TwoTonGreenBlog

Piggy Got Back

2012-01-26T23:46:00.000-08:00

I Don't Know What You Come To Do

2012-01-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

Robert Randolph and The Family Band -- I Don't Know What You Come To Do, live on Austin City Limits, September 30, 2002.

I've seen this band live and can only say if they are gonna be playing anywhere near you -- GET TICKETS! you will not regret it. Check out their cover of Billie Jean -- forking amazing what that man gets that pedal steel to do...

When I Was Young

2012-01-19T00:16:00.000-08:00

Roy Clark - Yesterday When I Was Young live at The Grand Ole Opry on September 29, 2007.

Barack Was Born This Way

2012-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Love this video!

Bling!

2012-01-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Liberace -- now that's what I call bling! From 1984 appearance on The Tonight Show.

Getting Big

2012-01-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

Jules and her dad are having a great time with her new toys.

Hippo Gnu Deer

2012-01-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

Abba -- Happy New Year

I have only one resolution this year -- to be better at all that I do.

May your best day of 2011 be your worst day of 2012.

12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-22T21:21:00.001-08:00

Julianna Giggling

2011-12-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

Jen sent me this short video of Jules giggling while playing with Dad. Hard to believe she's 8 months old already.

Where's My Bottle Barkeep?

2011-11-16T23:53:00.001-08:00

Where's my bottle, barkeep?

Jujube Sunset

2011-10-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon with Jen and Julianna. Forgot my camera -- again. *head hanging in shame*. Thank goodness Jen sent me this photo of Jujube sitting on her mat playing with her toys this evening. She is 6 months and my guesstimate of her weight was 19 lbs 6 oz. She has her 6 month checkup tomorrow so we will find out just how accurate her grammy's guess is :)

When I headed over to Jen's this morning, I saw a large smoke column on the north side of Cape Meares -- a debris burn was my guess. When I got back into town on my way home, the smoke from the controlled burn had settled over town and the air had that shimmery glow from the low angle of the sun reflecting on the smoke particles. I figured tonight's sunset would be grand and I was not disappointed.

When I got home, I watched the sunset and took this shot when it had the most color.

As always, click the picture to biggify it -- there are some spectacular colors!

Hippo Birdies

2011-10-15T11:58:00.001-07:00

Hippo birdies two meece
hippo birdies two meece
hipppo birdies deer meeeeee
hippo birdies two meece
..... and mini s'mores.....

More Pictures

2011-10-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

I figured I had better post some more of the pictures taken while Mom was visiting. These are of Jennifer, Mike, Julianna, and the roses Mom bought me.

Jennifer -- I love that smile!

Jennifer, Mike, and their darling creation, Julianna.

Julianna sitting on her play mat holding on to her toy with one hand and her mom's finger with the other.

The roses! They were a total surprise -- Mom borrowed my car on Saturday while I was working with the FDL Membership Engagement Team and she returned with roses! For me! They glow with an almost neon pinkie reddish maroon when the sunlight hit them (or the flash in the picture above).

Here is a picture of the roses taken without the flash.

They smell as good as they look. Thanks Mom!!!

Four Generations

2011-10-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

I know, I've been terrible and haven't put up the pictures from Mom's visit. I've been busy doing stuff and neglecting this wee little blog.

Here's a picture of Mom, Jen, Julianna, and me.

Happy National Coffee Day

2011-09-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Sorry for getting this out so late -- I needed more coffee and it took longer than I anticipated to become fully caffeinated.

She Sits

2011-09-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Jujube sitting! Jen emailed me this photo today as well as the one below of Julianna sleeping documenting that Julianna has indeed discovered her feet.

What a little cutie!!! I had such fun grammy-sitting Julianna earlier this week.

In My Daughters' Eyes

2011-09-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Martina McBride -- In My Daughter's Eyes

For my girls.

Clamming In The Fog

2011-09-08T19:04:00.001-07:00

Its been socked in here for several days now -- yesterday I had bright sunshine until around 4pm when the sun disappeared behind a heavy blanket of clouds and fog. Today it has been foggy all day -- not a surprise when it is hot in Portland, it tends to be foggy here.

The picture up top was taken a few days ago -- shows folks returning to the fish hatchery nearby after clamming during low tide. As always, click the picture to biggify it.

Spoke Too Soon

2011-09-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was spectacular - just look at last night's sunset through the trees:

After sunset and just before everything faded to dark:

The smoke from the Mt. Hood fire and the other fires in the Cascades and central Oregon reached me just before sunset and gave everything a hazy look (and a lot of particles in the air to reflect color). Here you can see the haze looking up at Cape Lookout:

I was so amped when I saw the haze -- figured for sure I would have a repeat of last night's colorful sunset tonight. I fear I jinxed myself - look at today:

Socked in foggy all day long. Temps in the mid to high 60's most of the afternoon. It got down into the 40's last night (brrrr) but it is still in the mid 50's right now. I went from short sleeves light cotton clothing yesterday to a fleece hoodie today. Was great sleeping weather last night tho -- nice and cool and I'm hoping for a repeat tonight. Don't think I'll get it -- that thick fog blanket is gonna keep it much warmer.

The record still stands at 4 days in a row of sunshine... didn't see hide nor hair of the sun today.

Getting Better

2011-09-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

Last night's sunset was even better! Woke up to a much warmer day without a cloud in the sky. Thank goodness an afternoon breeze cooled it down from 95 to the mid 80's. Now the sun is behind the trees and the house is in shade, the temperature has dropped to a very pleasant 76 on my front deck. Per the weather service, it is still 91 in Tillamook.

I had both doors open this afternoon, letting the breeze air out the house. My head cold/allergy thingie was back with a vengeance earlier today but now it appears to have been blown away with the breeze. All in all, a better day that brings to mind this song:

The Beatles -- Getting Better.

First Sunset of September

2011-09-02T18:06:00.001-07:00

I love the interplay of the whiteness of the moon in the sky that still has traces of blue but is transforming into the fading colors left by a below the horizon sun and how it contrasts with the dark land and trees. A sunset worthy of celebrating the new month. As always, click on the photo to biggify it.

Weather dood said we may get up to 90 here tomorrow. The winds are shifting from the northwest to an easterly flow and that is going to bring all the hot air from the other side of the Cascades (by way of the Columbia Gorge) clear out to here at the coast. Of course, that also will mean clear skies and the temps will really cool off fast at night. Labor Day Weekend is the last weekend of tourist season around here -- the area will return to its slower pace of life with a lot less traffic. The trees will soon be changing color and dropping their leaves as the peaceful retreat by the bay welcomes fall.

Last Sunset of August

2011-09-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of last night's sunset -- the last sunset of August.

The car is home from the mechanics. Turns out to have been an easy (and relatively inexpensive) fix -- there was air in the brake line and they had to bleed the line and then put in more brake fluid. Woohoo happy dance for not having to replace the master cylinder and/or brake booster. Tis good to be mobile again and the drive home was worry free :)

August Sunset

2011-08-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

I've been derelect in taking care of this place. It's not like I've gone anywhere - my car's brakes went out the beginning of the month and goes to the mechanic on the first -- when I can afford to have it fixed. I'm gonna have AAA tow it there since it has been sitting for the past month with minimal brakes and I'm not going to risk driving it there. No car means no trips to see Jen and Julianna so I'm jonesin' real bad. I've been making calls for the lake's membership drive during the day and, of course, spending my nights by the virtual campfire at my Late Late Night FDL posts. Was real ticked off that no car meant I could not attend Busted's wedding :( I was really looking forward to seeing him and NG get hitched.

Jen and Julianna spent a week down in CA this month and are back home. Kayla and Karina headed back to their mom's in Alaska the same day Jen flew to CA -- their flights were about 30 minutes apart so they all went to the airport as a group.

Jen posted on Facebook that Julianna rolled over yesterday! Woohoo, now the fun and games begin :) Pretty soon she will be scooting and then crawling and before we know it, she will be totally mobile. Julianna is looking more and more like Jen at this age - looking at pictures of her is like looking through a time machine window back to 1977. I'm hoping Jen will send me more photos so I can share them.

My mom is going to be coming up to see Jen and me in September. I'm going to be sure to get some 4 generations photos. I've not seen Mom since Jen's wedding so it will be great to see her again!

My landlord came and removed the temporary plate at the bottom of the wood stove and is having a new plate fabricated. Gotta have the stove in tip top shape - fall is already here on the coast and the nighttime temperatures are starting to steadily drop.

Still have had only 4 days in a row of sunshine this summer. The picture up top was taken on Wed, Aug 24th which was a sunny day but the clouds came in towards sunset. Luckily, they didn't come completely in before sunset so I was able to see some color instead of the gray. As always, you can click on the photo to biggify it.

Grocery Shopping

2011-08-12T00:07:00.001-07:00

4 Months Old

2011-08-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Time has been whizzing by so fast since April 9th. Hard to believe it but its been four months since Jujube was born. Look at what she has found!

She has her mother's skin. Jen sent me this picture and it reminds me so much of Jen at that age. Right down to the thumbsucking.

Four Generations

2011-08-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

In this picture is Jen, me, Julianna, and Julianna's great-great aunt Mary.

I have to share this video of Jujube's reaction to tasting a drop of apple juice. She Did. Not. Like. and wanted everyone to know it. I can't wait until she starts talking -- she's gonna be a hoot!

The Girls

2011-07-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

Jen's girls.

Jujube Makes Noise

2011-07-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at Jen's Tuesday. Here is a video I took -- I'll have a post with pictures up soon .

Hi Grammy

2011-07-15T17:56:00.001-07:00

Jen sent me this yesterday with the subject line the title of this post. I talked with Jen on the phone today. Jujube is 13 lbs and wearing size 3 month clothing now. Can't wait to see them on Tuesday!

Sunshine

2011-07-15T00:32:00.001-07:00

Finally had a bit of sunshine towards sunset.... here are some pictures, including one of Token looking for some nasty smelling dirt to roll in.

Hippo Birdies Jen!

2011-06-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

Today is Jen's birthday. I drove over the coast range to spend the afternoon wtih her and the girls. Took a few pictures, a video, and had a blast. Kayla and Karina made Jen a birthday cake and spelled out her name in hearts on top. They arranged the candles on the cake so it read how many years she was celebrating.

The girls brought the cake to Jen after Mike lit the candles.

Julianna even had a card for her mom.

As did Kayla and Karina.

Here's that video:

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, daddy. I miss you more and more each day.

Thursday's Fix

2011-06-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thursday, I went to Portland for the FDL Meetup. I had a great time visiting with the pups who attended -- the pictures I took of the meetup are here. The food at the Goose Hollow Inn was fantastic. We took over almost an entire side of their front deck and time flew by so quickly. Before I knew it, 2 hours had passed and it was time for me to head to Jen's.

After saying goodbye, I drove over to Jen's to visit with her and get my Jujube fix. Mike's daughters, Kayla and Karina, from his first marriage are there for their summer long visit and it was great seeing them again. My goodness, they have grown -- they are 14 and 12 now and are totally teenagers.

Looking at them, I see a lot of resemblance between the girls and Jujube. Here's some pictures of that visit:

I missed seeing Mike's mom, Becky, who had been visiting Jen and Mike this week. She was across town visiting Tim, Mike's brother, and his family when I was at Jen's.

Jen looks wonderful!!! She glows and I can easily see how motherhood agrees with her. Julianna is thriving and is an estimated 10 lbs. now. She's got a lot more head control now and pushes with her strong little legs and was trying to climb Mt. Grammy when I was holding her. Soon, she will be sitting without assistance.

Jen told me that she has decided not to return to work and put in her notice at Mary's Woods. She's going to stay home and be a full time mom -- I'm so happy that she is able to do so. Jen is such a good mom and I doubt any daycare could take care of Julianna as well as Jen does.

Jujube just loves her sisters! She smiles and waves her arms and is really starting to engage with people now. She has the sweetest little personality and I'm enjoying watching her reach each new level of development.

Jujube Smiles

2011-06-14T17:52:00.001-07:00

Jen took this photo of Jujube smiling last week -- she was 8 weeks at the time and is now 9.

Thursday, I will be headed to Portland to attend an FDL Meetup at the Goose Hollow Inn -- the meetup starts at 2pm. I am planing on heading to Jen's to get my Jujube fix (and more pictures) after the meetup. Mike's daughters Kayla and Karina are visiting for the summer and Becky, Jen's mother-in-law, is visiting for the week. Gonna be great catching up with everyone -- I've not seen Becky since the wedding and its been two years since I've seen Kayla and Karina.

8 Weeks

2011-06-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

Jen sent me these pictures of Julianna. Mike took them Saturday the 4th, the day Jujube turned 8 weeks old. My stars, time is just zooming past lately.

Lost On Gilligan's Island

2011-06-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of Lost, you will especially enjoy this:

Lost On Gilligan's Island

Cotton Candy Sunset

2011-06-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

June started off with a great sunset last night. The actual sunset was hidden in the trees but the clouds along the horizon do a good job of reflecting the cotton candy colors.

Still, its only been in the 50's and 60's during the day -- weather dood said we are going to get Instant Summer this weekend when the winds shift -- dood is predicting 83 Saturday and 85 Sunday.

Yeah. Sure. Right. I'll believe it when I see it. Of course, he is also predicting rain on Monday.

I've had bands of showers coming across the bay this afternoon. I enjoy sitting at my desk, watching the dark clouds move in against the lighter grey and white clouds on the other side of the spit. Everything else seems so still until the wind starts to push up ridges on the bay waters. I can watch the wind's progress as it moves toward me by watching those mini white-caps. The wind and the rain usually arrive at the same time and quickly move on. Brief showers instead of the steady rain of winter.

There will be no sunset eye candy tonight. The blue patches in the sky are quickly filling in with clouds of varying shades of gray.

Six and One Half Weeks

2011-05-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Spent yesterday afternoon at Jen's. I watched Jujube while Jen ran errands. I had a blast! I took this video of her in her bouncer trying to capture a smile -- yes, Julianna smiles now -- but wasn't lucky enough to snag it :( Her bouncer has pink petals that surround the head area -- there's a picture of it below -- but I covered the petals with her blanket for the video.

I also took pictures... a lotta pictures. These are the best of the best:

She's propped up against the boppy in her crib-- isn't she just adorable! I love those socks that look like Mary Jane shoes. So glad I got them for Jen's baby shower. They are even cuter on Julianna than they were in the package. Jen says they don't kick off like some of her other socks do.

Julianna, still propped up in her crib, but she's cooing at me. She is so alert now and I am getting glimpses of her personality. She is so good natured -- if only she would sleep at night instead of trying to be a night owl like her Grammy.

Jujube loves her bouncer! I love how the 'flower petals' on the bouncer surround her head. I almost captured her smile in this picture.

As always, click on the pictures to make them bigger.

Jen said Julianna's appt with the hip specialist went well Tuesday and that Jujube has to wear the brace for an additional six weeks. The doctor was confident that she will not need the brace longer than that.

Apple Blossom Sunset

2011-05-18T00:14:00.001-07:00

No new Jujube pics so I'm sharing some apple blossom photos I took Saturday and tonight's sorta sunset. As you can see, the actual sun setting has moved to the north and is blocked by the large stand of trees to my northwest. You can see the blooming rhododendron on the north side of my deck to the right of the sunset:

This is the view from my deck taken at the same time.

Tis the first color I've had at sunset in a long time. Weather dood tonight is predicting four (4!) days of no rain in a row. I'm not sure if I'm gonna believe him but ... tonight's pretty in pink sunset after today being yet another day of rain sure was a hope raiser.

Grammy Mothers Day Fix

2011-05-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful visit with Jen, Mike, and Julianna yesterday. I remembered not only to take my camera but I also remembered take pictures. Here are a few of my favorites:

Mike, Jujube, and Jen. Look at all the love in this picture. You can see her brace clearly in this photo -- she goes back to the specialist later this month. Jen says that Jujube doesn't seem to even notice that she's in a brace.

Such a big stretch as she was waking up.

She then immediately was trying to touch the camera. Is that a hint of a smile I see on Jujube's face?

Jen and Julianna -- I could watch Jen smile all day long -- she's radiant.

Partially out of the brace for a diaper change. She's gotten longer and is starting to plump up.

Had a great time getting my grammy fix and celebrating Jen's first Mothers Day. Stephanie called my cell while I was at Jen's -- almost as good as her being there like she was the last time I was there.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this video by ChildFund International in honor of Mother’s Day this weekend. The video features kids from around the world in Sri Lanka, India, Zambia, Ecuador and many others saying “I love you, Mom” and "Happy Mothers Day" in their various languages.

I am biased (what with Jujube being the cutest baby ever) but these kiddos are so cute and adorable I just had to share. I will be over the Coast Range celebrating Jen's first Mothers Day as a mom (and get my grammy fix with some Julianna time).

Happy Mothers Day, Mom. I love you. Hope your birthday yesterday was all you could wish for.

Taking A Stand For Civil Digital Discourse

2011-05-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Lisa of Civil Nation sent me an email pointing out the website CiviliNation which I strongly encourage everyone to check out.

CiviliNation's Taking a Stand project invites people from around the world to share their reasons for "taking a stand for civil digital discourse." Individuals can send in a 15-30 seconds video of themselves which will be uploaded to the CiviliNation website and its YouTube channel.

Check out their site and the services they offer -- and help share the message.

Swagger Wagon

2011-05-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Swagger Wagon. Found this on Stephanie's Facebook page and had to share.

Grammy Fix

2011-04-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

So thankful to Jen for sending me these pictures -- I forgot my camera when I went to her house last weekend when Stephanie was there.

Here's a picture of Steph holding Julianna:

Jujube was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in one hip -- it was caught very early by her super-observant pediatrician who referred Jujube to a specialist. That preliminary diagnosis was confirmed this week by the specialist and Jujube was fitted for a brace she will have to wear 24 hours a day for the next month.

This is a picture of her in her carseat -- as you can see, the brace keeps her legs and hips in the perfect position for sitting with her legs velcroed into the leg section. You can also see the velcro band that wraps around her chest in this picture, as well as the bottom latch for her carseat straps.

Jen said that Julianna appears to not have even noticed that she's in a brace and is doing fine. She will be re-examined in a month to see if she will need to wear it longer or if the hip joint is now aligned properly.

Reflections of Motherhood

2011-04-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

Reflections of Motherhood

From the Youtube Page:

We asked moms if they could go back to before their first baby, what would they tell themselves. These are their answers. Everyone in the video is a mom :)

Brought to you by Nummies Maternity Bras http://www.Nummies.com

Song is "Days Away" by InAshton http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/days-away/id390074111?i=390074118&ign-mp...

Photography by Sara Collaton http://www.SaraCollaton.com

Produced by UnMarketing http://www.Un-Marketing.com

Red House

2011-04-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

I featured Gary Moore last night on my Late Late Night post. During the thread, I found this cover of Red House by him at the Wembley Arena as part of the 50th annivesary of The Strat concert 2004. Fantastic cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic. I linked to the video in the comments last night but also wanted to share it here.

Stephanie flew into Portland today. Jen and Steph are having some sister time today. I'll drive over the Coast Range tomorrow and join them for the rest of the weekend. Gonna enjoy time with both my girls and, of course, my grandbaby Jujube.

Token is gonna hang out at the Canine Garden Resort -- he loves it there. From his perspective, its like going to the grandparents house where he will be loved, spoiled, loved some more, and then spoiled again. He loves having fun running on the beach with Bean -- Mel and Marie's (the owners) dog -- in fact I think he loves doing everything with Bean.

Bean looks a lot like Token, just bigger. Marie said that she always thought Bean was a small dog, until she saw Bean and Token standing side by side. I'll have to remember to take a picture of Bean and Token -- they are best buds. It reminds me of how Token and Goldie (his sister and our former neighbors) were -- they chase each other and play doggie games and sleep together. There is a picture of Bean at their website on the right hand side bar-- he is almost as cute as Token. If you click on their about us, you will learn the story of how Bean came to live at the Canine Garden Resort.

Happy 420 Day

2011-04-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

Carolyn Wonderland -- Let's Go Get Stoned, at Antone's.

My Washington state car title finally arrived (woohoo) so I can go to ODOT tomorrow and make the car legal again (double woohoo). I love that Oregon's registration is for two years.

My temporary reg had expired Sunday and Monday I was told at ODOT that I had received the maximum temporary permits (2) and that I had to wait for the title paperwork to arrive from Olympia, Washington (they only mail them as I found out when I went to WA Dept of Licensing). Thank goodness it finally arrived.

Being legal is a very good thing.

The Yawn

2011-04-18T00:28:00.001-07:00

I had just laid Julianna in her crib -- she had been dozing in my arms -- so that I could take some pictures of her. Notice she immediately got one arm free.

After getting both hands free, her wee little rosebud of a mouth starting to open... will it be a cry or a yawn?

Tis a yawn! A great big one.

After which, she propped her hand up against her cheek, opened her eyes, and looked around as if deciding to stay awake or go back to sleep. Her other hand is holding the blanket up against her chin. Julianna loves having her hands near her face. The ultrasound pictures I had previously posted show her with her hands up near or on her face.

Jen had given her her first bath before I arrived. I could still smell her new baby smell tho -- Julianna Renee smells wonderful!

Her hair photographs redder than it is -- right now her hair is a medium brown but I can see both red and gold highlights in her hair, depending on how the light hits it.

Stephanie is flying out this week -- she arrives Friday and then flies back to Colorado Monday. I'm going to be going back to Jen's to hang out with both my girls this weekend and hope to be able to take a picture of Mike, Jen, and Julianna. Today was a short visit and it just didn't work out taking a family picture today.

I was glad to see Jen fall asleep after feeding Julianna this afternoon -- she looked so peaceful sleeping that I didn't wake her to say I was headed home. I got in some prime Jujube time while Jen snoozed and Julianna was sleeping as good as her mom when I left.

I promise to post some non-grammy stuff this week. Hoping to have a sunset or two to share.

Eyes Wide Open

2011-04-14T18:31:00.001-07:00

More pics of Jujube -- including photos with her eyes open! Jen just emailed me these and I had to share.

Julianna loves having her hands up by her face, usually tucked under her chin or as close to under her chin as she can get them. In the top picture, she's grabbing ahold of the blanket and pulled it up on that side so her hand is by her neck :) I love how she's holding her hands in the 3rd picture.

At Jen's

2011-04-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

Am at Jen's while she gets a handle of taking care of Julianna as well as all the other stuff she does. For the time being, she's taking care of Jujube, and I'm taking care of her.

Jen and Julianna were released from the hospital Monday morning. I dropped off Token at the Canine Garden Resort (his favorite place), make sure Bailey cat had plenty of food, water, and blankets to curl up in, and headed to Jen and Mikes house, arriving mid afternoon.

Jujube is no longer a conehead. She is even cuter than I remembered -- and certainly cuter than her pictures.

It has been a hectic day and I only got pictures of Stacy's daughter holding Jules shortly before pizza arrived. I have one last load in the washing machine that is only waiting for the load in the dryer to finish. After the bassinet bumper is dry, I am going to bed.

It has been a long time since I've had a baby fall asleep on my chest or in my arms -- dayam it feels good!

By Popular Demand

2011-04-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

More photos of Julianna Renee. Tomorrow I will head to Mike and Jen's house to help out for a few days -- or however long it takes for the household (including my grand-doggies Dublin and Dodger) to adjust to having a baby in the house.

Jen and Julianna get to go home Monday :) :) :)

She didn't like it at first when the nurse starting cleaning her up but then she settled right down.

Part-way cleaned up and she's watching and wondering....

One eye open -- working on getting the other one open

After the nurse put ointment on her eyes and she was all cleaned, diapered, and wearing a hat.

Jujube with her Aunt Stacy. Stacy is married to Mike's brother and is who took Jen to the hospital Friday while Mike left work and met them there. Stacy was there the whole time, helping Jen and Mike, and ordered a couple great pizzas for us to eat Friday night. She's a rock and I love having her in the family.

EDIT: forgot to mention there are also other photos on my Facebook page

Presenting Miss Julianna Renee

2011-04-09T16:40:00.001-07:00

Trying to open her eyes after being cleaned up.

With her mom.

With her dad.

With me.

Grammy and Jujube.

Details:

Born at 10:34 am April 9, 2011 after a long hard labor but totally worth it.
7lbs 15 oz
20 inches long
14" head
Apgars of 8 and 9 -- very good numbers!

I'm walking on air -- being a grammy is a wonderful thing.

Jen's In Labor

2011-04-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

Jen's in labor and I'm headed over the pass to the hospital.

Will update when I can.

Jen and Baby Leek

2011-04-02T00:16:00.001-07:00

Still haven't had a sunset so instead I'm sharing Jen with ya -- this is one of Jen's pregnancy pictures and my favorite. I love how she just glows in this picture.

From her email with the size descriptor for week 38:

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old.

At least Baby Julianna isn't another forking melon! She's as long as a leek and I bet she is as pretty as her mom is. Here's Jen holding an ultrasound picture of Julianna while standing in front of Julianna's crib:

Not A Melon

2011-03-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

I should have posted this Thursday when I got it (that's the day the baby week count changes) but I was hoping for a sunset to photograph...

Jen's email for Baby Julianna's size descriptor for this week was NOT a melon (Snoopy happy dance):

Here is the size descriptor for 37 weeks.

Your baby is now considered full term, even though your due date is still three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. He weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long.

Yay for as long as swiss chard baby Julianna. Jen said her Thursday doctor appointment went well and that Julianna is considered full term from this point on, even if she is born before her April 14th due date. Jen said the doc thinks she is a shade under 7 lbs and should be over 7 lbs by her next appointment later this week.

I'm at the "any day now" stage of impending grand-motherhood -- any day now (or night) my phone could ring with the news that Jen's in labor and I'll be dropping everything to head over to Portland. Every time the phone rings and I see the caller id indicate "Jen", my heart speeds up and I wonder if this is the call.

Perhaps this week Mother Nature will finally cooperate and I'll finally have at least semblance of a sunset to photograph and share with the next size descriptor -- or pictures of Baby Julianna Renee.

Overcast Crenshaw

2011-03-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Still haven't had a sunset so instead, I present this photo of the overcast blanket of clouds that have been covering the sky above the bay (and everywhere else) for the past couple weeks. I took this yesterday at what would be considered sunset according to the clock. Sure can't tell by looking at the sky. I'm starting to long for the sun and some color besides gray.

On the positive side, my daffodils are starting to open so there is bright yellow on the deck. On the down side, the metal pole at the corner of the deck that holds the bird feeder and my wind gauge rusted out at the bottom (where it connects to the deck) and fell over last night. The wind gauge stayed attached to the pole and fell onto the deck with no damage. The bird feeder hanging from the hook on the pole fell onto the ground below the deck (sigh) and broke (another sigh).

I haz a sad. That was the feeder Teddy gave me. Luckily he also gave me a smaller matching one and Jen gave me a new feeder at Christmas. I'm going to have to find a new way to hang them now. I was able to stick the surviving top half of the metal pole (with the wind gauge) into my very large rosemary pot and the gauge is working well, spinning happily along with no interference from my rosemary plant below it. It is not an ideal location but it is an ok temporary home until I find a more permanent solution.

From Jen's Baby Julianna size descriptor email for week 36:

Here is this weeks update for 36 weeks: Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position, but if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

Another forking melon! I'm beginning to think this is getting downright cruel -- what's next? Pumpkin? Watermelon?

Interesting factoid: Jen was 5 lbs 15 oz and 18 inches long when she was born -- about the same size baby Julianna is now.

Baby Honeydew

2011-03-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

Crap, I realized I had not posted Jen's baby Julianna size descriptor for week 35 that she had sent me this past Thursday. What with all the excitement and stress of evacuating early Friday morning, I totally spazzed on posting it.

Here it is with my apologies for the delay and, unfortunately no sunset picture to accompany it:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete – he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

This coming Thursday, Jen will be 36 weeks and in her final month of pregnancy. Her due date is exactly one month from today!!! I'm hoping to have a wee bit of sunset to go along with the next update later this week.

Home

2011-03-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not updating earlier... when we got home late this morning, I didn't have an internet connection so i tried to sleep instead since I had been up for 24 hours or so.

No damage here that I can see. The water I saw driving home on the roadway appeared to be from rainfall and not a surge.

It sure felt good to crawl into bed and tonight I am sure it will feel even better now that I've got some food in my belly.

We dodged a big one here on the coast. It was good practice in any event. I realized that loading the car took me longer than it should have and that I should not have stacked stuff by the door to take down all at once. I would have been better served to taken them down to the car as soon as they were packed up.

The critters and I are fine.

Evacuating

2011-03-11T04:40:00.001-08:00

Am headed to higher group -- probably going to Lee's Camp on highway 6 which is quite a ways inland. Have Token and Bailey in the car and will update when we get the all clear to return.

Baby Cantaloupe Sunset

2011-03-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not getting this out until today instead of Thursday, but today was the first time I've had any sunset at all. Tis been a grey week with a blanket of clouds hiding the skies and although the daffodils are blooming, the air still has a bite to it. The sunsets have moved north again, to behind the trees -- a sure sign that spring is on its way.

From Jen's email with Baby Julianna's size descriptor for week 34:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers – which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born – are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Jen and Mike had a photo shoot today of maternity pictures. Can't wait to see them!

Steamroller Blues

2011-03-03T01:57:00.000-08:00

Steamroller Blues -- James Taylor -- from 1979. This is one of my favorite versions of this song -- from the Utube page:

James Taylor - Vocals, Guitar
Waddy Wachtel - Guitar
Don Grolnick - Keyboards
Danny Kortchmar - Guitar
Russ Kunkel - Drums
David Lasley - Background Vocals
Arnold McCuller - Background Vocals
David Sanborn - Saxophone
Lee Sklar - Bass

Tis some prime ear candy.

Baby Pineapple Snow

2011-02-25T16:40:00.001-08:00

Snow falling Wednesday night on the back deck. When I woke up Thursday, a lot of it had melted off but there was still plenty of snow to look at.

The studio roof and garden still had snow along with the cape and alongside the road. Weather dood said we got around 2 inches of snow during the night.

From Jen's email with Baby Julianna's size descriptor for week 33:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

I am so looking forward to spring -- not only will it be warmer (was 27 last night) but I get to finally meet my granddaughter. Jen had a 3D/4D ultrasound Thursday -- say howdy to Julianna Renee:

Jicama Sunset

2011-02-17T18:22:00.001-08:00

Had sunshine today but these clouds to the west are reminding me the weather dood is forecasting snow on the coast tonight and tomorrow morning. We've had snow for the last two mornings but it has pretty much melted away by the time I get up. Sounds like we may get more than the dusting we've had the past two days.

From Jen's email with Julianna's size descriptor for week 32:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb.

Time sure seems to be speeding by -- 8 weeks (52 days) left until Jen's due date. Jen's having an ultrasound tomorrow and I am looking forward to getting another glimpse of my granddaughter before she arrives in mid-April.

The Rocky Racoon

2011-02-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

The Beatles -- Rocky Raccoon. From the YouTube description:

If you love the Beatles, and Rocky Raccoon. You'll love this video. If you like Westerns, and Rocky Raccoon. You'll love this video. This video took about 5 days to make. 2 days to make sets and costumes, 2 days to shoot it, and 1 day to edit it. It turned out great, check it out.

Let me add if ya love little kids play-acting... I forking love this video.

Four Navel Oranges Sunset

2011-02-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

Thursday's sunset -- before and after.

From Jen's email with this week's size descriptor for week 31:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

When we were driving back to Oregon from Jen's shower, we passed by Mt. Shasta which had a great lenticular cloud capping its peak. I snapped these two photos from the passenger seat of the truck. The first one was taken through the windshield shortly after we had passed by Lake Shasta and were approaching the town of Dunsmuir:

I took this out the passenger side window when we were about even with Shasta near the town of Weed:

As always, you can click on the pictures to enbiggen them.

Las Trampas Cabbage

2011-02-05T00:10:00.001-08:00

While I was down in CA for Jen's baby shower, I picked up this 30 x 40 painting from my former co-worker, Sheila. Sheila and I were hired at the PD on the same day -- in addition to her other duties, she was also the forensic artist at the pd, creating sketches of bad guys from victims or witnesses. The colors are even more magnificent than this photo shows and I love, love, love that swirling sky.

Now that she is also retired, she's moved From Forensic to Fine Art. That's a link to her blog and where I first saw the painting pictured above. Sheila is a fine artist and regularly posts her work at her blog, which is on my daily must reads.

She told me when I picked up the painting of Las Trampas (a regional park) that if anyone mentioned my name, they would get a discount on any of her work. Go check out her stuff -- tis mighty fine eye candy. I'm thrilled to have this piece by her hanging on my wall.

From Jen's email with Baby Julianna's size descriptor for week 30:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision – which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Jen closed her email with 10 weeks to go, on the home stretch!

More Baby Shower

2011-02-03T00:53:00.000-08:00

I totally blew it with my last post -- I neglected to include Jessica as a co-host. Jessica is also pregnant (she's 10 weeks behind Jen) and found out the weekend of the shower that she is also having a baby girl.

Lining up for the great food. Was quite a spread of goodies to choose from and it was all delicious.

Raspberry Pink lemonade with frozen raspberries and lemon slices. Was as good as it looked and I had several refills.

Tis a better shot of the diaper cake than the close up of the flower topping I posted yesterday.

Me, Jen, and Stephanie. Sure was good to be with both my girls again. And it feels great knowing that things are ok between us.

Tomorrow, Jen will have a new size descriptor for Baby Julianna. Last week she was a butternut squash... wonder what she will be this week?

The Baby Shower

2011-02-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Jen had a wonderful baby shower Saturday. Her friend Meghan and her step-sister Alicia hosted the party at Meghan's house and a good time was had by all. The games were imaginative and so much fun and the food was fantastic! It was so good to see Jen with her friends -- her smile says it all. This is Jen with Meghan:

and this is Jen with Alicia:

There was a 3 tier diaper 'cake' made of newborn diapers and fresh flowers, with baby bottles inside acting as support for the tiers.

The real cake was made of cupcakes:

One of the games was to guess the song title and artist of songs with the word 'baby' in the title. There were 15 songs and we all received a cd of Julianna's Jams as a party favor. Megan had taken a copy of Julianna's ultrasound pictures and photo-shopped earphones on it for the album art. It is soooo cute:

Jen received so many cute gifts for Julianna. The bed of the pickup truck was filled with bags and bags of outfits, a stroller, car seat, etc, that I doubt we could have gotten one more little outfit inside. Stephanie got Julianna a onesie that said "This is my little black dress" and another that was a Sublime (rock band), both were black and cute as a bug. Stephanie had been shopping for months for things to give Jen at the shower and everything she got her was perfect. Jen was glowing as she was surrounded by her best friends and I could see how important those friendships are to her.

Now for my mea maxima culpa ...

I had quit smoking on Wednesday. By Friday, I was a total flaming bitch, lashing out at everyone and everything. I made Stephanie (who had flown in for the shower) cry and I'm pretty sure I totally ruined Jen's weekend. I said things I should not have said and was quick to harp on perceived insults when there were none. I lashed out at Jen for not saying anything supportive about my not smoking -- I accused her of not being supportive when I was the one who should have been being supportive of her.

There is no excuse for my behavior. I was rude, surly, and so pissed off at anything and everything that I was ready to find a flight home. Stephanie told me I was acting like a child.... and she was right. I am embarrassed to say that I was acting like a spoiled little kid who was not getting her way. I was craving cigarettes and realized that this was not the weekend to quit smoking. I was adding to everyone's stress and was not a good house guest. We were staying at Jen's dad's house and I'm sure that Bob was doubly glad that he was no longer married to me after my atrocious behavior.

I had thought initially that being in an environment where it would be difficult to smoke was the way to kick the habit. I learned that this was not the weekend to do so... that I was such a downer and my behavior was embarrassing to my girls and everyone else. I squandered my time with my girls harping and bitching and lashing out instead of the pleasant weekend they had looked forward to and deserved.

I am so sorry that I put them through that. I have so many regrets about what I said and did and how I acted -- I ruined what should have been a joyful trip with my crass behavior.

I started smoking again Friday afternoon but my behavior didn't improve until later that night. Guess it took some time for the nicotine to rise to the level my body and mind craved. Saturday, the day of the shower, was a much better day and I tried to be a kinder, gentler, and thankful person for the rest of the weekend.

I fear I have permanently damaged my relationship with both my girls. I understand why they don't want me around -- I was way out of line and there is no excuse for how I had acted. I am unable to find the words to say to them about how sorry I am.

I hope they can find it in their hearts to eventually forgive me. I know I will not be able to forgive myself and will regret my actions on this trip for the rest of my life.

Going To California

2011-01-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

Led Zeppelin -- Going to California, from the Earls Court concert.

Am headed over the hill to Jen's and tomorrow we are going to California for her baby shower. Should be back early next week. Don't trash the place while I'm gone...

Gold To Pink Chinese Cabbage

2011-01-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

The pictures are from Wednesday's sunset, the only day with sunshine this week (until today), and were taken shortly before and after the sunset. So far, the sunshine has been a rare sight -- today is only the 3rd day in the past two weeks where that yellow thingie has been in the sky.

From Jen's email with Baby Julianna's size descriptor for week 28:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Jen, her sister-in-law Stacy, and I will be driving down to CA next week for Jen's baby shower on Saturday the 29th. Since the majority of Jen's family and friends are in the SF Bay Area, it is easier for us to drive down there than have them all have to make that 12 to 14 hour each way drive or fly up here. Stephanie is flying out from Colorado for the shower -- I am looking forward to being with both my girls at the same time (a rare treat).

We will be taking Mike's truck (which has a covered bed) so that we can bring the gifts back up here. I'll head over to Jen's Wednesday and spend the night so that we can leave bright and early Thursday morning. We should be back either Sunday or Monday - with me returning home to Netarts Bay Tuesday at the latest. So far, the weather appears to be cooperating for our travels with no snow or ice forecast for our travels through the mountains in southern Oregon and northern California.

Token and I met with the owner of Canine Garden Resort (a local kennel on the road to Tillamook) on Wednesday. Token will be staying there while I am gone and I am confident that he will be spoiled rotten while hanging out inside the house with Marie, the owner -- she's partial to small dogs and he's partial to people so its a good match. Bailey cat is self-sufficient, coming and going through the cat flap in the kitchen door for food etc., but Token needs to be with people, especially at night.

Cauliflower Sunset

2011-01-14T18:46:00.001-08:00

It has been gray, wet, and windy here but I was treated to a wee bit of color at sunset on Monday. That is the picture up top.

From Jen's email with Baby Julianna's size descriptor for week 27:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Jen was diagnosed with gestational diabetes yesterday. She has a meeting with both a dietitian and a gestational diabetes specialist on Tuesday and we will know more after that. She has had a very difficult pregnancy and I hope that the undiagnosed diabetes was the cause. I pray that her diabetes is easily controlled and that once controlled, the rest of her pregnancy goes much easier for her. Will know more after next week's appointments.

Cucumber Sunset

2011-01-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

No real sun today (as evidenced by the lack of ability to clearly see the spit on the other side of the bay) but I was treated to some high clouds reflecting the sunset. Both were taken after sunset and show the color that I wudda had if it wasn't for the low clouds amassed on the other side of the spit.

From Jen's email with Baby Julianna's size descriptor for week 26:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take two to three days.

Two

2011-01-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

Two days of sunshine! In a row! Still forking cold outside tho -- high today was in the high 40's and it is already down to the mid-30's and the temperature is still falling.

It is a very weak sun with little to no warmth but it sure is pretty after all the grey. Pictures are from just before, during, and after today's sunset.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone. May your best day of 2010 be the worst day you have in 2011.

Thank you to each of you for stopping by this wee little blog.

Rutabaga Sunset

2010-12-30T16:56:00.000-08:00

From Jen's email with Baby Julianna's size descriptor for week 25:

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Had sunshine today!!! It has been a while since I've seen that strange yet vaguely familiar yellow orb in the sky. Of course, it only got up to 45 outside (and the temp is already down to 41.7 and rapidly falling) but it was beautiful to see and feel some sunshine instead of the grey drippyness that has been so constant lately. Pictures are just before and after today's sunset.

Have my weather station all set up -- found a handy nail by the front door to hang the outdoor temperature and humidity sensor and have the wind gauge on the pole I also use for the bird feeder. The nuts securing it to the U clamp are only finger tightened -- when my downstairs neighbor returns home, I'll ask if he has a wrench or some other tool to properly tighten the gauge to the pole.

Baby Corn Christmas

2010-12-26T22:37:00.000-08:00

Seeing Jen today reminded me that I had neglected to share this week's Baby Julianna size descriptor:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Had a nice low key Christmas -- talked to Stephanie on the phone while I opened my gifts from her -- love the framed photo of her and the K's, my Maxine desk calendar, the ornaments, and Token's coat (with hood) is too cute. She's having a fun Christmas in southern Kansas at the K's parents' house before they head to the K's sister's house in northern Kansas.

Today, Mike and Jen came over the coast range for a visit and to celebrate but the weather was terrible. They had chunky rain (a snow/rain/ice mix) coming over the Wilson River summit and there was a ferocious hailstorm here just as they arrived. We decided it would be a short visit so they could get back over the pass before the snow levels fell. The summit is 1,500 ft and snow levels were predicted to be down to 1,000 ft by mid to late afternoon.

We had a wonderful visit in a short amount of time. Got to rub Jen's belly (so much bigger) and poke at Baby Julianna Corn trying to get her to kick back at me but to no avail. Jen and Mike got me the cutest bird feeder, a pair of Rachel Ray silicon large spoons that are notched so ya can hook them on the pot rim (eliminating having to use a spoon holder next to the stove), and a way cool weather station (with wind gauge!) and I've been putting batteries in the various components and reading the set up manual. My old weather station died earlier this year and I've been having to rely on online sites for temperatures. My old station was also a gift from Jen many years ago when I was still at the cabin.

No picture up top because there has been nothing but gray drippy skies -- and because I forking forgot to take pictures while Jen and Mike were here. Doh!

Merry Christmas From The Family

2010-12-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas From The Family -- Robert Earl Keen.

From my family to yours... Merry Christmas.

Early Christmas

2010-12-20T21:43:00.000-08:00

Stephanie sent personalized Christmas ornaments that she found online this year. She had me open the box when it arrived while we were talking on the phone.

Ohmystars, just look at it! Token has a red collar (like he did when he was a puppy), Baileycat is gray and always looking away, there is a warm fire blazing with the critters on opposite sides as they prefer, and Christmas stockings for me and my girls. I got all misty eyed when I unwrapped it, and looking at it still brings a smile to my face.

She also found the perfect one to send to Jen:

I love that Dublin and Dodger, Jen and Mike's dogs, are in the sled.

The Digital Story of the Nativity

2010-12-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Answering the question: What if Joseph and Mary had Facebook and Twitter 2,110 years ago ... The Digital Story of the Nativity

Mango Sunset

2010-12-18T01:03:00.000-08:00

Haven't had much sun this week -- in fact, the pictures up top are the before and after from the only bit of color I've had -- and are from Wednesday. The sun peaked out from below the ever-present layer of clouds just in time to share a wee bit of color before the clouds closed in again.

From this week's email from Jen with Baby Julianna's size descriptor:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

Jen had a doctor appointment this week and the doc said Baby Julianna Mango measured exactly what she should measure at 23 weeks. Wonder what next week's size descriptor will be ...

Squash Christmash

2010-12-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

Baby Squash is Julianna's size descriptor from Jen's email:

Here is this weeks update.

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Stephanie sent me her Christmash Lihst and said I could share. Had me totally cracking up laughing:

Dear Mama Elf (Santa's special helper :D),

I have been really good this year! If you could please, I would especially like an iPad :D I know they are expensive...but it would be nice to have so I can get on the internet anywhere and randomly buy my mommy presents throughout the year, plus you can always dually use it to listen to college lectures and sermons!

Also an iHome would be nice, I'm kind of like to blast music while I'm cleaning my house, crocheting blankets, knitting sweaters and reading my Bible.

It would also be nice to have a Barnes and Nobles/Borders gift card (not an online one since I like to look at books in the store) so I can buy books on Philosophy, Bio-Chemistry, Female roles in the home, and Learning to speak Dutch.

Also, maybe an Oregon Ducks sweatshirt and sweat pants and tee shirt (I like them a lot) you know...simple ones that aren't that shiny material, I don't like those. But, they would be nice to have so I can lounge around the house reading books from my Barnes and Noble gift card.

A new Tom-Tom would also be nice one with a free lifetime traffic update subscription so I can get around without being lost and stranded in mountains for the mountain men and bears to find me.

A Hobby Lobby Gift Card is always nice too, I enjoy that store greatly.

One of These in a size Large.

These in XL? I think...lol
1 2 3 4 5

This in a size 11

Hmmmm, I'm thinking that that is almost all that I can think of. These are just a bunch of ideas :D

Thanks Mama Elf!!

P.S. I've been really good!!!!

Love,Stephanie

Sunset Through My Window

2010-12-05T22:01:00.001-08:00

The view from where I sit at the computer. That's the finch feeder Teddy gave me hanging on the pole at the corner of the deck.

The bank of 3 windows -- the center is the best for viewing the bay and sunsets -- the view out the 3rd is mainly the stand of trees you see framing the right side of a lot of my pictures.

A close up of the after sunset glow.

Finally, one that was not taken from inside -- this is from the deck just outside the front door -- showing the last of the fading glow

It cold out there taking it. Scurried backside and stood next to the blazing wood stove trying to warm up.

Baby Carrot Sunset

2010-12-04T00:27:00.000-08:00

From Jen's email with this week's size descriptor for Julianna:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

Tonight's sunset -- before, during, and after.

Sunday Sunset

2010-11-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I've had a sunset -- today the drought sorta ended. Had some sun today, not a lot, but enough to give me hope that the clouds would be held at bay long enough for some color at sunset instead of the usual gray that's been so prevalent lately.

As the sun was dipping below the clouds, the clouds deepened and closed off any further color. No actual sunset but it sure was pretty. Within a few minutes of taking this last shot, the gray was back.

Julianna Banana

2010-11-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

This week, my future granddaughter is Julianna Banana (yes it rhymes).

From Jen's email with this week's size descriptor:

You're at the halfway mark — congratulations! Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (The way your baby is measured changes now.) He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (although some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

I forking forgot my camera (dagrabbit) so took the cell phone photo up top of Jen's baby bump. As you can see, she is quickly moving from baby bump to baby belly. She looked wonderful and served up quite a Thanksgiving spread. Mike's brother Tim and sister-in-law Stacy was also there along with their two teens. The food was incredible and there was lots of laughter and love served with the turkey and all the fixings. Last night when I crawled into bed in Jen and Mike's guest room, I was still feeling stuffed. Token was very well behaved and spent most of our visit there going from lap to lap -- his favorite thing!

Jen sent me home with the turkey carcass. I'm looking forward to making turkey rice soup from the leftovers.

Baby Tomato (with pictures)

2010-11-18T23:49:00.000-08:00

Baby Julianna waving hi to the world:

Shy baby Julianna -- she has her hands up and her face is in profile between her arms:
Legs crossed:
Baby Tomato per this week's email:

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. The hair on her scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Pictures are from the ultrasound that told us Baby Tomato is a Julianna and not a Nathan.

Girl!

2010-11-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

Girl!

Tomorrow

2010-11-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow -- from Annie. In just 24 hours, Jen will find out if Baby Bell Pepper is a boy or a girl. Is it tomorrow yet?

Diavolo

2010-11-14T23:53:00.000-08:00

Zucchero featuring Solomon Burke -- Diavolo (Devil In Me).

Baby Bell Pepper

2010-11-12T16:31:00.000-08:00

Baby Bell Pepper is the descriptor of the week per Jen's email:

Head to rump, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, although he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

She finds out if Baby Bell Pepper is a boy or a girl this coming Thursday, the 18th. So exciting!!! Less than a week!!!

Thanksgiving Day she will be exactly 20 weeks, the halfway point. She's planning her baby shower for the end of January down in the SF Bay Area at her dad's house. His place is great for hosting parties (her bridal shower was held there) with a great backyard if weather is good and a snazzy great room if its not. All her girl friends will be there -- I've not seen the girls since her wedding and it will be good to catch up with them and her dad's family.

No sunsets in a while -- been overcast or drippy when it's not raining. Saw the sun for a wee bit today but the high clouds are doing a pretty good job of keeping it hidden this afternoon. Another storm is headed this way and it should start raining again late tonight and last tomorrow and the extended forecast is a chance of rain for every day for the next week.

Picture is of Jen and Mike at the pumpkin patch last month.

Lets Do The Time Warp

2010-11-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Lets Do The Time Warp -- from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Don't forget to spring forward, fall back your clocks an hour in just one hour (as of the time of this posting).

Busy Forking Week

2010-11-05T01:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts -- its been a busy forking week -- saw this and had to share it with ya:

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Jen let me know that the baby is now Baby Turnip:

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

Her baby bump is getting bigger as Baby Turnip grows:

Friday Sunset

2010-10-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

Sunshine on the coast today. There is a controlled burn up at the top of Cape Lookout that makes it sorta look like a volcano. The red glow up there at night is spooky but I've not figured out how to photograph at night with my camera. Tis the time of year for controlled burns, now that we've had some good-sized soaking rains, the burn prohibition has been lifted.

The next photo is of tonight's sunset as seen from the deck. The sun has moved a lot further south and is almost clearing the trees from this angle. You can see some of the smoke drifting north above the spit from the controlled burn.

The last picture is of the sunset from the breakfast room. That room has the least obstructed view of the bay and the sunset has cleared the trees when viewed from it.

My future grandbaby is now Baby Avocado. From Thursday's email:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length . Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too.

Jen finds out if Baby Avocado has a stem or not November 18th. She's currently 16 weeks and has begun to wear maternity pants. I expect by Thanksgiving, she'll have started to wear maternity tops also. By then, she will be 20 weeks along and halfway there.

Jen and Mike have invited me to celebrate Thanksgiving with them again this year -- twill be their first Thanksgiving at their new house. I'm looking forward to the celebration. Mike's brother and sister-in-law will be there along with Tim and Stacy's two teens and they are all a lot of fun to be with. The food will be magnificent based on previous Thanksgivings. Jen should be showing a lot more by that day and I'm looking forward to teaching Baby Avocado how to kick on command.

Baby Apple

2010-10-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Steph and I insisted that Jen stick out her tummy in these photos trying to get the baby bump from Baby Apple to photograph.

This is from the weekly email Jen gets about baby development and size comparison that she forwards to me:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam.

The weekly emails trade off between the he and she pronouns -- Jen finds out on Nov. 18th if Baby Apple is a boy or a girl.

My Girls

2010-10-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Jen, me, and Stephanie.

Jen and Stephanie at the pumpkin patch.

The Greatest Gift

2010-10-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

Woke up around 11, looked at the clock, and rolled back over to sleep for a wee bit more. I was expected to head to Jen's to celebrate my birthday and I had told her I would get there sometime between 2 and 3. Got up at noon, and called Jen at 12:30 to let her know I was on my way. Tis about an hour and a half to Jen's so I knew I had plenty of time. Got to Jen's at 2:15 and, of course, had to use the bathroom right away. Put my purse down in the living room and headed to the bathroom. Afterwards, as I entered the living room, I saw a figure standing to the left sorta in the corner.

OHMYSTARS it was STEPHANIE!!!

I immediately enveloped her in my arms and was crying and laughing at the same time. She had flown in from Colorado to see me for my birthday!!! I get teary just thinking about it -- and how both Jen and Stephanie conspired to give me the best present of all -- being with both my girls at the same time. I'm just amazed.

Best Birthday Ever doesn't even cover how wonderful the afternoon was. Steph took pictures and will email them to me when she gets back to Colorado tomorrow.

Jen made a banana nut bread for my 'cake' and I blew out all my candles on one breath so my wish will come true. I was so happy I could hardly think but think I was able to come up with a pretty great wish.

When Steph sends me the pictures she took this afternoon, I'll put up a new post with descriptions of our good time and my presents. I'm still just blown away and have a big ole goofy grin on my face. The last time I had both my girls with me at the same time was at Jen and Mike's wedding in May, 2008. I've seen them each individually since then but not both at the same time. During the 6 months that Steph was in Oregon last year, we just never all hooked up at the same time.

Last time I saw Stephanie was when she headed to Colorado 'for 6 weeks'. That was August a year ago -- she loves Colorado and decided to stay there. She looks so good -- seeing her looking so good was exactly what I needed. She's a grown woman but she will always be my baby girl and until I saw her today, I had worries about how she was doing. All those worries were put to rest immediately the minute I saw her.

The afternoon flew by and before I knew it, it was time for me to head back home. I really regret that rolling over for more sleep this morning -- that time could have been an extra hour spent with both my girls.

Jen looks wonderful. She is glowing with that 'pregnant glow' and her baby bump has gotten bigger. Gave her, Mike, Baby Lemon, and Steph multiple kisses and hugs when we were saying our g'byes. I was waving madly and blowing kisses out the window as I drove away until I was around the corner and could no longer see them. Wish I could have stayed longer but I don't see as well as I used to when it is dark and try to avoid driving after dark if I can.

Best. Birthday. Ever!

Hippo Birdies

2010-10-15T00:33:00.001-07:00

Hippo birdies two me
hippo birdies two me
hippo birdies deer me
hippo birdies two me
..... and mini s'mores.....

Thursday's sunset -- the sunsets are moving further and futher south. Soon, the trees will no longer block my view and I'll watch it set behind the spit. Spent the afternoon with my friend Teddy hanging out here, at a great cafe in Oceanside, and then showing him both Cape Meares and Cape Lookout. We had a great time and are going to do it again real soon. Twas his first time at the Oregon Coast. The day was drizzly and overcast but shortly after he headed back to Portland, the clouds lifted.

Neon

2010-10-08T01:03:00.001-07:00

T'was an ugly gray day today so I'm sharing sunsets from earlier in the week instead of bitching about my day and whining about the weather.

Both have a slightly different view -- they were taken from the breakfast room by the front door. Tis directly over the bedroom of the downstairs unit so I don't use it as an office as I had originally planned. Really does have a great view but the living room has the wood stove.

Tuesday's sunset was neon -- you can tell that the setting sun is still hidden behind the stand of trees on the right but it won't be long -- it is moving south daily.

This was Wedsnesday's sunset. Pretty but not as electric as the day before.

I'm sure my take on the day today was colored by being in a very foul mood. I'm sure I'll be in a better mood tomorrow... ok, later today.... and will be back to waxing about the silvery clouds, the sounds of falling rain and the way the trees sway in the wind. Today was a bah humbug kinda day.

As always, click on the pictures to make them bigger.

Baby Lime Moves!

2010-10-04T01:17:00.001-07:00

Baby Lime as of Friday.

I drove over the hill to spend time with Jen and Mike Sunday afternoon. Jen looks wonderful! She has a nice baby bump and pictures from her ultrasound Friday for me to coo over. We looked at paint chips for the nursery, with various scenarios pending the results of the testing November 18th that tell her if Baby Lime is a boy or a girl. Mike made a scrumptious chocolate chip cake with vanilla frosting while Jen and I talked babies.

Jen told me the technician at the ultrasound Friday told her she had a very active baby and was surprised that Jen wasn't feeling movement yet. While we were sitting in the living room chatting, she got very still, her eyes got big and in a wonderous voice, she said she thought maybe she felt the baby move. I knelt down beside her and put my hand on her lower belly and we waited...

Sure enough, a minute or two later, I felt a wee little rumble of vibration through my thumb! Mike came over and sure enough, he felt it too. We musta stayed like that for at least 5 minutes, with Jen and I exclaiming did you feel that as we felt Baby Lime move several more times.

Baby Lime was saying howdy to his/her Grams.

Picture is of Baby Lime, head on the right facing the left in profile (isn't that the cutest little nose), chest and tummy, and legs bent at the knees with the feet not visible in this particular image.

Exploring

2010-09-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

Token and I walked along the path to my neighbors to the north today. They have a great view of Netarts Bay, from the mouth of the bay to the north to Lookout to the south. Here's a few of the pictures I took before the camera battery died.

The path:

The view of the mouth of the bay, 3 Rocks (barely visible in the mist), and Cape Meares:

A closeup of the north view, showing the communities of Oceanside (on the left center), Happy Camp (alongside the beach at the middle), and Netarts (on the right).

Looking south towards what I call 'the far point' and Cape Lookout.

The view from my deck after the walk -- with the far point on the left:

As always, click on the pictires to biggify.