Thanksgiving has a special meaning for our family this year. Last week, Jack Allen was born at New York Presbyterian Hospital–the first son of the first son of my family.
It was odd to be in the doctor’s lounge, not in charge in the OR, but I managed. My wonderful friend, Mary Kelly, joined me and kept me distracted while we wrote out gift cards for all the staff who were working that day. Friends from my days and nights on Labor and Delivery at that hospital did everything just the way I would have done it, as a gift to all of us.
We are grateful this Thanksgiving for the gift of a healthy mother and a healthy child. And if you want to know, I will be called “Coco.” But that is the subject of another blog.
We thank Roe Howe for her wonderful weeks of advice and fantastic recipes leading up to this week. We thank Dr. Cecilia Ford and Keri Gans for their suggestions that will help us manage the too much-ness of it all.
We here at Women’s Voices for Change send our best wishes to our wonderful writers and devoted readers. Happy, Happy Thanksgiving.
— Dr. Pat
California painter Julia Kay thought her three-year Daily Portrait blog was just for her. But since then, it has meant much more, for her life, her art, and for her community (including us.)
As always, my children and husband have enriched my emotional education and taught me some things about Thanksgiving.
"Who's bringing breakfast tomorrow?" I asked. The tiny hesitation before her answer told me that my relief had been premature. I closed my eyes even before her words were out. "Uhm, Mama? I forgot to tell you..."
I’m working hard to catch up on back issues of Womena’s Voices for Change, and I just came to the news of Jack’s birth. Heartfelt congratulations on becoming his grandmother! He is a gorgeous baby with wonderful lungs. Every good wish to him and to you and the rest of your family!
Congratulations, Dr. Pat! The very best to you and your family!
Dear Dr. Allen “Coco,”
Congratulations to you. What an incredible way to celebrate this wonderful American, family holiday.
See you soon.
Mary
Congratulations Pat!! So wonderful! He is beautiful.
CONGRATULATIONS from Paris!! Love you. Daniele
CONGRATULATIONS! We share Thanksgiving grand babies and know what a special pleasure that is. (My son’s first child– a girl– was born the day before Thanksgiving 4 years ago. Watch out: his second ( a boy) was born the day before the 4th of July this year!
Enjoy! Love, Sheila
Dear Dr. Pat,
How wonderful to welcome Jack in this blessed Thanksgiving season. Congratulations on your first grandchild. You have a way to go to catch up to me with five. May Jack bring you much love and job. He will be a delight and I love the granny moniker of CoCo. I am NaNa.
Take Care,
Ruth Ann
Oh Pat – makes me cry. YOU were there for me and all of mine looking STUNNING IN SCRUBS and there I was – thinking about my BAUBLE – another great idea of yours for my hubby! God Bless you and yours. Nothing better than a JACK! Better tell them the story about how special my Jack was when you did his you know what!
Love you sweetie! and LOVE COCO – cuz we know that has something to do with CHANEL!!!
Congrats Dr. Coco!
It makes me happy to thank that world will have at least one sane male as a result of your grandmothering this new arrival! big hug and happy thanksgiving! Hugs, Laura
Well Coco, I am so happy for your family. From when we “started” back in our thirties bringing us to “now”, we have seen lots, loved lots, cried lots and we’re here now, better than ever and enjoying every step of our journey. I remember wondering how someone looking as well coifed and garbed as you could help me get my baby into the world. I mean, it seems he wasn’t coming out easily and as quickly as you donned that Lauren outfit in the morn you just as easily slipped on the scrubs and got me into the operating room in no time. Tow babies later who have turned into two fine young men and I still remember the two days when you made that all come to be. Congrats Pat. See you soon.
I’m so happy for you and family. May I call you CocoNut? Off to Miami for the Art Basel madness but back in your arms soon. Love, Michele
Congratulations on the birth or your new grandson. He will certainly bring you all much joy and happiness.
Hope you and yours had a great Thanksgiving.
Luv, Arlene
Congratulations to the Mom and Dad! What a wonderful event for your growing Family. Enjoy your new role. Coco.
Congratulations!! The perfect Thanksgiving gift!! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday. And of course Coco – what else!!??
Mazel tov! YOu couldn’t ask for a better Thanksgiving gift. Enjoy!
Congratulations to all.