A good deed

I talk a big game about being cold hearted... but it's kinda the truth mostly all talk.  Deep very deep down I have feelings.  Don't be shocked...

This is some of my moms family.  From left to right is Amber (my 2nd cousin), her mom Ann (my cousin) & her mom Mary (who is my Aunt Mary & FAVORITE aunt).  Aunt Mary is my moms sister.  If you pay attention to pics you've seen of my mom...they look exactly alike... which is also just like their mother, my grandma.

So Amber's hubby, Chris, is in the military & is stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas.  And Amber is getting ready to have a baby... like ANY DAY getting ready to have a baby.  

 They're here...she's 600+ miles away... Here are the dilemmas:  My aunt NOR my cousin can drive themselves out there due to health conditions.  I don't think either of them has ever flown.  The closest major airport to Fort Riley is a hundred miles away... the flights to the smaller airport all have layovers in Chicago which is an intimidating airport...not a good idea for un-seasoned travelers....

I am smart enough to know that this is a horrible, gross, baby being born  important, exciting time for them.  And it breaks my heart for Amber that she won't have her momma & grandma there.  (Ann & Amber lived with my Aunt Mary for a lot of years. They're all pretty close...)  And no matter how much Amber may say it was 'ok' if they weren't there...  I can't imagine someone not wanting their mom there when their baby is born. 

So....

There's been lots of discussions about who/how/when they will get out there.  Those dang babies are unpredictable, after all.  My aunt & cousin work for family so time off is not an issue.  My aunt has other kids, but it just didn't seem like it wasn't going to work for any of them to take them.  

So mom & I decided we would get them out there. 

Fast forward to a couple of days ago.  Ann told mom they would be ready to go this weekend.  And a road trip was born.  We are all leaving this morning to make the 10 hour (gulp) drive to Fort Riley.  (B-rad will be staying home so don't get any ideas of coming & breaking into my house to steal my new iMac...)

It is mostly interstate so I'm hoping we can make good time.  We will be going through St. Louis & I've never seen the arch so I think that will be cool.  Mom & I will stay the night there & then drive home Sunday.  

I'm hoping they will be there in time for the baby to be born & will be able to stay & visit, help, bond & all that weirdness & be ready to come home in a week or so... Getting them out there is handled...we just have to figure out how they're getting back home...

**Update:  I typed this post on Friday afternoon.  Around 10pm Friday night, Amber went to the hospital & was 6 cm dilated (gag.)  She had unknowingly been in labor allll day (back pain, etc).   

James Mason Ethridge. 21 inches, 8 lbs 2 oz. was born sometime in the night.  But look on the bright side - now you'll get to see some baby pics when I get back.  I know you love that!**