see us.  We went up to see my Mom and Dad yesterday and had Christmas with them.  We had such a good time.  Gage almost walked my legs off... There's some cows across the road from where Mom and Dad live and Gage just loved looking at them and I bet we made a 100 trips around the house... just walking around and around outside... haha.. Oh I enjoyed it... Sunshine, Gage calls you a "puppy" yesterday we were walking down a little road that goes to where Dad has his garden and we where talking... I asked Gage what Santa was going to bring him and he told me a bike and toys... Gage told me that I could ride the bike also and the "Puppy can ride" ... Your Mom told me he got this when she showed him the Ultrasound... Gage said it looked like a puppy... haha... You know Sunshine.... time is a very funny thing... each minute has 60 seconds, each hour has 60 minutes, and each day has 24 hours and it takes 365 days to make a year... none of this can be changed, yet as we get older it's as if the hours become seconds and the hours become minutes and the years become days... I remember being a little boy it took forever for Christmas to come... now it's here before I know it... I think that this time next Christmas I'll have 2 grandchildren to love on... I think your Mom has a feeling that you're going to be a little girl... It doesn't matter to her or any of us really.. All we want is for you to grow up being happy and to know that you are loved more each day.  Being Dad and now Paw Paw are the best jobs in the world... and I truly look forward to your arrival... Well Sunshine Paw Paw is going to run for now... You and your Mom go to see  the Doctor this Thur so I'll write ya and tell you what they tell me.. Love ya Sunshine..
Love,
Paw Paw

 

208 Days Left
Fri Dec 22, 2006  5:55AM
GOOD Morning little Sunshine II... 
Looks like it's going to be a rainy day today.  I'm glad I don't have anywhere to go to do today..  Just wanted to let you know your Mom went to the doctor yesterday.  She came by here last night and told me that she got to see your little arms and legs and to hear your heart beat.  Well here it is just a few days before Christmas.  I don't know where the this year has gone.  I know next year (2007) is going to be a busy and exciting year for us. Your Aunt Lauren (Gage calls her La-La) got a ring as an early Christmas present.. She told me it would be next spring before they got married...  haha ... She is so excited.  I went up to Mom and Dad's Wed night for a funeral... It was a service for one of your distant cousins Marilyn.  To make things worst the weather was bad... it was raining on the way to the church and this just made a bad time even worse.  Well little Sunshine... Paw-Paw is going to go for now.  I'll fill you in on what Gage got for Christmas.. ;-)
Love ya,
Paw Paw

206 Days Left
Sun Dec 24, 2006  6:40AM
IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE LITTLE SUNSHINE II...
I just just left Gage a note telling him that I had just checked to see where Santa was and NORAD said he was in Australia.  Boy next Christmas it was double the fun.  Although you will still be to small to really enjoy it, I'll enjoy just being there holding you and watching Gage playing with his new toys.  It looks like rain this morning.  I sure hope it's pretty tomorrow.  Well I'll let you know what Gage gets tonight. I'm going to go for now, but I'll be sure to keep up up to date on what's going on today and tomorrow.
Love ya,
Paw Paw

9:30AM --- Just talked to your Mom.  You're not going to believe this, but she still has Christmas shopping to do.  Melissa has got to come down here to pick up some things so I'll be playing with Gage in just a bit.  Your Mom told me that your brother was making a mess... haha... he was pulling all the diapers out of the box. Just checked and it looks like Santa is in India right now.  He's still a long way from us still.

8:15PM --- Well Little Sunshine II.. I just got home from being at your house.  We opened Christmas gifts tonight.  Gage was so excited over everything.  Just image what next year will be like.  I know you'll still be a little to young to enjoy all of if, but I promise you'll get just as much as Gage and let me tell ya that boy did very well this year.  Christmas time is a very special time and it's family that makes it so special.  Watching Gage tonight just warmed my heart and also kinda made it sad also.  Sunshine it's hard to let your children grow up and to watch them leave, but knowing all the time that this is God's plan.  I miss being woken up at 3 or 4 am by the the excited voices wanting to go see what Santa has left.  It was just like yesterday that your Mom was just a little girl and all excited about Santa coming to see her.  Now look at her all grown and with children all excited about Santa coming.  I'm going to get up real early in the morning and cook dressing to bring up to your house.  Next year you, Gage and myself will be playing with all kinds of toys together.  Well Little Sunshine II Paw Paw is going to call it a night.  I'll keep you posted on what Gage got so you can make sure you don't miss out on anything.. hahaha... I tried to look at the Santa web tracking site, but I can't get it to work tonight.  I guess all the kids are trying to see where he is.  I can assure you that he's close by by now.  Love ya... and Merry Christmas...
Love ya,
Paw Paw 

12/24/2006 (Mon) 6:30am
MERRY CHRISTMAS
 Little Sunshine II... I was just telling Gage that I had checked and Santa was almost home.  I don't know how the old fellow gets around like he does, but I'm so glad he does.  Paw Paw is about to start cooking.  On the radio they are playing one of my favorite songs.. "Christmas In Dixie" don't ask me why I like the song so much because I don't know.  For some reason it just gives me a warm feeling... I know this may sound so funny to you, but I promise someday you'll understand.  There's just something's that just can't be explained and that's one of the great things about Christmas.  I can't wait until I get up to your house today.  I enjoy playing with Gage and before long I'll have you and Gage to run and play with.  Sunshine, I can't wait until I can hold you like I did Gage... What kind of things do you think you and I will do together? More than likely we'll get into trouble... hahaha.. Well Sunshine Paw Paw had better get a move on.  I've got  a lot of cooking to do and if I don't get started it want get done... Love ya..
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw 

200 Days Left
Sat Dec 30, 2006  6:35AM
Good Morning little Sunshine II...
Looks like it's going to be a rainy day.  The weather station is talking about real heavy rain coming in.  I don't have any place to go or anything to do.  You and Mom came and ate with me yesterday afternoon.  I had cooked Melissa some rice and tomato gravy.  She loves it and she is the only one that eats it with me.  She told me that she was on call and I don't even think she made it home before she was called back to work.  I'm so glad I had cooked and she got to eat.  I took Mary home last night and it was after 8pm and she still wasn't home.  I don't see how she keeps going.  Your Mom was asking if I had talked to Angie so I called her and asked her how Jennifer was doing.  Angie told me that she had been so sick, but she was doing better now.  I don't think Melissa has been real sick with you... now with Gage she was sick almost the whole time.  Oh I tell ya I sure hate the idea of going back to work next week.  I could get used to being off and not having to do anything.  I need to get all my camera gear before I retire first.  Well Paw Paw is going to run for now.  I'll keep in touch. Oh yeah.. your Mom showed me her belly... it's getting big... haha  I told her I wanted to make some pictures of it and of Gage talking to you.  She said Gage talks to you a good bit.  Love ya.... ;-)
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw

182 Days Left
Wed Jan 17, 2007  5:09AM
Good Morning little Sunshine II...
it is COLD this morning...  right now it's 37 outside.  Monday it was in the 70's.  Well your Mom went to the doctor yesterday and she told me she heard your heart beat.   It's just something.  Your Mom is so tired.  Gage has been waking up again and she has to get up with him and Monday night she told me it was almost 11pm before she got home from the hospital.  (she goes in to work at 7am)  I try not to worry to much, but I do.  I had an e-mail yesterday from a friend asking if I wanted to help make pictures Sat.  I'll take all the work I can get... haha ... there's going to be 3 weddings in March and 2 in April.  Three of them will be paying jobs... hahahah..... oh well I enjoy it and it gets me out of the house.  I start my last class tomorrow night.  I just wish it wasn't so darn cold I just hate cold weather, and what makes it bad my birthday is in Feb... hahaha Well Sunshine Paw Paw going to run and start to get ready for work... Love ya.. ;-)
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw 

164 Days Left
Sun Feb 04, 2007  7:05AM
Good Morning little Sunshine II...
It's cold out this morning.  When I got up about 5 this morning it was 36.  That's way colder than what Paw-Paw likes.... hahah .. I saw your Mom yesterday and she told me that she can feel you moving around a lot now.  She laughed and said that Gage crawled on top of her the other morning and you went crazy.. You're none even born and you and Gage are already fighting... hahah ....Your Mom told me that Gage wants to come over to my house everyday... It's a good feeling to know that someone loves you like that.  I'll be glad went the weather gets warm and he can go in the back yard and run with Lucy.  He loves to chase her.  Nothing really to write about... just wanted to let you know that I hadn't gotten about ya....Love ya..
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw 

156 Days Left
Sun Feb 12, 2007  5:30PM
Good Evening little Sunshine II... I
t's suppose to turn cold tonight and it looks like it wants to rain this afternoon.  I'll be so glad when Spring gets here Sunshine.  It gets dark early and I just don't like it... hahah ... like it matters what I think.. You and your brother went to see the Monster Truck show Friday night.  Your Mom said you kicked and moved around the whole time... I don't know if it was the loud noise of the fact that Gage was sitting in Mom's lap... hahaha.. I think it may have been a little of both... hahahah.. Not a whole lot going on.  Paw Paw has just been so busy at work these past few weeks.  The day just flies by and it's like they're picking up speed now that I'm over 50.  Your Mom is doing good... she's beginning to show some... My girls are so special to me... sometimes it's hard for believe they've grown up.. My old house is so still and quite now days... sometimes it's to quite and my mind wonders to another time..  Well Sunshine I just wanted to say HI and tell ya Paw Paw is waiting to hold and love ya..
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw

112 Days Left
Wed March 28, 2007  4:5PM
Good Evening little Sunshine II... I
t's been awhile I know.  Paw-Paw has been busy or something. I really don't know were the time has gone.  I was on my way to eat today at the hospital and I can into you and your Mom.  You're getting big.  Your Mom looks so good.  I've been making a good many pictures.  Going to help shot 3 wedding in March and I'm helping with 2 in April.  I enjoy getting the candied shots.  I really don't like the posed pictures, but it's one of those things I have to do.. hahaha... It want be long and I'll be making pictures of you.  I can't get that brother of yours to be still to make pictures of him.  It's so pretty out this afternoon.. spring weather.. I need to be outside but I just can't get up and go out.  hahaha.. so I guess I'll go watch TV... Well I'm going to run for now.  I'll try to do better. 
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw

94 Days Left
Sun April 15, 2007  5:45AM
Good Morning little Sunshine II...
just wanted to say Hi this morning.  Saw you and your Mom yesterday.  I can tell you're growing.  You're Mom looks so good.  She always makes me feel so good when I run into her at the hospital.  Paw Paw is still working making pictures.  I was just telling Gage that I've been making pictures of wild flowers (really weeds).  Their flowers are so pretty.  It's not going to be long before I'll be making pictures of you what just about 3 months.  Dang time sure goes fast now days.  Mary went yesterday and got her prom dress.  I can't wait to see it.  The bad thing is that her prom is the night we're planning on having the Roberts reunion.  I can't wait to get some pictures of Melissa and Jennifer.  Jennifer is due in June.    Well Little Sunshine Paw Paw is going to run for now.  I need to clean the house up.. not sure why.. no one is coming over.. it's just me, Maggie and Lucy.  They don't care what the house looks like as long as I give them a bone from time to time. hahaha... Love ya... ;-)
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw

51 Days Left
Monday May  28, 2007  5:35PM
Little Sunshine II...
I felt you move this afternoon... I carried Gage home and was talking to your Mom and Dad and your Mom told us you were moving.  I put my hand on your Moms belly and I felt you move.. You are my 5th child I've felt move and each time it makes me tear up... Been a lot going on Sunshine and it all of it hasn't been good.  I'm going to sit down and write you and Gage all about it, but for now my photography is coming along very good.. I'm having a lot of fun with it.. not much money oh.. hahah ... Gas has hit an all time hit.. last week I got it for $3.15 per gallon and today it was down to $3.05.  What a mess... I just don't go no more than I have to now days... I'm creating a butterfly garden so you and Gage can come sit with me and together we can make pictures of them...  I've been making a lot of pictures of birds and the more I watch them the more I enjoy it.  I've had one little bird that's kinda rare down here.. I'll have to find his name and tell you later.    Paw Paw is sorry I haven't written as much as I should have.. Maybe I'll get back in the grove.  Love ya..
Love ya Sunshine,
Paw Paw

Monday May  28, 2007
Dear Gage and Sunshine..
My dear little ones there's things in this world we'll never understand I know and last month April 29, 2007 (Sunday) was one such day.  My first cousin Jeff passed away.  Jeff was more like a brother to Gene and myself.  At 47 years old you just never think about things like this happening.  Jeff and I grew up together, played Cowboys and Indians together so many times over at Grandpaw Roberts.. made roads under the old house and driven a 1,000,000 miles on our play roads.  We laughed and cried together, but the laughter out weighed the tears for when you were with Jeff he had a way to may you forget your worries.  He's had me laughing so hard I've cried... You know Jeff always had this special sense.. when ever I was feeling bad or just feeling a little low.. sure enough I would get a call... "HEY CUZ..." He was always wheeling and dealing too.  He had wanted me to come up and see his little truck he had gotten.. it's one that you drive from the right side.. He would call me while going thru a drive-thru and he would just laugh so hard when he got to the window and he would be on the far side.. that was Jeff.  Kids I have cried and laughed so much this past month.  Each time when I think it's getting better I fall again.  I never will forget our last phone call.  He was telling me about some gas money he had gotten from some land his Dad had... He told me that when he first heard he was going to get a check he saw new trucks, bigger house... NO more Bills... then he said he got the check for 10 months back pay.. less than $2000.. he said boy did that dream end fast.. .and then he got to laughing and I about died laughing with him.  This call came in on Monday afternoon and we talked for almost an hour.  I kept telling him he needed to go ahead and get re-married.. I need the wedding business... Kids I miss those phone calls and knowing I'll never get one again has really played hard on me.  What hurt me the most was his grandbaby... He'll never know his Paw Paw and Jeff loved him so much.  When he would call he told how he would play with him... Kids I want you to know that I love you so much... I've tried to show you thru these journals what you mean to me.  Gage you've gotten to know me, we've spent time together and played together... Son I hope we have many years of being together.  Sunshine.. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and spending time with you.  We just never know what the next second has for us kids... but one thing is for sure... there's a love within us that will never fade away... Even thro I may not write to you as much as I would like there's not a day I don't think about you and wonder what things you will see and what we will do together.  Well Paw Paw needs to go... It's taken me this long to write this because I just couldn't bear to think about it to much... but it has really played on me.. it's like part of my feeling has been turned off.. I just don't want to feel anymore... I know this is way over your little heads for now, but Paw Paw just had  to put it down on paper so they say in hopes it will help me feel better.  I hope it works.. Love ya...
Love you Kids,
Paw Paw

27Days Left
Thur  June 21, 2007  7:55PM
Little Sunshine II...
 Gee-Gee just called and said your Mom may be going into labor.  The bad thing is Moms Dr is on vacation.  I feel like I've let you down by not writing to you as much as I had planned on.  It's like time has just gotten away from me.  You have never been for from my mind oh.  Each day I think about you and how I want to watch you and Gage grow up.  Last Sunday was Fathers Day and it was also Laurens birthday.  Lauren and I went out to eat and after that we came up to your house.  Your Mom was sitting there in a chair and I could see you moving around... It was something... Sunshine I think I'm the luckiest Dad on the Earth.  I've got some pictures I'll share with you of you and your Mom... They gave her a baby shower yesterday in Surgery and she called me to come up... it just made my day.... Well Sunshine... I'm going to run for now... I may be seeing you before the weekend is over...
Love ya,
Paw Paw  

26 Days Left
Fri June 22, 2007  6:00AM
Little Sunshine II...
 Well the phone didn't ring last night... hahaha This worrying is making Paw-Paw old.  Gage and your Mom came work yesterday to see me.  It's Friday so I'm taking today off.  Gee-Gee and Mary were going to go to Fla today to go to a wedding tomorrow.  I don't know if they are going to go now or not.   I kinda hate to see them go off with the possibility you may come along this weekend and then again it could be another week or so.  Well Paw-Paw is sitting here waiting on the birds to come get something to eat.  I've got all kind coming to the feeder now.  I've  got a big family of Red Birds and yesterday I saw 4-5 Blue Jays.  Yesterday I got a picture of a Red-bellied Woodpecker.  They say they are common down here, but this is the first one I've seen in a very long time.  I hope someday you and Gage will want to come over here and sit with me and make pictures of the birds with me.   Well Paw-Paw needs to cook another pan of "Bird Cornbread" they love it..... (Paw-Paw just cooks good) ... hahahha... love ya little one... ;-)
Love ya,
Paw-Paw

 23 Days Left
Monday June 25, 2007  5:00AM
Little Sunshine II...
 Your Mom goes to see the Dr at 2pm today.  She thinks he may send her to the hospital.  Lauren and Mary are so excited.  Gee-Gee and I are excited also but you've got to remember this is our little girl.  Your Mom, Dad, and Gage come down yesterday and eat lunch with me.  I tried to fix things your Mom liked.  Ole Gage didn't eat anything... he and I went out to the flower garden and looked at the bees.. The little mean cuss would run thru the flowers and just laugh.. hahaha ... I made some pictures of you and Mom yesterday.  Little Sunshine you're going to coming into a crazy loving family...  Crazy in the fact that we care about each other so much and we tend to do crazy little things.... our lives aren't the story book family but we're still one heck of a family.  Gage is going to be something with you I bet.  Melissa told me yesterday that he things you're going to be coming home ready to play Monster Trucks with him.  Gage is something... and what makes it all so good he loves Paw-Paw just because I'm Paw-Paw... Little Sunshine I can't wait to hold you close to me and kiss your little head.. take you to Wal-Mart, McDonalds, to feel the ducks and all the little things like this.
Well my Little Sunshine... Paw-Paw has got to go get ready for work and maybe the "Phone Call" this afternoon.  See ya REAL SOON...
Love ya,
Paw-Paw

22 Days Left
Tues June 26, 2007  5:23AM
Little Sunshine II...
Well the doctor sent Mom home yesterday.  She goes back next Monday and that may be the day... It would be something if you came on the 4th of July.  I ate lunch with your Mom yesterday.  No matter had she feels she's always got a smile.  She will always be "Daddy's little girl".  Well I'll keep you posted on what's going on this weekend. 
Love ya,
Paw-Paw

16 Days Left
Monday July 2, 2007  5:20AM
Little Sunshine II...
Good Monday morning... Your Mom goes back to the doctor this afternoon.  Mary is going with her today.  Melissa said she wants Mary to hear the heart beat.  I didn't see your Mom or Gage this weekend.  As a matter of fact I didn't do anything this past weekend.  I thought I had beat this, but I guess there's really no way to beat it.  I have a lot of things I want to do, but I just can't make myself get up to do it.  I'll let you know what your Mom said about the visit this afternoon. 
Love ya,
Paw-Paw

15 Days Left
Tues July 3, 2007  5:10AM
Little Sunshine II...
Good morning my precious little one.  Your Mom goes to the hospital at 7am this morning.  The doctor is going to try and turn you.  Right now you are  "breach".  I've tried not to worry, but I didn't sleep good at all last night.  It's not easy not to worry about about the people that means so much to you.   I've got a feeling today is going to be along day for all of us.  Who knows... I just may be a Paw-Paw again today.  The funny thing is that my Mom is working at the Library today.  She was working there the day Gage was born also.  Sunshine Paw-Paw is going to try now to worry... but I don't think it's going to work.  I love your Mom and Aunts so much... you children are what makes life... Well little bit... Paw Paw is going to go get ready for what may be your birthday and then again it may not happen today.  There's still 15 days left..... No matter what.. Paw-Paw will be very close by. 
Love Sunshine...
Paw Paw    

Tues July 3, 2007  5:30PM
Well Little Sunshine
nothing happened today.  Your Mom went in this morning and the Dr was able to get you turned around.  I talked to your Mom and Dad about 2:30 or so this afternoon.  Melissa was trying to get her head to stop hurting.  So the count goes on.  hahaha... If you grow as fast as Gage has... that little boy just grows in leaps a bounds.  July 3rd... you know Sunshine I can remember things that happened years ago as clean as can be.... I'll always remember today and I'll always smile.  Maybe someday I'll sit you beside me and tell you all about it.  Well I'm going to run for now... there's a slow rain outside this afternoon and we sure needed it.  Love ya Little Sunshine...
Love ya,
Paw Paw

12 Days Left
Fri July 6, 2007  4:51PM
Little Sunshine II...
Just wanted to say HI... Your Mom is more that likely seeing the Dr about now.  She told me today that he wanted to see her today.  Gage had an appointment to see a Dr in Mobile today.  He's having his birthday party tomorrow.  Your Mom called me this morning and said he, Gage, had gone with your Dad to go eat donuts  over at his work this morning.   Well Sunshine I'm going to go for now.  I'll let you know what I hear from the Dr visit.
Love ya,
Paw Paw
6:56PM... Sunshine... I just saw the a rainbow.  This is the first one I've seen in a long time.  Think it means something??? Me neither... It was pretty and maybe there is a pot of gold at the end of it, but I'm kinda thinking there's not.  Your Mom called a little bit ago.  Said the Dr told her to stop working and that he would see her next week.  It's going to be a good feeling holding another little one again.  Love ya Sunshine...
Love,
Paw Paw  ---- PS.... just looked out again and the rainbow is gone... like so many things in our lives.. it's only here for a short time and then it gone.. never to be seen again.

11 Days Left
Sat July 6, 2007  6:30PM
Little Sunshine II...
Just wanted to say HI.. Gage had his birthday party today at Build A Bear in Ocean Springs.  A couple of kids didn't get to come so Gage got to build you a Bear.  Because we don't know if he's having a little Brother or a little Sister he made 2.  So either way he's got one for you.  You know I was right the date 07/07/07 didn't mean anything... Nothing outstanding has happened and I don't think the next 5 1/2 hours will change anything either.  Your Mom, Dad, and Gage are going to go watch the fireworks tonight.  I remember before Gage was born your Mom went to watch them.  She told me that every time one went off he would jump in her stomach.  I wonder how you will like it tonight??? Well Sunshine.. Paw Paw is going to run for now.  See ya soon... *hug*
Love ya,
Paw Paw

9 Days Left
Monday July 9, 2007  4:55AM
Little Sunshine II...
Just over a week left... if all goes right....  I cooked lunch yesterday and brought it up to your house.  Aunt Lauren was up there helping your Dad paint your room and I helped also.  Your Dad said you'll be here next Monday, July 16.  All I know is your Mom looks like she's so uncomfortable.  Gage is a little live wire, I'm not sure how he's going to take being a big Brother.  I think he'll be fine, it's just going to be those first few weeks where he's got to adjust.   Sunshine I've had crazy dreams all weekend.  Saturday night I was dreaming some kind of animal was after me and I woke up jumping and breathing hard and last night I was dreaming about old friends I haven't thought about in years.  Wonder what makes us dream about things like that?  It all seems so real at the time.   Well Sunshine I'm going to start getting ready for work.  I like going in early.  This way I can work on the writing the new payroll reports without a lot of people trying to talk to me.  Love ya... see ya real soon..
Love ya,
Paw Paw

7 Days Left
Wed July 11, 2007  6:53PM
Little Sunshine II...
ONE week... but I think it will be any time now.  Your Mom went to the doctor today and he told her if she doesn't go in labor before Monday he was going to but her in the hospital.  Want be long now... Love ya..
Love Paw-Paw

5 Days Left
Friday July 13, 2007  6:28AM
Little Sunshine II... less than a week now...
Just wanted to say good morning.  I had to go to Ocean Spring Hospital yesterday to help Matt with a report so I went down town and found a shirt for Gage (your Mom was looking for one) it has "I'M THE BIG BROTHER" on it.  Today is my Dad's birthday and yesterday was my 31st year with the hospital.   Well I guess if I don't see you before I'll see you Monday.  Love ya Sunshine.
Love ya,
Paw-Paw

3 Days Left
Sunday July 15, 2007  9:10AM
Little Sunshine II...
I just talked to your Mom... Tomorrow is the big day.  Your Mom goes in the hospital at 7AM in the morning and sometime tomorrow I hope to hold you for the first time.  If you decide to come around 3:30 or 4 tomorrow afternoon I may be a little late seeing you as I may be going to get your BIG Brother from daycare, but you can be sure that Paw Paw is going to be there all day tomorrow going in and out checking on you and Melissa.  Your Dad is excited about eating breakfast at the hospital in the morning.  Your Mom has told him about all the new things we now have up there.. hahaha..  Little Sunshine I hope I can be the kind of Paw Paw you can look to, come to and want to be with.  Gage has brought so much joy into my life.  He gets excited when he sees me and he loves to take me to his room and play.  Now I'm about to have two grandchildren to love on.. you know what... I'm going to have to get a larger desk at work just to put my pictures on..... hahaha ... I sit here this morning excited and also a little worried. Like I wrote to Gage 3 years ago, your Mom is my LITTLE girl.  No matter how old or what, she will always be my little girl.  You will be just as important to me I promise.  When you're grown, I look at you and think back to the days I held you as a baby and I'll cherish each second I had with you.  I'll always see you as my little grandson/granddaughter.   Time has such a way of getting away from us.  Today we're full of life and then we turn around and we look back and wonder where did the time go.  I see myself doing that now, more and more I do this.  Last week was my 31st year to work for the hospital and I look back and it was just like yesterday I started there.  I hope I'll have 31 years to spend with you Sunshine.  Oh yeah.. Aunt Mary got her license to drive Friday.   Well Paw Paw is going  to go for now.  See you sometime tomorrow.. Love ya,
Love,
Paw Paw

6:30PM
Little Sunshine II...
Paw-Paw got it all wrong.  I was thinking your due date was the 18th well in fact it was the 14th.  So you're really 1 day over due.  I went up to see your Mom this afternoon and she was asking me if I knew I had the wrong date...WELL NO... hahaha.. well anyway someday when you read this you'll still know that your old Paw Paw meant well.  Your room is all fixed and just waiting for you.  Your room is a mint green trimmed in white.  It's so pretty and maybe Wednesday night you will be spending your first night there.  I guess tomorrow sometime I will be starting these notes off with Attyson Claire or Noah Ryan.  To us it really doesn't matter.  We just want you here.  Well I'll keep you posted as the day goes by tomorrow.... Love ya Attyson or Noah...
Love Paw Paw

0 Days Left                      Today is the day...
Monday July 16, 2007  4:45AM
Little Sunshine II...
I just wanted to let you know I would be close by today.  It's going to be a long day for all of us, but I'll be there thru it all. Just wanted to let you know that after this note the entries will be from memories and notes that I jot down thru out the day.  Gage will be going to school as always.  I'm going to go to work and get my Monday morning files done and out of the way.  Well Attyson or Noah... Paw Paw will be there today to hold you and make pictures.    Your Mom goes to the hospital at 7 this morning... Well let me drink my coffee and get ready .. I  want to be at work by 6 so I can get everything done.
Paw-Paw will see you soon... and that will be the start of the fun for us... Love ya Sunshine...
Love ya,
Paw-Paw
 

5:45AM --- It's looks like rain and the radio just said there's going to be heavy T-Storms this afternoon.  I just looked out to the East and there's a beautiful sunrise trying to break thru the clouds.  I'm about to go to work and wait for your Dad to call me so we can go get something to eat.  My second grandbaby.. that sounds so good.  ;-)  

4:05PM --- 12:30PM today you came into this world.. Noah Ryan Tolbert... and what an entry you made.  Son you've got some good lungs.  It was such a great sound to us standing outside the door.  You are a big health looking boy.. weighing in at 8lb 02oz.  I don't know how long you are yet.  As for as I know they had never measured you... hahaha.. I can't wait to get back up to the hospital to hold you this afternoon.  I'll wait my turn... it will be hard but I'll wait.   Paw Paw will see ya in just a bit Noah...
Love ya,
Paw Paw

Tues July 17, 2007  5:05AM
Good morning Noah... I
can't wait to get to work this morning and show off my pictures.  Well how was your first night?  Your Aunt Mary stayed with you and your Mom last night.  She is so excited.  She was like a second Mom to Gage and still is.  I wonder how Gage and your Dad made it last night.  I bet he didn't want to leave the hospital.  Gage was so happy holding you yesterday afternoon.  You know from the start he told us he was going to have a little Brother.  He was right... just the brother was so little... hahaha.  Well Son Paw Paw is going to go get ready to go to work... I'll be seeing you off and on all day today... That I promise.  2 Grandsons... Life just gets better Noah... Love ya Son...
Love Paw Paw

Sat August 25, 2007  5:40AM
Good morning Noah... Sorry
I haven't written.  Paw Paw has been busy making pictures this past month.  I had to pick Gage up at daycare yesterday so I got to see you.  I don't get to see you everyday and when I do see ya I can tell you are growing.  Your little face has filled out so much.  The only thing is is that you cry a lot in the afternoon.  Your Mom said it was almost everyday... and you don't like to ride.  The other day I went with you'll to the park and you cried all the way there and back. Your Mom said it didn't worry her... that she knew you were ok... just mad...  Oh yeah you smiled at me yesterday... Well Noah Paw Paw has got to clean the house a little bit... we're planning on going to Mobile this morning... I want to take Gage to go see the snakes they have over there now.
Love ya Son,
Paw Paw

Sunday Sept 16, 2007  6:50AM
Good morning Noah...  W
ell Son it's been a very trying week for all of us.  Your Mom called me about 7:30pm Wed night and told me that you were going to be admitted to the hospital.  She told me that your fever was like 103.  Gee-Gee and Mary came over Thur morning and Gee-Gee said the test came back as meningitis.  Noah, at this point Paw-Paw lost it Son.  I was so upset and worried... but I pulled myself together and went in to work.  I came up to your room and sat with you, Mom, and Dad.  The Doctor came around and talked to Mom and Dad and told them that everything looked real good and that she felt like it was viral.  She made me feel much better and your fever never went back up. You were fussy the whole time you were in there which I can understand, but you always had a smile for Paw-Paw.  You and Gage make me feel so good.  Noah, you have on idea how much we love you... ALL OF US.   You came home yesterday and I cooked a big meal for everyone.  I knew you're Mom needed something good to eat.  Well I'm going to call and check on you and I'll see you later today.  Love ya little man....
Love ya Son,
Paw Paw 

Saturday Oct 13, 2007  6:32AM
Good morning Noah...  J
ust wanted to say HI.  Son you are growing so fast.  I just love the way you laugh and smile at me when I talk to you.  I don't get to see you as much as I would like, but that's going to change. I've been having to write the new payroll reports and by the time Paw-Paw gets home all I want to do is crash.  Well you've been in daycare for 2 weeks now.  Gage keeps a check on you I'm told.  Gage loves you.. he'll really enjoy being with you as you get a little older and able to walk and go places with him.   I'm hoping to take Gage to see the corn maze today.. you and your Mom may go... I hope she does.  I get to see her every now and again at the hospital and it just does my heart good to see and speak to her.  Oh yeah the county fair will be here in a couple of weeks.. I know you're going to love the lights and all the action up there.  Lauren and I took Gage last year and he had so much fun...  I know this year he'll really enjoy it.  Well Paw-Paw is going to run this morning... Love ya Little Bit...
Love ya Son,
Paw-Paw

Wed Nov. 28, 2007  4:58AM
Good morning Noah...  P
aw Paw has fallen down on writing to you.  You are growing so fast Son.  Your Mom told me this weekend that you've started to turn from your tummy to your back now.  She took you in for your 4 month check up yesterday and you sat up along for the doctor.  Melissa told me that you weighted in at 18 lb 2oz yesterday... hahaha   Gage looks out for you Noah... You were sick awhile back at daycare and Gages teacher had to take him down to your room so he could check on you.   You just smile and talk to me.. but you get upset when I hold you.  Now the girls (Lauren and Mary) can do anything with you and you're just as happy as you can be... hahahah... (I'm going to remember this.... hahahahhaha)  Lauren and Mary brought you and Gage up to see Mom and Dad for Thanksgiving.  It just made their day.  Mom couldn't get over how big you had gotten.  The only time she had seen you was just after you came home from the hospital... and you were a little thing... I took Gage over to see the USS AL battleship a couple of weekends ago.  We both had a lot of fun.  It want be long and you'll be going with us.  Well Paw Paw got to go get ready for work.  Just wanted to let you know I hadn't forgotten you.... It's turning cold and Paw Paw's shoulder is giving me a lot of trouble... it hurts so bad at night I can't sleep at times...
Love ya Son,
Paw  Paw

Tues Dec 25, 2007 6:15AM    Christmas Morning  (45 degrees and rainy looking)
Merry Christmas Son... Your first Christmas... I know you want remember this one, but Paw-Paw will.  I'll always keep your little chubby smile close to my heart.  I was up to see you last night and we opened Christmas gifts.  It was so much fun.  I was telling Gage how I remembered you Mom getting up and easing into our room on Christmas morning being so excited about Santa coming.  Noah to me that was only yesterday, but in truth it was many years ago.  My little girl grew up and married your Dad and now I've got 2 of the most precious gifts on Earth.  It was so much fun be a Dad to your Mom, but being Paw Paw is proving to just as much fun if not more fun.  You and Noah just have a way of warming my heart each time I see you.  You're always ready to give me a smile and Noah your smile could melt the coldest of hearts.  I can't wait to get up to see you this morning and see what all Santa left.  I just hope your ear isn't hurting this morning.  I was afraid it was last night because you were pulling on it some and crying.  Paw-Paw doesn't like to see you hurting... it makes my heart hurt when you're hurting and crying.  Well Son I'm going to get up and go take a shower and come see ya in just a bit.  Noah, Son Merry Christmas...
Love ya Son,
Paw-Paw

Monday Dec 31, 2007 6:48PM    (clear and 51 degrees out tonight)
 My Dear Boys... Here we are in the last few hours of 2007.  What a year it has been.  There's been happiness and sadness this past year. In March I got my Photography Certificate from USA.   In April I lost a great friend and cousin, Jeff. This was such a blow to all of us and even yet I keep hoping it's a dream and I'll wake up.  In March I helped Debbie Clark shoot a wedding and it has been an on going partnership.  She has asked me to help her do 4 other weddings this year and I'm looking for more work from her this coming year.  I helped Elaine shoot 5 or 6 weddings this past year also.  I shot my first set of portraits for the IPS Doctors.  Mary starting driving this year... I was a nervous wreck at first, but I just have to let got and let her learn to fly I know.  It's so hard to let your babies go oh.  The biggest and best thing was the birth of Noah Ryan Tolbert this year.   Gage and I went to see the USS Alabama ship together for the first time... just me and him.  This had been a dream of mine every since the day you were born Gage.  Each time I would pass the ship I would always think to myself that someday I would get to climb up and down the ship with my grandchildren.  Gage I wasn't disappointed either son.  That was the best day... I want you to know that.   Noah I look forward to taking you also son.  I look forward 2008 being full of new things you boys do and will show me.  Each time I come to see you'll I always leave with more than I came with and someday you will understand this and really know what Paw-Paw is talking about here.   Boys I'll close 2007 the way I always do...
Love you Sons...
Love ya,
Paw Paw

Thursday April 11, 2008 4:23AM    
 My Dear Boys... I had no idea it's been this long since I wrote here.  I don't know where the time has gone this year. It sure goes fast.  I've got sad news this morning... Maggie passed away last night about 10:30pm.  I remember when your Mom brought her home... she wasn't as big as anything.. I would get up early every morning and ease your Moms door open and she would run out to go out.  I just don't this kind of stuff well... I had me a good cry yesterday afternoon when I got home with her and again this morning when I found her.  I know this sounds so crazy... but up get to love little dogs like you love old Paw Paws... ;-) Well boys I'm going to go for now.  Really don't feel like talking much.. I'm glad I'm off today so I want have to see anyone. 
Love you Boys,
Paw Paw

Thursday April 11, 2008 4:35AM    
Dear Noah.. Paw Paw just wanted to add a note for you... you're growing so fast... You patty cake with me, you're saying Dada.  Yesterday you even held out your arms for me to get you.  You always smile at me and now i can make you laugh.  When Gage is around you love to watch him and have him talk to you.  I just think it's great. You had to have some test run yesterday things like  that keep me on edge.  Paw Paw worries way to much.. but it's just because I love you Son.
Love ya Son,
Paw Paw