Messages from Friends and Family

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=200 BGCOLOR="#FFFF99" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id101.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Parents Journal"><U>Parents' Journal</U></A></div> <div> <B>Messages from Friends and Family </B></div> <div> <A HREF="id93.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the Pregnancy"><U>About the Pregnancy</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=94 BGCOLOR="#FF9900" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="3d475590.png" border=0 width="117" height="89" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Reads in Maryland</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC33" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>   |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Reads in Maryland"><U>home</U></A></div> <div> back to  <A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Baby Alek"><U><B>Baby Alek</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=386 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Messages from Friends and Family </div> <bR> <div> Hi There, Got your e-mail. He is a cutie!. I'm now at Shaw AFB, Sumter, S.C. visiting my daughter until June 2. I came on Saturday the 15 of May. The temperature is about 93 degrees. I am using my daughter's cpu. It is a plus compared to mine. I got to get a new one. I was able to pull up the hunk's (smile) picture without a problem. So sorry I can't make it at this time, but when I get back maybe I can come to visit my sweety. Got to go. Give my nephew a big kiss and hug. Auntie Barbara </div> <bR> <div> Dear Susan and Erik, I'm so sorry we can't vist you two and Alek this weekend. Dillon is participating in an all day blues benefit for the local schools here that day. Please let us know when there will be another good time to get together. I hope you're getting enough sleep and are in reasonably good spirits (and that Alek doesn't get colic, the next couple of months can be difficult. Ian was a bear). Love, Lynn </div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan, hang in there. I don't have any kids so I can only imagine what you are going through, but I hope things will get better soon. I will get in touch when I get back next week and we can schedule something. Maybe if you feel up to it, we can go out to lunch (just the girls) and visit with Alek before or after. Talk to you soon, Laurie </div> <bR> <div> Dear Susan: </div> <div> I totally understand your feeling. I was so tired and stressed out for the first several month (even with my parents' help), and I remember how easy it was for me to get upset (Chengxu must had a hard time, I guess). But I guarantee you will get rewarded soon. Alex is such a handsome boy, your heart will be melted when he starts to recognize you and smile to you. </div> <div> Regarding Alex gasing, have you tried Dr. Brown's bottle (I am not sure he uses bottles or not). We used that, and Tony hardly had any problem with gasing. </div> <div> BTW, Have you received the little gift we sent to Alex? We sent it out last Tuesday. </div> <div> Take care, Yuli</div> <bR> <div> Susan, I have the correct information in the church office on Alexzander. I apologize for the shortcut by listing him as Alex (as I believe that is what Lisa Eklof calls your beautiful son). I was short on time and wanted to get the updates out. So very sorry for not using his full first name. I have printed a photo of your beautiful son, that you emailed me, and it is on the bulletin board. Can't wait to see you all June 6. Susan Dantone </div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan, Congratulations! I suppose its too soon to tell which parent the baby looks more like at the moment. But the baby seems to be at peace - unlike the tired parents! I assume you are staying at home full-time to look after Alex. Is your husband working in academia still? My new work as an attorney has its up and downs but it is certainly challenging. My firm - Fulbright and Jaworski are a full service firm (handles every aspect of business transaction to litigation). I am within the Intellectual Property department which focuses on patents, trademarks and copyrights. I hope you guys get some sleep! All the best! RT </div> <bR> <div> You wouldn't believe this! I have been so busy that I haven't checked this one email account for over a month. There was the birth announcement. No wonder I sounded so puzzled when you said that Erik had sent out a note to everyone. Congrats and happy mother's day! Julia </div> <bR> <div> Susan and Erik, Congratulations! Alekzander is a cutie! I kept checking your website during my off periods at school, hoping to get some news. I'm so glad to see that all is going well. I'll try calling you this weekend. I just tried right now but your line was busy. Love, Julia </div> <bR> <div> I hope you and Eric are coping better with the loss of sleep, and that your Aleksander-Anton-Baby is doing well (how did you decide on the names?)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Say hi to your family for me.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Love,<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Louise</div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan,</div> <div> Please don't be upset with me because I am just now reading my e-mails.Congratulations, Congratulations! When was he born?  I did not see Alekzander's pictures because I can't read e-mails from a web site. Could you please them so I can download the pictures.  I just know he is a cutie.  As for the sleeping, you will never get it back.  The process is called "mommie learn-as-you go" (smile).  We all have </div> <div> been there.  And by the way I'm please as punch to be an auntie. Well, go to go.  Will look forward to getting the pictures. Take care, Barbara<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="3ea18180.png" border=0 width="24" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="3ea18180.png" border=0 width="24" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="3ea18180.png" border=0 width="24" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="3ea18180.png" border=0 width="24" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="3ea18180.png" border=0 width="24" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Dear Susan,<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Today I meditated and prayed on Alek's and your behalf. This is what I heard/know.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> -Babies are brand new creations and they will be anything you choose. Your thoughts create how your baby develops.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> -If you choose to think you "cannot do this", you do not know how to be a mother, than you will create exactly that. If you choose to acknowledge that you are an intelligent, adult woman and have the knowledge and skill to care for your baby, you will create that.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> -There is a universal law: whatever you give your energy to, you create.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> -If you choose to have a contented, happy baby, then you need to focus your energy on the things that will create a contented, happy baby.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> -First, create a calm, peaceful environment. You do that by choosing to be calm and peaceful yourself. EVEN when Alek is crying, you need to tell yourself, I know what to do. First I will think about the last time he nursed and decide whether or not he is hungry. (If he nursed less than an hour before, then hunger is not the main cause of crying). Next, I will check his diaper. Third, I will comfort him and talk/sing to him and rock/walk with him. If all these things have not consoled my baby, then I will decide whether or not I want to nurse him. </div> <div> -There is no need for you to get upset if you know your baby is healthy and safe, EVEN if he is crying. If you do not know if your baby is healthy or safe, then call a resource person. (Me, the doctor, Cole, the Lactation Consultant). Go on-line and join a new mother's group. </div> <div> -Second, you need to make a conscious decision to care for yourself. I suggest that you give Alek to your mom or EriK or put him in the basinet and then you go onto the patio and stay there for ten minutes and do this exercise: First, talk to God. Tell Her everything you are thinking and feeling. Second, listen to whatever comes up in your thoughts. Third, CHOOSE the attitude you will have for the day. Say it out loud and make a decision to live by that attitude just for that one day. </div> <div> -Now, about nursing on demand. I do not agree with totally with nursing a baby on demand every time he cries. I think it is too much of a stress on the mother. I think a modified nursing plan works better. Such as nursing the baby, making sure the baby has a full meal and then not nursing again for at least an hour and lengthening the time interval as the baby grows. I think babies will adjust to the parents' routines quickly as they learn what to expect. Of course they can also learn to expect to be nursed every time they cry. This is just my opinion and if I was a new mom I believe I would count on the advice of the lactation consultant. Please do not hesitate to call her whenever you have questions or need encouragement. </div> <div> -Susan, I watched you with Alek while I was there. You are a great mom. You nurse AleK very well and you keep him clean and dry. I also saw you talking with him and comforting him. That's about all any mom can do for a baby at this stage of development. So please know you already have everything you need to take excellent care of AleK. When you feel overwhelmed and frustrated, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you're doing fine and so is the baby. Remember, babies cry, that's how they communicate and that's how they release stress.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I just want to tell you again, that you did a great job being pregnant with Alek and a magnificent job giving him birth and you are a wonderful mother to him now. He is one lucky baby!<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Take excellent care of yourself. Have a glorious day of Life!</div> <div> |\</div> <div> |/</div> <div> \|/</div> <div> /|\, Mom<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan How are you guys?! Congratulations on the baby (even thought it's no longer new news). Rhode Island is going well. How are things with you? Are you still working for the FDA? How's the baby? How's Eric? When are you coming in to visit? Give me a call next time you are in town. I hope all is well. Take care! Kathy Moran </div> <bR> <div> How cute your baby "Alek" is !!! I saw your family photos again and again. Judging from your delivery scene , exerting yourself with your nice husband 's encouragement you must have had an easy delivery . For women delivery is very hard trial,you were well-tired ! Does he cry at night? My first baby ( now he is two children's papa ) cried every night so I sometimes had to catch up on sleep in the daytime but next son( he is also now papa) did'nt bother me at night . I wrote to Mr. Matuzono to tell about your baby born. Now he can't come to Japanese class on errand. I and VIVIAN Itoh recently began the exchange lesson JAPANESE and CHINESE every Tuesday before our JAPANESE class. I wish Alek ,your family be happy. April 23rd Kyouko Yoshimoto µÈËÜ¡¡¡¡¡¡¶³»Ò ¡¡Mr¡¡& Mrs. Read From NAGOYA </div> <bR> <div> Wow! it's great that you remember so much. I kind of have blank holes where hours of laboring disappeared into the ether. I asked for an epidural and my plan was I had to ask 3 times and then they'd give it to me. I said, "consider this my 3 times asking!!!" but then it was about 4 or 5 hours before the anesthesiologist came so it was a long wait. I guess you couldn't have gotten one at that point anyway since you were already pushing. That's interesting about the hypnosis. I've never heard of anybody using it before. I'm glad you're doing better. The nights will get better! takes a while but if you've already got 3-4 hour feedings at night at age 1.5 weeks you're doing fine. Keep me posted and send more pix of Alek! Take care, Tanya </div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan, Thank you for the pictures. AlekZander is so cute!! And you look very good also. It doesn't seem like you spend so many hours in labor. Congratulations!!! As soon as you feel up to receiving company let me know. Laurie and I would love to come and see you and the baby. Take good care of yourself and tell mom and Erik I say "hi". Silvia </div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan, He's very cute!! It looks like you are being kept very busy. Take care, Kathryn </div> <bR> <div> Thanks Susan! </div> <div> If I had read my email this morning before I left for work, I would have brought it and could have caught her. Oh well. </div> <div> Keep those photos coming. I have "monkey face" on my screen saver here at work. Chuckles all day. </div> <div> Can't wait to hold him. Sue</div> <bR> <div> hi Susan, congratulations !! so happy to hear this greatest news !! Thanks for the pictures, too. Just a week ago, I start to teach Mrs.Yoshimoto Chinese ( as volunteer ), we both go to the class on Tue afternoon, so we do the Chinese at the same day around 10:30. So far, it is going well. She speaks well. Not sure, if you want me to tell about the baby news, so I will not say to anyone yet. But, Mrs. Yoshimoto often asks about you, I also often pass the hello message to her for you. We both miss you very much. Sometimes, I feel some poeple iin the class are selfish, so make me have less interest, and want to join another group studying. sorry to complain to you about this... sign.... Well, I really sure you will be a very good mother with your great personality !! talk later. vivian </div> <bR> <div> hi! I saw phots of Alek. It is so cute! I can't beleive it. You will be able to be a good parents. I wanna see many phots¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª I think you are hard to take care of baby. It becomes a good family. I made a ofot site of my phots. e-mail address : <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Courier New" ><U>mima22krcube@hotmail.com</U></FONT> passwars: krcube but today I can't see my photo......I dan't know why I can't. I updated my graduation phots and my university life( but these were taken 2 years ago) I hope you can see. I am working 5 days a week at store as training. Training is not so hard, but I will start working at Center from May. I worry that. And now I am crazy on ¡Ö24¡× drama. I am watching 24 second season on DVD and Video. In Japan 24 µ season will be broadcasted on TV soon. bye tomoko take care! </div> <bR> <div> What gorgeous wide eyes he has, and what a small, pointy little chin! He's beautiful! And he'll change so much before I see him, so take lots of pictures for me, please. I can't wait to hold him. Susan, that picture of you with him in the car made me cry. Your face looks different, but I'm not sure what it is. You and Erik both look like you're exhausted and glowing, and kind of beatific. I'm so happy for you. Love, Lucinda </div> <bR> <div> Sorry - someone came to fix my computer while I was emailing you. Congratulations on being parents! I know you'll get used to it soon! :) Hope you and baby are feeling well and didn't have any problems. He looks great - I love the monkey face picture! I'll call after a while to check on you guys. And expect a package sometime this week or next - depending on when I make it to the post office. Take care and rest often! Love, Mandy </div> <bR> <div> Hi, Susan and family! I was going to call you at the end of this month, but I guess Alek likes the middle of the month better. What day was he born? I'm going to need all of the statistics - weight, length, time of birth, anything else because my mom will want to know. Will write again soon. Love, Mandy </div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan,</div> <div> congratulations! he is so cute. Don't worry, the hard times will slowly morph into a livable routine where you feel like a human again, and then suddenly you'll realize it's easy. give it a couple of months and you'll see! I saw from Erik's message that you had a natural childbirth--tell me all about it when you get a chance! I'd love to hear how it went.</div> <div> guess what--I'm pregnant! Due in September. Just beginning to feel better now that I'm in the second trimester. I'll be having another Csection so I'm really interested in your delivery story (I had Ella the usual way, but Sophie and this one have to be by surgery).</div> <div> I hope you are getting your rest and napping when you can. by the way, what is his birthday and the other stats-weight, length, time, etc? was it last monday? i think I must have missed it in the messages somewhere.</div> <div> congratulations again--</div> <div> Tanya</div> <div> :)</div> <bR> <div> Dear Susan and Erik,</div> <div> The pictures are great - you have a beautiful little guy and it's easy to see you are both very proud parents. Maybe your little Alek </div> <div> has his days and nights switched around. I hope it gets easier soon. You will feel sleep deprived for a while, that's for sure.</div> <div> We love you guys. Take care of yourselves, it is not an easy time. Lynn</div> <bR> <div> Congratulations! Alek is cute! Have fun with your new baby and take care. Wenying </div> <bR> <div> <B>How precious he is.</B> </div> <div> I am still chuckling about "little monkey face". What a wonderful group of photos. Susan, you looked so tired! I hope that you have caught up on some sleep.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>You all have the new baby glow. I have a package to send your way and don't think I have your address. I had hoped to send it along with Mormor and Bob, but didn't drop it off to the Farm in time. Happiness always!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Blessings,<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Sue</div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan, Alek is so adorable... I'm glad to hear things are well and you have good help from the gradparents. Say hello to Erik and Alek for me. -Chris </div> <bR> <div> Hi, Susan: </div> <div> We saw the pictures. You look so tired in those pictures, I am sure you feel much(?) better now. Alek is a very handsome boy.  Is your mom taking care of you now. Are you breast feeding Alex? Would you please let me know your home address, so we can send a little gift to Alek. Best, Yuli</div> <bR> <div> Dear Susan: </div> <div> If you get any chance, would you please send your password again to us, so we can see Alek's photos. He is such a cute boy. Take care, Yuli</div> <bR> <div> Susan,<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Congratulations!! Your baby is so beautiful!!! You are very blessed.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>-Marie</div> <bR> <div> Congratulations for you guys - we are happy to hear about Alek's birth. You must be so excited ( and exhausted). At least it gets better after the first six weeks though. all the best, Mich,Ted, and Alea </div> <bR> <div> hi guys, congratulations! A healthy baby Read. I can only imaging how tired you all three are. I'll try to give a call sometime inthe next few weeks. Eliot </div> <bR> <div> Dear Susan and Erik and Baby Alek Congratulations! We are thinking of you and will come see you all when everyone is feeling ready for company. We hope all goes wonderfully. Susan, get plenty of rest! Love, Lynn Dillon, Ian and Tom </div> <bR> <div> Dear Susan and Erik, Congratulations! I'm so glad to hear that all went well and everyone's fine (if exhausted). This was a little earlier than expected, right? I'm sure Susan was pretty happy at that point to be done with being pregnant, so sooner is better, right? Anyway, say hi to Alek for me! He sounds adorable... By the way, I've been feeling guilty about not responding to a message Susan sent out a while back, asking for updates. My lame excuse is that there's not much to update: I'm still working in the Kingsley lab at Stanford (studying stickleback fish genetics and evolution), Mike's still working at the law firm. We're both working harder than we'd like to be, but other than that, everything's good. In all the free time you'll have now, with the baby (ha!), you guys should come visit! Take care, and best wishes to all-- Anne </div> <bR> <div> Congratulations! You are so lucky! Enjoy! Kat</div> <bR> <div> HOORAY! congratulations! I'm so excited! I was just going to call today to check in, and here's the news! I can't wait to see pictures... Lots of love, and with piles of anticipation about seeing the little man, Lucinda </div> <bR> <div> Congratulation, big Father and Mother. </div> <div> It was a wonderful day. </div> <div> I will try to use the PC phone to call you. </div> <div> try to leave the PC on. </div> <div> Dad</div> <bR> <div> AWESOME Was it really hard for Susan? Is she doing okay? can't wait to see pictures!!!!! Missed you guys at the wedding... Jon Young</div> <bR> <div> Erik and Susan and Alek, Congratulations and all of our love and best wishes. I am so happy for you! This will be the greatest adventure for you and I can't wait to see you. Email me your contact numbers to both my home and work email and I'll be in touch later this weekend to give you three time to breathe. Love, Ian, Jonathan and Roberta </div> <bR> <div> Congratulations, you guys!!! Send pictures when you are recovered enough from this incredible experience! I love his name. It's very regal. Daw-An says "Congratulations!" from the sofa. Yunah </div> <bR> <div> Wow--congratulations!!! And what a great, short delivery too. Hope you are able to get some sleep! Marianne Bronner-Fraser</div> <bR> <div> Hi Susan and Erik. </div> <div> Congratulations on your new arrival. The baby looks great! You look a little tired, though. Get some more rest. Take care...Pauline</div> <bR> <div> Congratulations to both of you. I am really happy for you. My best wishes...Pauline</div> <bR> <div> Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 11:50:05 -0700</div> <div> Hi Susan. How are you. It's been a long time since I've last heard from you? I don't even know if you have given birth already. How's Erik? Me? I already left Cancervax 2 months ago and I am now working at Agensys. I went with Scott and Eva. Both of them are on a separate building so I don't get to see them much during the day. Are you still with FDA? Take care... Pauline Flores </div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="627" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="144"><div> Date:</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="476"><div> Mon, 12 Apr 2004 19:45:53 +0000</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Hey Susan,</div> <div> It's getting closer to the due date.  Are you still holding up well? Julia</div> <bR> <div> Sat, 10 Apr 2004 </div> <div> Hi Susan, how are you doing? Have you delivered yet? I'm so glad to hear that your mom will be there to help you guys out - that should make things a lot easier. I thought that you were having a daughter - are you sure that it is a boy? did you do an amnio? all the best, Mich </div> <bR> <div> HI Susan, I'm sorry to hear about the low amniotic fluids but it's good that you get to rest and it's great that your mom is there. I thought that you guys were having a girl but that's exciting about a boy. Babies are just so great - they teach you so much. Our daughter is due May 16th and we're thinking that we're going to name her Kaile/Kaylee/Kayleigh (we're not sure about the spelling yet). I'm still working in lab and the number is 626-395-3581. I've been going to lab later in the afternoon and I'm usually there after noon (pacific time). I'd love to hear from you. all the best, Mich </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="627" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="150"><div> Date:</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="470"><div> Sat, 3 Apr 2004 </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Hello dear Susan & Erik,<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I am at thinking that Alexander/Alekzander is not going to wait until my vacation starts to be born...........<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> My vacation starts April 15th and finishes May 2nd. </div> <div> I have obligations to teach on April 6th and April 13th. The rest of my duties I think I can ask other staff to cover for me. So the big question is when would you want us to come. </div> <div> It would be easiest for us to leave on April 15th to visit. But, we can come earlier by leaving after dad gets out of work on April 7th, we would probably need to come home on April 11th for dad to go to work on April 12th. I don't know what dad told his boss about needing time off. My guess is he has said nothing. But he needs to tell them something soon to give them enough notice to get someone to work his hours.....<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I also have the thought that if we come on the 15th, you will have time to adjust to being together and have settled into a routine. But if it's important for you to have us come sooner, than we want to meet that need. So you need to let us know what is important to you and how you want this to manifest. </div> <div> We are so very excited about Alex/Alek's arrival. I see such sweet energy, every time I think about him. :) </div> <div> Take excellent care of yourself. Have a glorious day of Life!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="627" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="60"><div> <B>Date:</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="560"><div> Fri, 2 Apr 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> HI!  I'm so glad we got to talk the other day!  I love the pictures and all the narrative about the baby.  I definitely feel caught -up now!</div> <div> You (and your stomach) look great!  I could actually see the baby's face.  I never can see anything in people's sonograms.  Hope you have a great Friday and that everything continues to go well.  I'll check in with you in a few weeks to see how the baby is!  Mandy</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="696" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="67"><div> <B>Date:</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="622"><div> Wed, 31 Mar 2004 06:45:03 EST</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 ><NOBR><div> <B>Subject:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="622"><div> Re: ginko tree</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 147 WIDTH="622"><div> <B>Hello Susan! I would be happy to research Ginkgo and to participate in the planting and care of Alex's tree. Have you chosen a male or female tree? Soon you will have a baby in your arms! Don't worry, Alex will be born at exactly the right moment - just when he is supposed to. I chose April 17th in the baby pool, but I won't hold you to it :-) If he wants to be born on the full moon, April 5th, he would share his birthday with Oscar and Jennifer. Do you have everything you need? Got diapers? Have a great day of life! </B></div> <div> <B>love, </B></div> <div> <B>-Dianne- </B></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>