Post by cam83 on Oct 8, 2003 3:28:55 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Six
November 6, 1989, Karen went into labor, and Jonathon drove her to the hospital in Downey. The entire family was alerted, and amazingly, Karen's labor was easy. The baby was born just 4 hours after they arrived at Downey Community Hospital. It was a boy! Karen and Jon wept tears of joy and gratitude. Little Daniel weighed in at 8 pounds and 2 ounces.
The news passed around outside, and one by one, they got to see the newest Andrews-Carpenter baby. Karen smiled when she saw her parents come inside the room. They were both crying, and Agnes went over to hug Karen, and to see the baby. Harold shook Jon's hands, and then came over to give his daughter a kiss and a hug. Karen held her newborn son in her arms, with her man by her side, and couldn't have been more happier. The unbelievable had happened. She was now a mother. She glanced at her son, and saw the miracle. He was so perfectly formed, and his skin was so soft and warm. She knew what to name him. Daniel Richard Harold Andrews. The name seemed so perfect for him, and was a tribute to all the men in her life.
"Karen's he's so beautiful. Can I hold my grandson?" asked Agnes in an emotional voice. Karen nodded, and was grateful that they were on speaking terms again. She handed the baby to her mother, and Agnes kissed his little head.
Karen was in the hospital for 4 days, and then she went home. Jon had helped her pack all her belongings, all the cards, flowers and gifts from well wishers. Hollywood knew of Karen's triumphant battle against anorexia, and in the end Karen claimed her life and a child. She was going to be on the cover of People Magazine again. It was an adjustment for Karen and Jonathon, but they managed. Many nights, Jon would get up, and change the baby, or feed it a bottle. Karen breastfed, but at night, she made sure there were plenty of bottles of her milk for l'il Daniel, as she called him. Karen really appreciated the fact that Jon would help out during these nights when she tried to get some rest. By the time she got up, he would be conked out, beside the baby's crib.
During the day, they received lots of guests, who wanted to see the baby. Karen joked that she needed a warehouse, to store all the gifts that Daniel received. Daniel was a good baby, who didn't cry that often, but he loved to be held, and when he wasn't being held, he let everyone know. He had dark hair and brown eyes. He looked very similar to Richard as a baby in certain ways, and yet took on after his daddy.
People magazine came to do a story on Karen and her new life. The reporter's name was Jewel Jantzen, and was in her late 20's. Very polite, pleasant and the type of person that Karen could open up to. Jewel would be spending several days interviewing Karen, and shadowing her to find out what Karen's life was like. Karen enjoyed it very much. Karen was quite pleased at how the article and cover story went.
KAREN CARPENTER-ANDREWS' NEW LIFE, NEW LOVE, AND NEW SON. Karen read thru the story, and liked the flow of the words. "Karen Carpenter-Andrews is finally shedding her old life, for the life of a wife and a mother, and is thoroughly enjoying herself in the process. She married last February 4, 1989 to wealthy Restaurant-owner Jonathon Andrews, age 36 in a lavish Hollywood style wedding. The courtship was short, but sweet. They had actually met at the wedding of Karen's brother Richard Carpenter, and had danced several dances ironically to WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN. Karen Carpenter is the World's Number One Female Artist to sell more records than any other female singer in history. Karen just laughs at that achievement, because she is very modest and down to earth. "It doesn't mean that much to me," she says gamely, "I mean, some other singer down the line will come and sell a trillion more than me…it happens. I mean, sure, it's nice to get some recognition, but what I am striving for and what Richard is striving for is respect and admiration for our talents. We have worked hard at our craft, and here we are 20 years later, with more ideas…but as for right now…well, my family comes first, and Richard agrees. His family is his main priority. He had 2 daughters and a son…beautiful kids. I am just thankful that I am a mother, the most precious thing in the world to me, right now, besides my wonderful husband Jonathon." It is a miracle that Karen is able to have children at all. At one time, specialists were saying that her body was too damaged to have kids. Karen had been devastated. Her much publicized battle with Anorexia Nervosa, the horrible eating disorder almost killed her. Starting in 1975, she battled it for over 12 years before winning her life back. "It was extremely hard to overcome, but I had 2 choices…Did I want to die, or did I want to live? I chose the latter. I came so close to death's door with my heart attack and coma on February 4, 1983, and I thought that that would make me see the light of day, but sadly it didn't. In 1985, I hit rock bottom. I weighed an unbelievable 72 pounds, and for my 5 ft 4 ½ inch frame…well, that's too emaciated. My weight should be anywhere between 110 pounds and 135 pounds. I now weigh a healthier 118 pounds, so I am so glad to be alive. My anorexia had to do with issues of not having control in my life, and trying to stay afloat in a world that was making the decisions for me. I eat very healthy now, and I do enjoy life now." Karen Carpenter-Andrews has made a successful career for herself in the Entertainment Industry. She has acted on the popular LOVE BOAT show several times, has been on 10 Top Rated ABC Television Specials. She has performed before the Queen, and has sold well over 140+ million albums. She has had over 15 # 1 Pop Singles, 28 # 1 Adult Contemporary Hits, and 41 Top 20 singles with 55 Gold Singles. She has 22 Studio albums to her credit, and has won over 28 Grammy Awards. For the past 6 years she has won consecutively SONG OF THE YEAR and BEST POP/ROCK PERFORMANCE FEMALE. She has sold out concert tours, the world over in Spain, Japan, Asia, Europe, Austrailia, England, South America, Canada and of course, her homeland, the U.S.A. She still continues to record with her brother Richard Carpenter, and together they formed the # 1 Musical Duo of all time, THE CARPENTERS. Their records still sell in the multi millions, and their relationship is still very strong. Karen takes me on a tour of her lavish home, but not in the way of a snooty upperclass home. This home is filled with love and warmth, and a house that looks lived in, which is appealing. There are 2 Nurseries, one upstairs and one on the main floor. Karen explains, "I used to take care of Richard and Mary's children sometimes, and so I wanted an accessible room, so I fixed this room up for them, and also in the hopes that one day, I would have my own children. The one upstairs is next to our bedroom, and connects on to ours, which is quite convenient. We had so much fun painting the room and designing it, while I was pregnant." We walk into their upstairs living room, which is breathtaking. Very elegant, and yet, simplicity is the main ingredient of the room's décor. It is huge, and on the wall are hundreds of platinum and gold records that are the hallmark of Karen's stunningly and successful career. In one corner of the room, is a gold and glass showcase, which holds all of her Grammy Awards, except one, which Karen explains. "I gave one to my lovely Aunt Bernice, who has been so awesome and supportive to me all thru the years. It was kind of like my tribute to her," Karen simply said, as she held on to baby Daniel. Daniel Richard Harold was named for his 2 grandfathers Daniel Andrews, and Harold Carpenter, and for his uncle Richard Carpenter. Does Jonathon mind that his son wasn't named after him? "Of course not," states Karen, "It was his decision mainly. I mean, why does he have to name his son after himself…it would be too confusing, really. We just chose these names as a tribute to the men they are named after." Is motherhood demanding, and what are your thoughts? Karen pauses, to let the question sink in, and begins slowly, "I am so glad to be a mother, but it is a very big job, and one that I wouldn't take very lightly. I mean, you have this little life, so very dependant on you for everything. It is hard sometimes, when you are tired and cranky, but you manage. Then there are the awesome moments when Daniel smiles at me and I just want to melt. He is so cute, and so round, and so wonderful. I wouldn't exchange him for all the world. He is our pride and joy. Jonathon…you should see Jonathon and Daniel together…you'd think I was raising 2 boys," Karen giggles and continues on, "No, but seriously, Jonathon is very good with Daniel. He helps out all the time with night feedings…with a bottle of course, and changes him, so I can get some rest. We are a team."
Karen loved what she read, and it was so accurate. Already fan mail was pouring in again, sending notes and cards of congratulations, as well as gifts. They just continued to amaze her…her fans…out of this world.
November 6, 1989, Karen went into labor, and Jonathon drove her to the hospital in Downey. The entire family was alerted, and amazingly, Karen's labor was easy. The baby was born just 4 hours after they arrived at Downey Community Hospital. It was a boy! Karen and Jon wept tears of joy and gratitude. Little Daniel weighed in at 8 pounds and 2 ounces.
The news passed around outside, and one by one, they got to see the newest Andrews-Carpenter baby. Karen smiled when she saw her parents come inside the room. They were both crying, and Agnes went over to hug Karen, and to see the baby. Harold shook Jon's hands, and then came over to give his daughter a kiss and a hug. Karen held her newborn son in her arms, with her man by her side, and couldn't have been more happier. The unbelievable had happened. She was now a mother. She glanced at her son, and saw the miracle. He was so perfectly formed, and his skin was so soft and warm. She knew what to name him. Daniel Richard Harold Andrews. The name seemed so perfect for him, and was a tribute to all the men in her life.
"Karen's he's so beautiful. Can I hold my grandson?" asked Agnes in an emotional voice. Karen nodded, and was grateful that they were on speaking terms again. She handed the baby to her mother, and Agnes kissed his little head.
Karen was in the hospital for 4 days, and then she went home. Jon had helped her pack all her belongings, all the cards, flowers and gifts from well wishers. Hollywood knew of Karen's triumphant battle against anorexia, and in the end Karen claimed her life and a child. She was going to be on the cover of People Magazine again. It was an adjustment for Karen and Jonathon, but they managed. Many nights, Jon would get up, and change the baby, or feed it a bottle. Karen breastfed, but at night, she made sure there were plenty of bottles of her milk for l'il Daniel, as she called him. Karen really appreciated the fact that Jon would help out during these nights when she tried to get some rest. By the time she got up, he would be conked out, beside the baby's crib.
During the day, they received lots of guests, who wanted to see the baby. Karen joked that she needed a warehouse, to store all the gifts that Daniel received. Daniel was a good baby, who didn't cry that often, but he loved to be held, and when he wasn't being held, he let everyone know. He had dark hair and brown eyes. He looked very similar to Richard as a baby in certain ways, and yet took on after his daddy.
People magazine came to do a story on Karen and her new life. The reporter's name was Jewel Jantzen, and was in her late 20's. Very polite, pleasant and the type of person that Karen could open up to. Jewel would be spending several days interviewing Karen, and shadowing her to find out what Karen's life was like. Karen enjoyed it very much. Karen was quite pleased at how the article and cover story went.
KAREN CARPENTER-ANDREWS' NEW LIFE, NEW LOVE, AND NEW SON. Karen read thru the story, and liked the flow of the words. "Karen Carpenter-Andrews is finally shedding her old life, for the life of a wife and a mother, and is thoroughly enjoying herself in the process. She married last February 4, 1989 to wealthy Restaurant-owner Jonathon Andrews, age 36 in a lavish Hollywood style wedding. The courtship was short, but sweet. They had actually met at the wedding of Karen's brother Richard Carpenter, and had danced several dances ironically to WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN. Karen Carpenter is the World's Number One Female Artist to sell more records than any other female singer in history. Karen just laughs at that achievement, because she is very modest and down to earth. "It doesn't mean that much to me," she says gamely, "I mean, some other singer down the line will come and sell a trillion more than me…it happens. I mean, sure, it's nice to get some recognition, but what I am striving for and what Richard is striving for is respect and admiration for our talents. We have worked hard at our craft, and here we are 20 years later, with more ideas…but as for right now…well, my family comes first, and Richard agrees. His family is his main priority. He had 2 daughters and a son…beautiful kids. I am just thankful that I am a mother, the most precious thing in the world to me, right now, besides my wonderful husband Jonathon." It is a miracle that Karen is able to have children at all. At one time, specialists were saying that her body was too damaged to have kids. Karen had been devastated. Her much publicized battle with Anorexia Nervosa, the horrible eating disorder almost killed her. Starting in 1975, she battled it for over 12 years before winning her life back. "It was extremely hard to overcome, but I had 2 choices…Did I want to die, or did I want to live? I chose the latter. I came so close to death's door with my heart attack and coma on February 4, 1983, and I thought that that would make me see the light of day, but sadly it didn't. In 1985, I hit rock bottom. I weighed an unbelievable 72 pounds, and for my 5 ft 4 ½ inch frame…well, that's too emaciated. My weight should be anywhere between 110 pounds and 135 pounds. I now weigh a healthier 118 pounds, so I am so glad to be alive. My anorexia had to do with issues of not having control in my life, and trying to stay afloat in a world that was making the decisions for me. I eat very healthy now, and I do enjoy life now." Karen Carpenter-Andrews has made a successful career for herself in the Entertainment Industry. She has acted on the popular LOVE BOAT show several times, has been on 10 Top Rated ABC Television Specials. She has performed before the Queen, and has sold well over 140+ million albums. She has had over 15 # 1 Pop Singles, 28 # 1 Adult Contemporary Hits, and 41 Top 20 singles with 55 Gold Singles. She has 22 Studio albums to her credit, and has won over 28 Grammy Awards. For the past 6 years she has won consecutively SONG OF THE YEAR and BEST POP/ROCK PERFORMANCE FEMALE. She has sold out concert tours, the world over in Spain, Japan, Asia, Europe, Austrailia, England, South America, Canada and of course, her homeland, the U.S.A. She still continues to record with her brother Richard Carpenter, and together they formed the # 1 Musical Duo of all time, THE CARPENTERS. Their records still sell in the multi millions, and their relationship is still very strong. Karen takes me on a tour of her lavish home, but not in the way of a snooty upperclass home. This home is filled with love and warmth, and a house that looks lived in, which is appealing. There are 2 Nurseries, one upstairs and one on the main floor. Karen explains, "I used to take care of Richard and Mary's children sometimes, and so I wanted an accessible room, so I fixed this room up for them, and also in the hopes that one day, I would have my own children. The one upstairs is next to our bedroom, and connects on to ours, which is quite convenient. We had so much fun painting the room and designing it, while I was pregnant." We walk into their upstairs living room, which is breathtaking. Very elegant, and yet, simplicity is the main ingredient of the room's décor. It is huge, and on the wall are hundreds of platinum and gold records that are the hallmark of Karen's stunningly and successful career. In one corner of the room, is a gold and glass showcase, which holds all of her Grammy Awards, except one, which Karen explains. "I gave one to my lovely Aunt Bernice, who has been so awesome and supportive to me all thru the years. It was kind of like my tribute to her," Karen simply said, as she held on to baby Daniel. Daniel Richard Harold was named for his 2 grandfathers Daniel Andrews, and Harold Carpenter, and for his uncle Richard Carpenter. Does Jonathon mind that his son wasn't named after him? "Of course not," states Karen, "It was his decision mainly. I mean, why does he have to name his son after himself…it would be too confusing, really. We just chose these names as a tribute to the men they are named after." Is motherhood demanding, and what are your thoughts? Karen pauses, to let the question sink in, and begins slowly, "I am so glad to be a mother, but it is a very big job, and one that I wouldn't take very lightly. I mean, you have this little life, so very dependant on you for everything. It is hard sometimes, when you are tired and cranky, but you manage. Then there are the awesome moments when Daniel smiles at me and I just want to melt. He is so cute, and so round, and so wonderful. I wouldn't exchange him for all the world. He is our pride and joy. Jonathon…you should see Jonathon and Daniel together…you'd think I was raising 2 boys," Karen giggles and continues on, "No, but seriously, Jonathon is very good with Daniel. He helps out all the time with night feedings…with a bottle of course, and changes him, so I can get some rest. We are a team."
Karen loved what she read, and it was so accurate. Already fan mail was pouring in again, sending notes and cards of congratulations, as well as gifts. They just continued to amaze her…her fans…out of this world.
