UPDATE!!

I have had a lot of calls and questions about the bleeding that I was experiencing so here is a little update.

My bleeding has stopped, to Jon's shaggrin I put myself on a week long "pelvic rest".  It seemed to do the trick and all is well. 

Thanks for all the love.

Charmian

89 Years Young!!

My family recently celebrated my Grandpa's 89th birthday.  He loves his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren more than anything.  So what did we do?  We went to a place where he can watch all his little ones in action.  The White Fence Farm.

It's a little weird for me to think about my mom and dad and all of my aunts and uncles being grandparents themselves now but I guess that's what happens when we get old.  Children become parents who become grandparents who - if they're lucky - will become great grandparents. 

I believe as new generations are born and grow and take over the rolls of the previous,
our elders are finally given the time to appreciate more of the love and joy in their lives. 

Well Grandpa, here's to you and being the best "Great Grand" any kid could ask for.

I love you!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Charmian

How I Know it's Summer

...............

First time on the Rock

First let me tell you about the "Hullabaloo" family.  They have been our frineds for years now and WE LOVE THEM.  They are the best, we've had many awesome nights that have turned into awesome weekends because we just couldn't get ourselves to leave. 

Well Jon and Nicole (mom) met at the rock climbing gym years ago, six to be exact.  She was the perky little climbing girl that had the nerve to bring her infant to the gym with her.  Jon prayed that she wouldn't ask him to climb with her and luckily she did.  The infant, Mikaela, was the first baby Jon held, fed, and changed and Jon absolutely fell in love with her, just like an uncle should he was wrapped around her little finger and he's been there ever since.  After Jon passed the coolness test we were invited to go climbing with them and meet Andrew (dad). This just happened to be my first outdoor climbing adventure.  Well I made quite the impression when I started crying.  I made it to the top of the rock and back down safely, but still cried like a baby.    

Okay now back to this past weekend. Whatever the reason, whether it was her young start in the rock climbing gym or maybe the climbing genes she got from her mama, Mikaela is quite a natural at climbing.  After a few very successful gym trips with Mikaela and her brother Jake,  Nicole decided it was time to try out the real thing, and climb outside.  Nicole and Andrew brought us along and we are so glad we were there to witness Mikaela and Jake's maiden, real rock, voyage.

I always say the first foot is the hardest.  Here is Mikaela getting help with that first tricky foot.

Jake's turn.

There were a few tears but I think it's a requirement your first time on the rock.  Of course the kids did great and they can't wait for our next trip.  I just hope I can still fit in a harness.

Have You Ever Been.....

This is serious. I wouldn't believe this story if it hadn't happened to me.

I can now classify myself as one of the few people who have survived an attack by a wild animal and have lived to tell about it!

NO REALLY....ATTACKED!! And I'm still here, thankfully.

As Paul Harvey would say, "And now for the Rest of the Story!"

Sunday morning the dog (i.e. Ripley because Dot would never do such a thing) wakes me up with her incessant whining. "Stupid dog." I mutter as I climb out of bed, much to early for my liking.

I open the kennel door, take the girls downstairs and outside for their morning bio break. For those of you familiar with where I live, it is out in the country, and wildlife is plentiful. I have seen everything from elk and deer, to badgers and rattlesnakes, but never have I run out of fear for my safety......that was until.........

I understand why park rangers in Yellowstone insist that you "DON'T FEED THE ANIMALS!!"

Greedy wildlife soon consider you their sole source of food...hummingbirds are no exception. That stupid red hanging feeder was my demise simply because it was empty. Because my mother had gone to church and left her little birds destitute and without food, they figured me for the sucker. I ignored the litany of bird chatter and reminded the dogs that they needed to poop and pee (I forget sometimes too).

On this morning, the hummingbirds would not be ignored, and with a vengeance I have never experienced before, they struck!

You know the outcome...I survived. Unfortunately though, my safe release was predicated upon refreshing the Savage Birds supply of sugar water, which I dutifully accomplished...

Please, for your own safety, and the safety of those around you, listen to wildlife experts and DON'T FEED THE ANIMALS!

Boulder Beer Brewing

    

Beer is best served with FRIENDS!! - J&C

12 weeks

I am one day shy of 16 weeks and I'm just getting my 12 week photos posted.  I obviously need to get caught up on my updates.

A quick note about this pregnancy so far.  I am really lucky, just like my mom was, I am made to be pregnant.  Although I'm curvier now than before and I've had a horrible time fitting into tops because my belly is already so big, I feel beautiful.  But like every women I need to have a few grumblebumps about all the changes that have taken place during this pregnancy so here goes (don't worry it's a pretty short list).

1.  At six weeks I was showing
2.  I didn't have morning sickness - I had end of the day settling down sickness.  It wasn't just nausea it was more like the flu.  I was achy and sore and I just wanted to be held but whenever Jon touched me it didn't feel good - no fun at all

3.  I'm breaking out on my chin and back.

Well there it is.  Good news is that now #2 has passed, so I only need to deal with #1 and #3.  I know all you ladies out there are going to shoot me but I really think I was made to make babies :o)