Search
Ethan Gagnon -- It's A Boy!
The call came from my son Erik at 5:05am on Sunday. "This is your baby call, Dad!" he calmly said.
I mumbled, "I'm on my way" and we hung up. Moments later he was hurrying his wife Sarah to the Bellevue Women's Care Center in Schenectady, and I was stumbling around my dark bedroom, throwing things into an overnight bag and trying to wake up.
I later found out that getting Sarah into the car was no easy feat. The passenger's side door of their car was frozen shut, so she had to enter on the driver's side and crawl across to her seat.
When Erik's mom Gail arrived at my house at 6am, we drove off to Schenectady for what would prove to be an amazing experience. When I blogged in June about Erik's announcement that I would be a grandpa for the first time, I received plenty of advice from my band of Blogoteers about what a great thing that is.
At the time I chuckled and wondered, figuring that being a grandpa meant I was really really old, and wondering if I were really ready for such an event. Blogoteers warned me that everything would be okay, and being a grandparent was not the end of the world, but, in many ways, the beginning.
So, as we waited patiently at the hospital from 8:45am on Sunday, and into the afternoon, I had the opportunity to chat with my son and his wife as they prepared for the big event. They both seemed so calm. And that helped me stay calm, I think.
Plus I had the reassurance of their morning nurse, Sheila, who told me, "You are going to do fine." The grandmothers-in-waiting, Gail and Kathy, were not so calm. They were talkative, excited and downright anxious for Sarah to bring this grandchild into our world.
At 9am Sarah was dilated three centimeters, so the moms were speculating that we might be in for a five-to-seven hours wait. It gave me plenty of time to assess Bellevue.
At this small facility, which specializes in women's care, Sarah was the only expectant mother. Room 9, the Gagnon's birthing room, was large and private, and the four of us had plenty of room to sit, read, talk or watch television.
Sarah was enjoying the movie "Blazing Saddles." At 11:30am, as some of us began to think about lunch, Sarah said, "I'd love a Big Mac." That would have to wait. She was limited to crushed ice and jello.
By 12:30pm she was at six centimeters and anticipation grew. The monitor announced each heartbeat of their baby, my grandchild. Birthing the old-fashioned way, Erik and Sarah did not know if they were having a boy or a girl.
As I sat in the room, waiting and waiting, Gail and Kathy and Gail's cousin Jill talked about the experience of having babies. I heard words like forceps, labor, epideral, pushing, sweating -- as they each relived the deliveries of their own children.
They played guessing games, like "Do you think the baby will have curly or straight hair?" or "Will the baby be dark or light complexioned?" And don't try telling women about having babies. When I tossed in a few cents here or there, I found out quickly that this is a topic for women only. I left to take a nap in the general waiting room.
The hours wore on. At 3:15pm Sarah was at nine centimeters and everyone started to move around the room nervously. At 4pm everyone was told to exit the room and leave Sarah and Erik to their mission. Dr. Clarissa Westney arrived. Nurse Leanne and other staff arrived as the Gagnon baby began its entrance.
Each minute in the waiting room seemed like ten. At 4:45pm Gail began hallucinating. "Did I hear a baby cry?" she asked excitedly. At that Kathy jumped up and headed towards Room 9 illegally. She returned moments later with no news. That was the first of several visits she would make to the doorway of Room 9, only to be turned away.
By 6pm the conversation topics reached a low point when Gail resorted to talking about the shape of John McCain's arms, and we all enjoyed Hostess Cup Cakes from the vending machine. Getting a bid giddy, the moms were even cheering, "Push it out, push it out, way out!" The only thing missing were pom-poms.
Finally, at 6:10pm, I saw Erik walking down the hallway towards the waiting room. As he opened the doors he calmly said, "It's a boy!" I jumped off the floor at least four feet and started yelling as I hugged him. Everyone started jumping into each other's arms, a scene out of some maternity ward comedy. There were high fives and kisses and tears all around the hallway.
It took only about a minute for it to hit me. My son, my little kid, the kid I used to play nerfball with in his bedroom, the kid I taught to hit tennis ball line drives, the kid I used to read "Farmer Jones" storybook to, was now a father. A rush of emotion overwhelmed me. I went to a corner and cried.
I must have looked stupid. A 59-year-old macho man like me, crying spots onto my glasses at the birth of my grandson. My grandson.
Born at 5:44pm on Sunday, February 10th, Ethan William Wilson Gagnon weighed 7 pounds and 10 ounces and was 19 inches in length.
Erik led us down the hallway to Room 9. Sarah looked wonderful, a beautiful mother, indeed. I am so proud of my son and daughter-in-law. I don't mind saying Ethan is the most handsome baby I have ever seen!
And he took to his Grandpa Fox right away. I know he smiled at me. Even though some claimed it was a burp or a fart.
The next day Sarah said to us, "Life's never going to be the same now." She's right. Not for her, not for Erik, and not for Grandpa Fox. Alright. Now I will admit it. All those Blogoteers, especially miss d, were right way back in June when they told me that being a grandparent is something special.
I can feel it. I've only been a grandfather one day, but I can tell. My life is never going to be the same.
Comments
Congrats Foxy!! You will be an amazing grandfather!
Posted by: Kelly Miller | February 21, 2008 2:20 PM
Congrats to foxy and the new mommy and daddy!! Enjoy that baby cuz as u know the yrs flash right beofre your eyes.
Posted by: marlana | February 17, 2008 7:58 AM
Great Blog-- I laughed - I cried!!!
Happy Birthday, Ethan.
(Foxy's note: Thanks, glassbit! Miss you!)
Posted by: glassbit | February 15, 2008 9:17 PM
I don't understand why someone would find fault with people offering congratulations to a good friend who just became a proud grandfather. I'm searching, but I'm just not finding it. Please Foxy, accept our CONGRATULATIONS, feel the love and...pass it on!
Always, miss d
Posted by: miss d | February 15, 2008 8:18 PM
Hey Fox!!! Enjoy the little man!! They grow up so fast!!
Posted by: Rachel | February 15, 2008 1:35 PM
What’s all this stuff about Congratulations? Why is Foxy getting them all? What did he do? Where did this custom originate? Why do we congratulate Foxy for something he didn’t do or have?
Foxy retires from a long, memorable, and successful teaching career-Congratulations!
Foxy lands the lucrative Press Republican blog writing job-Congratulations!
Foxy scores 20, catches the winning touchdown pass, wins (or even finishes) the local distance race-Congratulations!
Foxy gets a new sit down lawn mower or high powered snow blower or turns 60-All milestones-Congratulations!
Foxy has a grandson-that’s nice, but should he be congratulated?
It seems to me that Erik and especially Sarah deserve to be congratulated. They endured the 9 months of altered life, Sarah went through the dramatic changes every mother must face and Erik stood by her and supported her, and was there as they shared the moment(s) of life-changing events that lead up to this day. So all of you who congratulated Foxy’s family-Congratulations, but those who congratulated Foxy---TBI
And, by the way, Congratulations Erik (from your third grade teacher), Sarah and Foxy, your lives will change for the better. Don’t let your son grow up to have a pony tail and don’t name him Sue.
(Foxy's note: Once again, Tom-A-Hawk brings us all back to reality as only he can do!)
Posted by: Tom-A-Hawk | February 15, 2008 12:21 PM
Grandchildren are our rewards for having children......nothing like the feeling.
Posted by: Judy Bassett | February 15, 2008 11:21 AM
Well, We did it! As far as entertainment goes, waiting for a cervix to dialate is right up there with watching paint dry, but a bit more personable!
What! No mention of Junior Mints in honor of Seinfeld's influence? No mention of a certain blogger stretching out on the floor whilst my daughter thus labored? But that's all inconsequential- we're grandparents and that's all that matters!
(Foxy's note: You are right, Kathy ... the Junior Mints should have been mentioned, but I do have a good photo of you enjoying them. And that little catnap on the floor I took somehow got left out of my notes. But I am so proud of your daughter Sarah and of Big E.)
Posted by: Kathy Baumgarten | February 15, 2008 10:24 AM
Foxy; Congrats to you and the family! Its always special to hold a baby boy or girl that first time! I wish all the family good health and happiness always! Lenny
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Lenny!)
Posted by: Lenny Smallacombe | February 15, 2008 8:58 AM
congrats, Foxy. I heard that Goose said if it was a girl he wanted it named Denise and if it were a boy, Denephew.
(Foxy's note: Good one, Doc!)
Posted by: Doc | February 15, 2008 7:06 AM
Congratulations to you and yours, Foxy.
Posted by: LaPoint | February 14, 2008 1:34 PM
Congratulations Foxy! Grandchildren are the most beautiful little miracles!! The Joy they bring to a Grandparent's heart is something that cannot be measured.
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Juan!)
Posted by: Juan | February 14, 2008 10:46 AM
Congrats Foxy...best wishes to the entire Fox Family, according to my friend and yours, neighbor Tom C, the new Gagnon lad is considered a "kit"...(newborn fox!!)
When can we expect construction to begin on "The Field of Dreams" in your back yard??
..hope he's lucky enough to be a lefty!
(Foxy's note: Thanks, The Carver. Yes, he's a southpaw! I swear he reached out for my beard with his left hand.)
Posted by: The Carver | February 14, 2008 9:30 AM
What can I say Foxy. Life is but a MIRACLE. You just received another one. A well deserved one at that. Enjoy him.
Your buddy Crusher.
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Crusher!)
Posted by: crusher | February 13, 2008 10:53 PM
congrats on the boy. If it was a girl would you be a GRAMMA?
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Denny... no, I don't think that's how that works!)
Posted by: Denny Kane | February 13, 2008 7:39 PM
Congrats to you and the parents!!!!! I went to school with Erik and enjoyed reading this blog entry.......
Makes me laugh to think your first gift to a newborn was baseball cards.
Posted by: Sara Lea | February 13, 2008 6:26 PM
Foxy,
Congratulations on being a grandfather. Think of all the tapes Ethan can watch of Grandpa Foxy as he grows up. I'll bet his first words will be "GOOD NIGHT NORTH COUNTRY !!!"
Craig Mathews
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Craig!)
Posted by: Craig Mathews | February 13, 2008 4:00 PM
Just wait until you become a great-grandfather. I just became a great-grandmother in Dec and it is really great he is so precious. They make life worth living.
Posted by: Lynda | February 13, 2008 3:33 PM
Congrats to Erik and Sarah as well as the grandparents (Foxy, Gail and Kathy). Have to disagree with Coach M and suggest the World Champs for Ethan.
Don't forget Fox, Erik strayed from your influence.
(Foxy's note: Thanks, John. Yes, maybe Ethan's favorite baseball color will be red!)
Posted by: john | February 13, 2008 3:08 PM
Foxy, congratulations! Time to break out your "Farmer Jones" book once again! We're very happy for you and Amanda wishes you were her teacher every day.
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Becky!)
Posted by: Rebecca Leonard | February 13, 2008 2:13 PM
Congratulations Foxy!
It seems like yesterday you were telling us about becoming a grandfather and now, here you are, a grandfather! This shows how quickly life comes and goes, and how important cherishing every moment is, especially moments such as the birth of your grandson.
There is no shame in crying. The best athletes, strongest political figures, and most successful entrepreneurs have all cried tears of joy or anguish at some point in their lives. It shows you’re human.
Speaking for all Blogateers, I can’t wait to see Ethan at some Gagnon-sponsored or major sporting event in the near future. Can you put pictures in the blog?
Now you join an elite group of Blogateers who are older, wiser, and a bunch of suckers when it comes to their grandchildren!
Kern
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Kern! I'll be in touch with pictures.)
Posted by: Kern | February 13, 2008 1:20 PM
I am thrilled for you and your family. This is one of those moments in your life that you will never forget.
It is amazing how quickly Ethan will grow, those videos taken now will soon be out of date and you will give wonder at how small he was.
I was once told that grandchildren add 15 years to your life. Just think of all the memories we will have at 115!
Congratulations, Grandpa Foxy.
(Foxy's note: Thank you, Elaine. Nice to hear from you.)
Posted by: Elaine from Orlando | February 13, 2008 12:00 PM
Foxy,
How about if that first card in that Topps pack ends up being Derek Jeter, we decide it is fate that young Ethan must be a Yankee fan??!!
(Foxy's note: Yah, you Yankee fans are always looking for the edge! I'm hoping it's a Johnny Podres relic card or, at least, a Brad Penny card. I have a feeling that Ethan will be a Mets' fan, though, just like his Dad.)
Posted by: Jim Manchester | February 13, 2008 8:57 AM
Gongrats to you and especially your Son and Daughter-in-law.
Like you are finding out it is a special feeling , and a priceless one at that, when they are born. It doesn't matter if it's the first one, or the 12th, as we are anticipating in late June, or early July. I'm sure you will have him catching a baseball, and swinging a bat as soon as humanly possible. Do like my Dad did. My Brother-in-law is a big Red Sox fan, so my Dad, the super Yankee fan, bought his grandson, a Yankee warm-up jacket, and hat, as a birthday gift, when he turned 5. As you can think, his Dad was not impressed, but made for good conversation for many years. You might want to ask him about that, the next time you see him at a Seniors Band Concert!!
I hope that our 12th grandchild will be a boy, as so far we have 11 grand daughters! In the end, all that really mattters is that they are healthy. Welcome to the "World of Grandparenting."
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Steve!)
Posted by: Steve P. | February 13, 2008 7:26 AM
I have been waiting for this wonderful announcement - congratulations to all! I truly loved reading your rendition of Ethan's entrance into the world - I'm sure all will agree that we felt your pride. What a perfect birthday present you gave him.
As they say - an HD TV - a few hundred dollars, a pack of baseball cards, a couple of dollars, sharing the experience of the birth of your grandchild......absolutely priceless!
Always, miss d
(Foxy's note: Thanks, miss d. I'll take a congratulatory hug the next time our paths cross!)
Posted by: miss d | February 12, 2008 11:02 PM
Fox,
Congratulations to you, Grandpa, and to your entire family.
Enjoy every minute and every new experience as the time will fly by.
Good thing you got that big screen television as I'm sure there will be many family movies starring Ethan as the "main man".
May God send a hedgerow of angels to always watch over Ethan.
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Kathy!)
Posted by: Kathy | February 12, 2008 7:12 PM
Foxy,
Congratulations to you, the parents and all extended family especially Vi. Bet you Mr. G is looking down with that great smile and keeping an eye on things.
Bullet
Posted by: Bullet | February 12, 2008 6:47 PM
Hot dog, Foxy! What wonderful news! The happiest times are when a new life enters our family circle.
Congratulations and God bless you and your family.
Oh, by the way, was little Ethan born with a beard and ponytail? He's certainly going to be Grandpa's boy!
I'm thrilled and excited for you!!! Good work, Gramps!
Say, does this make Vi a GREAT-Grandmother! She's way too young!
Lynda
(Foxy's note: Yes, my Mom Vi is now a great-grandmother for the third time. Erin (Goose's daughter) has a daughter and Forrest (Darlene's son) has a son. Now Ethan is the first Gagnon great-grandchild for Viola!)
Posted by: Lynda (Bouyea) Bevins | February 12, 2008 5:28 PM
Congrats Foxy. Get those crayons sharpened - "Statman 2" will be at the games with you before you know it. Instead of passing out cigars, are you passing out packs of sports cards ?
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Rick. My first gift to Ethan was an unopened pack of 2008 Topps baseball cards!)
Posted by: Rick K | February 12, 2008 3:18 PM