Our first granddaughter, Lianna Angelina, arrived 6:07 p.m. Eastern Time on June 14 in Suffolk, Va., and weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces. She kept everyone waiting (was one week late) showing us that she is already practicing the time-honored tradition of not being on time. Lia is probably going to be in show business since she already knows how to make an entrance. After they induced labor and Mom was at 6 centimeters, Lia's heart rate dropped and they had to do an emergency C-section. The cord was around her neck and I have visions of her adjusting her "necklace" and getting it tangled. After giving all of us a bit of a scare, she arrived healthy, beautiful (aren't all babies?) and screaming at the top of her lungs.
Mom Larissa Wilkinson did great. Dad Randy Davis (a 1999 Douglas High graduate), was worried he would get lightheaded in the operating room but was able to stay upright through the entire birth.
Grandmom was on pins and needles for about a half hour waiting for word that all was OK. Randy was keeping me updated with frequent text messages all through the procedure which was really special. I felt like I was there with them. Now I have to be a bit patient for two more weeks before I can hold her. Thank you, Randy and Larissa, and congratulations on a beautiful baby girl.
The banners are up at the entrance to the neighborhood letting everyone know that this year's barbecue will be July 10. The May 21 column had an incorrect date of July 17. John Babcock, assistant fire chief of Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department, had given me the correct date but I entered it wrong.
The barbecue is a huge neighborhood block party that allows everyone to visit, meet new friends and reconnect with people that you may not have been able to see for a while. The firefighters do the cooking to thank us and we have the opportunity to let them know how much we appreciate them for all that they do in keeping our neighborhood safe.
This year's music for games and dancing will be provided by Coyote Entertainment. Our firefighters will be at the mailbox cluster in the afternoon selling tickets. Proceeds are used to purchase equipment that might not be provided by the department. New volunteers are always welcome and needed. Training is provided by East Fork Fire & Paramedics Department. For more information, call 782-9040 or visit the website at www.eastforkfire.org
Have a ramblin' good week.
Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com
