life with jamison - coming home!

property of Indianapolis, on loan to Kailua

When I returned to the hospital the next day, I brought one of the new baby blankets and got to hold and cuddle Jamison for a good long time. Adrianne and Elliott got some much needed rest and I (politely) refused entry to the endless stream of people knocking and attempting to enter the room (photographer, nurses, lunch tray, blood collector, etc). We closed the blinds and it was so peaceful while everyone was sleeping!


I also brought some of the cookies I had purchased at Paradise in Indy the day I left. They went straight into the freezer when I got there because of Adrianne's gestational diabetes but thawed nicely and we all enjoyed one after a Subway lunch in the room!

chocolate chip from Paradise

We spent a pleasant evening together, cuddling and marveling over Jamison. I took lots of pictures and cracked up when I saw this one. There were dozens of others with Adrianne and Elliott smiling at Jamison in this same pose but somehow I caught this expression:

what do we do now?

I returned the next morning and we spent the day waiting for the family to be released. It was so exciting to be returned to their home with them. Sister-in-law Anne made the welcome home banner and I hung it before I left. Friends came over later that evening to welcome Jamison and congratulate the new parents. Rahul made a fabulous dinner and it was so welcome after cafeteria food and Subway!

banner by Anne

cheers to the new family!

a beautiful baby boy!

What a fabulous time I had visiting Adrianne and Elliott and being there for the birth of my first grandson! Jamison Makoa Hultgren was born on his due date (October 25th) and I instantly, head over heels, fell in love. He is a perfect angel and I enjoyed every moment I could with him. I was so happy to be able to help the new parents with the everyday stuff so that they could rest and recover.


I arrived on a Thursday and we spent the next few days relaxing and anticipating. While Elliott worked on Friday, Adrianne and I got pedicures, went to the library, went shopping, and then came home and made freezer meals. All this around a strict diabetes-related regimen of testing, walking, eating, repeat, repeat every 3 hours. It's funny because that 3 hour schedule turned into a similar one for Jamison a couple of days later!

chicken enchilada filling

On Saturday we went to the beach for a few hours and soaked in the beauty of Lanikai. Nothing quite beats that beach and that view of the Mokes. We went home in the afternoon, cleaned up, and then just hung out and watched TV (Adrianne recorded episodes of House Hunters for me since I canceled my cable, Elliott's such a good sport!).

at lanikai beach on Saturday, 10-23

On Sunday morning we went for a long walk to breakfast and back, did stuff around the house, walked again in the afternoon, cleaned up and then went to only places with air conditioning (so hot that day!); Old Navy, a movie, and then Ruby Tuesday's for dinner.

breakfast on Sunday, 10-24

final words of instruction from dad on sunday

We got home, went to bed, and then just before 5:00 am Elliott woke me up to say Adrianne's water had broken and we were leaving for the hospital shortly! Wow! Fast shower, packed the car and we were on our way. We made quite an entrance with the suitcase, overnight bag, iHome system, medicine ball, pillows and a few other things :) The receptionist guessed correctly that Adrianne was a midwife patient :) and she was admitted. As the day wore on and Adrianne labored, the labor and delivery waiting room became my base to send messages home and keep everyone updated on her progress. I relieved Elliott a few times and was so happy to help in any little way. I loved brushing Adrianne's hair and reassuring her. What an exciting time it was!

Jamison took his time and after about 19 hours he made his grand entrance! I was so proud of Adrianne and Elliott and and so happy for them! What an emotional time and I remembered how scary and exhilarating it was. We were all overcome and humbled by the miracle of life.

Jamison Makoa Hultgren (a few minutes old)

proud papa (about a half hour after birth)

10 little toes!

beautiful new family (Jamison about an hour old)