Hello 2017 and Good bye January

Oh goodness...
I have been gone for awhile. I will try to blog a bit more as I always have things to say and thoughts to share with my older self. January tends to be my clean-up month. AND I am still not done all the clean-up that I want to do. But that is what I have been doing regardless. That and de-cluttering. Also getting my space bar fixed on my computer as it became a little difficult to blog without putting spaces in-between my words.

So what have we been up to in January

• winter walks, one including a snowshoe expedition. we have a small little sled that we have been able to truck our little 15 month old in. its been fantastic for dog walks too. love it. that and our little hand warmers has made dog walks fantastic so far. 
• hot dog roast in the outdoors. this was something i wanted to do over the holidays and we managed to make it happen on january 1st no less. it was a lovely fire in about -5 weather. the only mishap was slamming my front tooth in the shed door as i was getting hot dog sticks. it cracked but a visit to the dentist shows it is a small enamel fracture for now. AND i finally got feeling back in it so yay!
• sledding. that was a frosty day to say the least but fun with my friends and their kiddies. mine went down quite a few times, the last being somewhat a disaster as i feel like i bruised my rib....my oh my i am getting old!
• ice castle with the cousins and exploring the many little caverns, sliding down the slide, admiring the lights and watching the sun go down and seeing more beauty. plus an added pizza party at granny and granddad's was kind of awesome.
• another little relative get together in the party room at granny and granddad's place but this time even more kids, plus cousins. makes for an amazingly fun time
• adult time, hosting our annual "xmas/new years dinner". wonderful company. wonderful meal. laughs, games (telephone pictionary). always leaves me questioning why i don't do this more often!
• plenty of work this month to make up for the little bit of holiday i am taking at present (nb). so happy to be back at work. how i really missed it!
• little one is officially excelling in dayhome. she is happy to go and hang out with her little baby friend and watch all the big kids do big kid things. sometimes taking all that she is learned and doing it at home, like attempting to put on her shoes and going down the stairs on her bum. 

In the news

• the usa has a 46th president which seems to be headlining all our news right now. the next day the world did a women's march which was powerful to see. 
• jane fonda came to our province to protest the oil-sands. had some beliefs about it but didn't take time to hear both sides

things i have been enjoying 

• this is us, luke cage and my shonda rhimes shows!
• life with pets, storks
• stephen colbert opening monologues, seth myers closer look and cat and nat vblogs

That's it for the month of january!

I will see what I can come up with the rest of this month!

You're 1, You little ball of fun!

Oh goodness gracious we have hit the 1 mark. So many things to say on so many levels but in this post I want to focus on you.

You are just a special treat to both me and your father. We (probably like most parents) think you are just the greatest in the world and guess what? You really are. You amaze us with your sense of discovery of the world. Your unconditional love for those that love you. Your contagious laughter. Your love of silliness, games and so much more.

This will probably be my last post of your little accomplishments for awhile. I have a private place I can interact with you. I really wanted to document your first year of life. Mainly cause I had so many questions towards others and I just figured if you had these same questions maybe you can take a little gander at this blog.

So what are you up to? Well you love your books. Really love them. In particular, Dr. Seuss (anything Dr. Seuss) and "Flip Flap Fly". I have just recently managed to smuggle a few new ones in as I am getting a little weary of the same books. Probably how you were a little weary of "Good night moon". But really you are starting to just love books. You will grab them flipping the pages, babbling to yourself as you look through the pictures/words. It is too cute!

You have officially started walking a few weeks ago. As your father said, you started off like a baby giraffe but you are getting quite sure of yourself as the days go by. And with that comes more action like ball pit jumping. shaking your "shakers", dancing to Raffi and Disney music and playing "ever so gently, in your 1 year old way" (sense sarcasm) with all your little friends on playdates.

And speaking of friends you have a number 1 friend in your household named Bentley. Most days he is trying his best to avoid your lovely pets. But other days he will play a little fetch with you, even to my disbelief let you take the ball out of his mouth. Such a good dog and such a good daughter. Really the best time of the day is meal time for both of you. Something that is going to get our puppy a little chubbier in the coming years.

Little one. Happy birthday! Seek happiness, Love and be loved and live a wonderful life. It really is just the beginning. The journey is yours and we can't wait to tag along for a little bit of it.

Love
XOXOX

When I am not a mom

Guess what?! I am not always a mom (well I guess now I am always a mom, ha ha). But I can have a little alone time now and again! And with that alone time I have become super efficient doing things that give me a wider sense of self. I get to expand my role to more than a mom, but again be a friend, daughter, wife, etc.

So what have I been doing?
I have the honour of being a bridesmaid this year to one of my very great fantastic friends. I have already got to see her "say yes to the dress". AND I have to say, she looks fantastic in it. We have done the very awesome Bridal Fair (and sought out all the samples...maybe me only, but come on there were ice cream machines!). AND I got to help make the wedding invitations and just hang out during little one's bedtime (I love anything crafty so I was all over that).

I have managed to sneak in workouts. Stroller aerobics was my go to for awhile and it was hard core! But now they are falling in on nap times and mine won't sleep during a music filled work out. So I do a bit at home, dog walks 5 times a week, and have dusted off my most favourite bicycle and started riding it around in the evening. Soon I may add running and the gym to my evening routines if this little one keeps up the sleeping.

I have enjoyed starting my scrapbooking again (2012 album done! Yikes and YAY). Watching lots of movies, netflix. Loving my new computer and using it daily as there seems to be lots to organize in my "digital world".

Enjoyed hanging out in the front and back yard. The smell of the freshly mowed grass, admiring the solar panelled lights as they come on (and realizing I need to hang outside more often during the night). Loving the flowers in the front and veggies in the back.

Hanging out with my friends. Co-workers discussing work life. Going out for dinner with friends. Seeing movies in the theatre (summer ones too, my favourite). Planning events with my mom's group outside my group.

And thinking of other projects, activities that I would like to attend in the summer and fall. Possibly our community league and a church that I think I would enjoy. Doing a photography course. Plan a sign making class. Finish the cabinet in the basement. And of course fitting time in to be with my partner in crime. Oh the plans!

Being a mom is pretty fantastic, lovely, rewarding and a whole bunch of feelings that really are hard to articulate. But it isn't the end all. I am glad that I can stretch my wings out a bit more and be part of a greater home, community and world incorporating my little daughter in it.

xoxox

So I like gossip sites

Yes....confession. Really is it a confession. If you know me well enough you, you probably know that I love gossip/entertainment magazines. And with this...i stumbled on this....

http://celebritybabies.people.com/2016/04/15/christine-lakin-blog-daughter-georgia-life-with-newborn/

It doesn't really matter who the actress is...but it is Al from Step by Step. Friday night television and my favourite character on that show. Not that I have thought of her since that show left the air (or when I stopped watching, don't know which came first).

Regardless, she wrote a little piece of what she has felt like since her daughter has been born. And this is what I felt: #truth.  Ha ha. This is my personality to a tea and what I really had to let go (and continue to do and practice to do).

Reading this has helped me today as I am determined to do a bit more scheduling for my little one to maybe make both hers and my life a bit easier. I think I sometimes focus on doing so much (library, swimming, dog walking, shopping, mom's group, stroller size) and forgetting that my little needs some certainty and rest too. It won't be perfect. But I think it will help in the long run! :) So operation lockdown commences....

love

Lucky 7

In two short days you will be 7 months old!!! So what has happened to you lately?

Well you have really upped your eating during meal times. And let me tell you this. You have learned to sleep a teeny bit better since the food increase. Hallelujah! It has happened. All those before me said it would and it has! Ha ha. 

With food you have learned to feed yourself with your hands. And if food is put on your spoon you will feed yourself then too. And let's just say that if one of us tries to help you, your little independent streak seems to throw a wild little temper. You little goober. 

Meal time usually involves a bath or a full on wipe down as a result as you really know how to be messy!! But you and Bentley have gained a newfound appreciation for one another. He licks your hands and feeds on your scraps. And he lets you pet and touch his paws if you manage to inch worm to him. 

You have also discovered that we have another animal. The elusive white cat that you see on occasion. He hasn't really taken with you as you have to him. It could be that you have taken to pulling his tail. 

You seemed to have "discovered" quite a bit. You look at me, your dad, and both sets of grandparents with quite a bit of remembrance and excitement!!! The other day your dad went into the bathroom and in your inchworm crawl (haven't quite figured out how to move your legs) you went from the hall upstairs right to him, panting away in excitement with a huge smile on your face. And boy you can move fast. You move fearlessly with fervour. Baby gates are on their way! 

You have been keeping busy. Music class with Granny. Library time with dad. Facetiming your Grammie and Grampie. Swimming and stroller aerobics with me. Plus swinging on the swing and sliding on the slide with both your parents! 

We even caught a movie in the theatre this week. Grampie said he didn't go to his first movie wasn't until he was eight. You have been to three. Ha ha. All mom's picks. 

You have also cut another tooth. So two on the bottom. And today a potential top one is on its way with your rosy cheeks and other teething signs.

You are really such a cutie. Some nights i think of the revenge of what I can do to you when your a teenager when you keep me up late or in the early morning. Then you give me that an adoring open mouth smile and squeal and all is forgiven. 

Mother's Day is two days away (on your 7 month bday). My first Mother's Day. It's a pretty cool feeling to be a mother. And it's made that way because I have a pretty cool kid. You are kind of awesome. My thrill seeking warrior! 

Love

6 mos strong

"The days are long the years are short"

That is what a gentleman said to me in passing as he observed you. And boy is he right. 

You are growing growing and growing some more. And learning in between. I guess just doing what babies do best!! 

Presently you are a whopping 16.8lbs. Golly Miss Molly! I've increased your food intake a bit more as you seemed to need a little extra tastes in the day to decrease your snacking at night. Sometimes it works other times no. But so far you haven't been having parties at 2-4am like you did a few weeks back (putting your mom in a tearful state). 

Speaking of food you have increased your cuisine. Parsnips, pears, beef, chicken, eggs, cheese and yougert, just to name a few. 

Feeding you can be a little challenging at times as you like to get your hands on everything! And I mean everything...that isn't food. Whether it's the fruit basket, books, or even your bumbo tray. You seem to be showing indicators that you are going to give me a run for my money. 

And back to the sleepless nights. We are fully comitted to sleep training you now. And some days are fantastic. Especially if we get those naps in and catch you at just the right time for bed. You will just turn your head after your book and song and fall fast asleep. Other times you may cry for two hours straight. And boy can you cry/scream! Yikes!

You are a monkey. But I see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Who knew I would be this obsessed with sleep but as my mom put it, I haven't had a full nights sleep in 6 mos. and really before then two mos. with sleepless pregnancy sleep. So guess what?! I want sleep too! Ha ha. 

In all seriousness we are having lots of fun. I've enrolled I stroller aerobics and you are the cutest. As I am working out you are rolling around and shrieking your baby shriek with your toys.

We continue to go swimming and you love it you water baby. You particularly had fun when we were in the pool in Jasper with Granny and Daddy. I think baby swimming is in your future! 

Speaking of Jasper we had a great time with your first visit to the mountains. And the weather was fantastic!! Sunshine shining. Little walks around the hotel. Eating fudge, making smores (more your dad and mom and grandparents...you had cantaloupe and watermelon). 

And you even did another milestone...you got on all fours! And since then you have learned to motor around the floor without crawling. Rolling front to back and catapulting yourself forward. Sometimes doing a few face plants in between (hence your nose and forehead is looking a little rosy).  Poor thing. 

If we really want you to do some moving we just have to put the phone in front of you. And you manage to move right towards it. Not to mention your biggest cheerleaders, Grammie and Grampie encouraging you along via FaceTime. And let's face it you love FaceTime, or you love my phone. Either or. 

We continue with moms group and are having lots of fun. And we have joined another new fantastical group. A music class with Granny on Saturdays. It's full of songs and dance. And you seem to love it. The bouncing and singing. 

Like I said we are having lots of fun. I love you my little munchkin. And summer is coming so the fun in the sun is just beginning. 

Love 

Best mom day to date

Why?

Cause my little one slept in her crib and got up at midnight and four vs the hourly trend she has been working on lately.

She napped in her crib for an hour and half this am

I got things done like prepping squash, laundry, picture prep on the computer, plus had a wonderful shower

She was in joyous mood for our Easter dinner

And I felt like I finally did something right. Until tomorrow....

Love

Coming on 4 months

Little lady you are coming on 4 months. What does that mean!? I really have no idea!

I have learned one thing during this new little stage, I know nothing!  Although I get to be with you and learn about you quite a bit as I'm essentially with you 24 hours a day, you are your own person and you certainly like to mix things up for me! 

For awhile I was enjoying my morning as you liked to sleep in till 9-10. I would do a little exercise, listen to the radio, eat my breakfast. Turns out you were hearing all the fun I was having and decided to join me. But you thought why not a little earlier so we have been getting up at 7am. Ha ha. 

However you have turned the other way going to bed earlier and earlier. Yesterday was 8pm! This has been good as you give your parents a date night in as we watch a movie and may indulge in a little bit of junk food when you sleep.

I kind of started a trial routine as I'm hearing that you may be headed toward sleep regression. Big accomplishment the other day as I got you to bed by just rubbing your head. It worked! Yay! However talking with your father that has been a technique he has been using for quite awhile with results. I gave him heck for not sharing. 

There has been another little thing I've noticed. You don't seem to like to nap. Unless you're in a car seat (except in the below picture).

And guess what?! You need those naps as you turn into a grump from 0-60. Lol. Unless I'm holding you and placing my utmost attention on you whether it's play or singing. And your father has already shown his displeasure with my singing. ;p You will probably have better luck recruiting him with your songs in the future. 

Speaking of your dad you two seem to be having a great time together. Getting into mischief when I'm not around and even some when I am! You can see what you've been doing in the below posts. You haven't thrown any little fits on him yet when you are both alone together, probably lucky for both of you!

You have also spent a day with you're Granny and Grandad. And just like your Grammie, they said you were very good. Again just like your Grammie, the truth is between you and them but I will take their word for it. You still refuse that bottle though. I've had some luck but I think you do it to appease me. 

I have to say this. I'm really enjoying you and spending time with you. You may be little but I'm seeing bits of your personality from your little protruding lip when you are sad to your rambunctious laugh when daddy makes silly faces or I do zerberts on your belly. 

You are attempting to roll to the side and have rubbed the back of your head bald from all the friction. You love to suck on your fingers, and your teething toys. Your new toy is the jumperoo but much to Grammie's delight you still love that mobile (it was once mine and I made fun of it when it came to our home) .I read to you at night now and you seem to enjoy it as you babble back to the book. 

Plus you have started to go on more outings that are for you. You love the library programs with the songs, scarves and bubbles. We go to moms group where you have been hit and miss depending on the topic. Baby massage and exercising were a hit, the pharmacist not so much. You still sleep on our dog walks but the other day much to your dad's delight you stayed awake as he talked about birch trees...then you fell asleep. 

It has only begun but the journey so far has been rewarding. I was looking at a two month old the other week and still can't get over how fast these moments come and go as you grow. It's fleeting and even with you "lip fits" I'm trying to enjoy and see the humor in them (easier when I'm well slept) as they too will be long gone. Just like your little pirate eye that I loved so much at 4 weeks old. ;)

Love

What to do

When your baby has her days and nights correct 

But you have yours mixed up....

Netflix, lots of Netflix 

Baby's first Santa visit.

Nice little visit in the hour long line

You would think someone on mat leave would be smarter

But grammie was sure happy to join in your excitement. 

Or slumber. 

You be the judge. 

It's pretty tiring being cute. 

Love

You're not a newborn anymore kid!

Well let's be honest you are....but you are growing! I took you to weight and see just to see how much and you were 8lbs 15oz! Man oh man! By now I know you are 9lbs as you are growing out of some of your newborn clothes...sniff sniff
 

Since I last wrote you have been to another baby shower you lucky ducky. My dear coworkers threw me one and it was lovely. I may have even snagged a cupcake or two ;) 
 

We also had a get together on your dad's dads side where they could meet you. Apparently your name is a hit! Added bonus is you got to meet your older cousins. And let's just say one of them in particular is quite taken with you...he was too cute!!!!

 

You also came out unscathed as the stomach bug hit our home. Thank goodness as I couldn't take you getting another cold this soon. But your poor dad was the biggest victim in our household. We were both so thankful and overjoyed how good you were during it all.

After that we decided we need to start doing fun things for just us three. Enjoy being with you. Especially now that we are settling into your routine. The visits have slowed and you get more daddy/mommy time so let's make it fun!!! 

Time to see the world. 

 

Love

Dear sweet child of mine

You are almost a month old but if I really get stickler about it you came into this world 4 weeks ago today.

So much has happened in those four weeks. 

First off I love you but my body felt like a war zone during that first week. Something every person failed to tell me (probably cause there was no going back at that point). The peri bottle became my best friend. Your dad was buying cold compresses for me and the hormones were surging where I would just cry in an instant. But since then my body has healed, I'm feeling somewhat normal, the engorgement phase has come and left (thank goodness) and I find you ever so fascinating every day.  

You have been to the paediatrician and have gained a whopping 7lbs 4 oz. that was just two weeks ago and I can see you continue to grow. May have to weigh you next week for proof. He said you were very healthy and gave me some tips of what to do if you ever experience congestion in the nose, eyes or have other bodily functions that go awry. 

And guess what? No sooner than those words were said you caught my cold at a mere 2 weeks of age. Poor thing. 

I was doing things that I never thought I would be doing. Nasal spray and using the nosefrida. Talk about diving into motherhood. Battling your first cold made me rethink your littleness and vulnerability. Something I took for granted. So thanks for the eye opener. We mended you to health with extra cuddles from daddy in the night (he, like me, hated hearing your coughs and grunts). Thank heavens for the healthy beginnings nurse as she reassured me we were all doing the right thing. 

Also during that second week you had a party in your honour. That's right little camper, you were given a baby shower! And let's just say it between the gifts and people generously giving you hand me downs the first year of your life is set for clothes. You are definitely loved just like your name. 

And the love didn't stop there. Visitors came to see you in plenty. First and for most your grammie from New Brunswick came for two weeks. Lots of pictures taken by her that I joked she was the paparazzi. She invented the girdle for you when you were uncomfortable. And she was your cuddle buddy for sure.  So much so that when you appeared distressed in the car she told me to pullover so she could sit with you. Looks like you have an ally in life my friend. 

Not to mention other people that you have met from your 89 year old great grandfather from lougheed and your 90 year old great aunt from Calgary. Plus numerous visits from granny and grandad, uncle jimi and friends and more family. And let's not forget your pet friends. Bentley seems to give you a lick daily and kitty...Well don't be offended by kitty he takes a lot of time to warm up to people. 

Over the last four weeks and this last one in particular you have lost your newborn look. Sad. But you are looking more baby like everyday. Your body has filled out. Your eyes open and you are more alert. You talk a lot with coos and caas and sometimes I get squeals of delight. You stare at everyone around you plus the toys and music I put in front of you. You love your baths and they are needed more with daily spit up attacks! 

Plus you fuss and cry a bit more. Sometimes it's hunger, other times it's an extra cuddle you need or we help bicycle your legs. More often I can put you in the carrier and do a little dance. But then others it's the dreaded cluster feed that exhausts me to no end as you kept me up from 2-4 am the day grammie left. You left me a very tired mama with probably about 2-3 hours sleep. But you made up for it last night with a sleep for a three hour stretch. 

We've already had one holiday but I did not take you trick or treating (you were just recovering from your cold). But you had two costumes! Even matched your pet dog Bentley. I think he was more impressed! Ha ha. But if your anything like your parents you will love that holiday for the rewards alone!! 

It's been quite a month my lovely daughter. I seem to find something to appreciate about you everyday. Hope it continues....

Love like you 

It's been one week.

One week yesterday I went to the doctor. She did a little procedure to induce labour.

I didn't think it worked until when it actually did. And boy did it!

Breathing through contractions, and possibly vomiting I realized then and there I don't need to be a hero. 

As the nurse said, there are no prizes in the end.

So I took the epidural. As Jeaninne said, it's like being at the spa. It truly was. Amazing. 

Then she decided to arrive in the morning. One week ago today. 

She gave me uncontrollable hormones that made me laugh and cry in an instant. 

I became sore in places I never even dreamed of. 

I had to give up sugar for a few months to ensure her safety and health.

And the sleep exhaustion is crazy making me pretty grumpy and according to some not easy to be around. 

But I wouldn't have it any other way. 

She is sublime. 

I'm enamoured every time I look at her. 

Her coos and caas.

Her little horse neigh when she is upset. 

Watching her little reflexes as she holds her head high, or does a cute little genie yawn or attempts to run out of the bath. 

She has made me and my husband very happy. Plus grandparents, aunts and uncles. We are so lucky. 

And I got my cupcakes but she is so much better!

Happy one week birthday. 

Love

Dear wee one: Part 6

This will probably be my last blog post re. in utero you. Mainly cause I'm 38 weeks pregnant and you could come any minute now. I'm slightly hoping less minutes and more a week or day after. Lol. 

Maybe I've taken on the nesting a little strong as I've been going a little crazy. Cleaned the garage, installed car seats (your dad strength finished that one off), put together the stroller, doing some last minute shopping trips, and seeing friends. Also carefully storing leftovers in the freezer for later cause I hear you will be keeping me busy and tired. 

There are a few more things I would like to do in the next couple days. We will see if you give me that chance. It won't be the end of the world. But as you will soon get to know I get a little list crazy and always like to finish what is on that list. 

This last bit I've been eating pretty healthy. But three weeks ago I suddenly became hungry. Crazy hungry. So some indulgences have occurred. A few chips here, a small cupcake there. I've figured out how to control it with the power of medicine so all is good. And hey you seem to enjoy those little indulgences as I get a few more kicks from you. 

Been doing a few more ultrasounds and your heart rate ranges now are 131-145. According to all those ol' wives tales that could mean anything for your gender. And me and your dad are excited to find out what you will be. One day we think boy and then the next it's a girl. Regardless we are excited either way. Both of us know we will love and enjoy you and we are not leaning towards anything. 

It has excited many people re. figuring out what you could be. So far through patients, clients, friends, co-workers and family it's split. I had an 87 year old woman positive that you are a girl. And mom had a dream you were too. But then other clients that are within their 80-90s think its a boy. Generally we are told "good for you" for not finding out what you are. It's kind of hilarious. I think people like the surprise as much as us, even if they may never find out. 

One little nuisance that I have not enjoyed is the absence of my belly button. It feels so weird when clothes touch it or the ultrasound runs by it. Ick. I never liked touching my belly button and I like it least now. Lol. 

Your room is ready. Plus a bassinet is by our bed. So we will be seeing you soon. And we love you already. 

Xoxox

Summer end and fall beginnings

Summer has ended. Actually ended three weeks ago. Although we never made it to a fancy place or a crazy hike we managed to keep busy. I worked quite a bit and between that we went kayaking (more than once!), gardened, lots of dog walks and a little escape to B.C. 

With summer winding down we managed to go to a few events. One was a Disney's Fantasia at Churchill square. So much fun. Listened to the Edmonton symphony live with the cartoon bits in the background. I enjoyed it immensely. 

Also went to our last wedding of the year (that we at least know about). An old co-worker of mine got married. Wonderful service at St. Joseph's Basilica. What a beautiful church. And the reception I got to catch up with another co-worker of mine with her little guy. 

Shopping became huge for me in September. I went with Jeaninne and we completed the 'needs to get' for when the little one decides to arrive. Some things were so complicated like strollers and car seats. It was nice to have a seasoned pro with me to show me the ropes. I don't think Mark and I could have wagered that alone. Especially since there were not a lot of customer service people around to help. 

 

Not all was fun and games. I had an internal and sometimes external war with managing my insulin. The management was relatively okay but other times just plain ol' frustrating. Mainly cause no matter how much you followed the food plan and the exercise you would still not come ahead. There were many times I would come home from my appointments pretty upset, just annoyed about how I was talked to. Overall though I have to say, the physician I dealt with was amazing. And speaking with co-workers that dealt with the same issue made it easier for myself to cope with it. Plus a great resource for me as they gave great advice and knowledge. I have learned a lot. Makes me want to set my competency goal next year to this as I feel it could be a great thing to keep increasing my knowledge on. 
 

With that, Mark and I prepared for baby. The nursery got completed with Mark taking on the installation of shelves, curtain ties, moving furniture up and down and aiding me in the cribbage assembly. I took on the painting, decorating, cleaning and organizing. AND curtain rods installation that ended in hilarity. Really happy with how it turned out. 
 

 

That and prenatal class came and ended. Mark stayed captivated for three out of the five classes. But he learned the power of massage so as long as he got that for delivery I am happy. 

 

Now it's rest and relaxation which is really not in my vocabulary but I'm finding my body yelps a bit more if I don't listen. Grrr. I've managed to enjoy the fall walks with some company. And then other times just me and my dog. Took in probably one of the last best views of fall in the river valley today as I got home and all the leaves on our trees are gone. The seasons are changing.....just like our lives are about too....
 

Love