A Tribute to Grandpa

Thanksgiving weekend 2014:   I have never been to such a beautiful funeral.   Grandpa Bateman lived a beautiful life, full of romance and dreams and hard work.   He left a beautiful legacy and many handmade momentos that will be treasured by his grandchildren.   He was the most patient and giving man and we will miss him dearly. 

Thomas Hess Bateman  August 2, 1932-October 23, 2014. 

 

 The service was held on a boat in the Santa Barbara harbor area of the Pacific Ocean.  Mike, Paul, Byron and Eric all shared some sweet memories of their father as well as all the Daughter in laws, myself, Julie, Amy and Allyson.    We sang his favorite hymns and songs.   The weather was so perfect, about 70, no wind.   We let go about 30 doves in his honor.   It was a beautiful sight.   We ate Danish pastries, laughed and cried.  

 Hannah, Kennedy and Meeka had a great time together.   They are all about to turn 16!  

 After the funeral services we enjoyed some wonderful family time on the Santa Barbara beach and also together at the hotel. 

 Emily and Ryan drove down from Utah and we met Ryan for the first time!   It was great!   We had Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hometown Buffet in Oxnard and it was very delicious!   Ryan had some fun times getting to know Eric and the rest of us. 

Welcome Baby Claire!

About a week before Thanksgiving 2014,  Bethany called me and asked if I could come to Portland to spend the following weekend with her.   Sean needed to make a quick trip with his dad to California as his Grandpa was very sick and would pass away soon.   He would only be gone a couple days and Bethany hoped that the baby would wait to come until he got back, but if I was there she would feel secure knowing she had support just in case.   Sure enough, as Sean was getting ready to leave with Adair and his dad at about 6pm, Bethany had a few contractions.   After he had been gone for about 1-2 hours the contractions were getting stronger and regular.   Hannah and I arrived about 8pm just in time to record the contractions and then at about 10pm Bethany decided it was time head to the hospital.   After an hour of walking the hospital halls she was dilated to 5cm and baby Claire arrive just a few hours later at about 3am, November 22.    Wow!   I was amazed how smoothly and quickly it all went!   Bethany was so calm the entire time!   I kept Sean updated via pictures, texts and videos.   It was so exciting!   Hannah slept on the couch and when Bethany was getting ready to push, I woke her up so she could experience her niece being born.  It was a fun special girls weekend together.   I loved being there for the birth and taking care of Bethany, eventhough she didn't require much.    I was so proud of her!  

 Can you believe she is 9 month pregnant??!!  This was taken just before we left for the hospital. 

 Looking way to happy to be in labor! 

 After a full week of school and seminary this girl could sleep anywhere! 

 Claire Marie Cudahy born November 22, 2014.  7 lb 3 oz and 20 inches long.  So beautiful!