Grandma and Grandpa and Cousin Laney

Grandma Bonnie, Grandpa Mike and Counsin Delaney came to visit over Father's day weekend. They arrived Friday evening and we all enjoyed the pleasant evening, though none of us as much as Delaney who took advantage of no longer being cooped up in the truck by doing cartwheels, head and hand stands and helping Maggie to do the same.

We built a fire and roasted marshmallows as well. Maggie was very excited to have the family visit and it didn't take her long to start asking for "Grandpa Mike games." "Gwampa, are you my fwiend? Grab my hands, grab my feet!"

Saturday, we enjoyed some time at ZooMontana, after a quick stop at the Candy Store. It was time for us to renew our membership anyway. Maggie and Delaney fed the goats at the farm and enjoyed watching the bear and the new baby big horn sheep.

Saturday afternoon was lazy (I think we ALL took naps) as we prepared ourselves for a trip to the drive-in. We always enjoy going, even though the movies do not start until very very late. We also got hit with a couple of rain storms, but still managed to watch most of "Up" from the back of Grandpa's truck. Maggie and Delaney had quite the set up with sleeping bags and pillows. Grandma and I watched from some chairs in the back. A little over half way through, it started to rain again, so we quickly tore down and jumped into the cab, and watched the rest of the movie. The lighting needs to be adjusted on those pictures, but I'll add them when I can.

Sunday morning, we enjoyed Lake Elmo. We were practically the only ones there. We had tried to go to church, but the rain canceled the outdoor service and by the time we got there, church was already in progress. I think God will understand, especially as we opted to enjoy His beautiful world!

At first, Delaney and Maggie were not sure what to think of the lake. The water was cold.

It didn't take too long for Delaney to take the plunge (though she never did show off any of her mad-swimming skillz). And it didn't take long after that for her to grab a towel and start checking out the cool Montana rocks (2 of which are named Rocky and Rocky Jr)

Maggie also eventually enjoyed the water and had to be coaxed out, even with her teeth chattering!

Back home, we got out the slip-n-slide and bubbles, which both Maggie and Delaney enjoyed!

We had great fun with Grandma and Grandpa and Cousin Laney (which Maggie will tell you all about and even count them off on her fingers), even if it was just for a quick visit.

Happy Father's Day!

Okay, a day late and a dollar short, but in honor of her Daddy, here are a few (?) pictures of Maggie and her Daddy (who is a wonderful wonderful father)

Pictures from Grandma Alana's Visit

At the Nature Center in Red Lodge

Maggie napping in her "fort"

Walking to Lake Elmo State Park on the only sunny day Grandma and Joyce were here.


Lots of stories were read

Blowing bubbles

Maggie on shopping

Yesterday, I knew I needed to stop by a grocery store to pick up milk on the way home from work. So when I picked up Maggie, I told her we were going shopping. She decided she would rather go to McDonald's for "chicken and french fries." I said we could go to Wal-Mart and get it there, but we had to go to the grocery store. Maggie was upset because she thought this meant she couldn't get chicken and french fries and told me "But Mom! There's no food at the grocery store!"

Baby Update

On June 8th, we lost the baby. I started spotting on Sunday before church, but as I spotted with Maggie, I didn't really think anything of it. When I got up the next morning, it was heavier. I called the nurse and talked with her on and off through the day. The first plan was to just wait until our scheduled appointment on Friday to go in, but when the bleeding became heavier, she got us in yesterday. We had another ultrasound and then met with Dr. McCracken. He was very kind. He told us there was nothing we did to cause the miscarriage and nothing we could have done to prevent it. It just happens. It probably happened because the baby was missing something genetically to develop. He also said that he once thought he could come up with the perfect thing to say, but there is no perfect thing. And no matter how many times he sees it, it's never easy.

Rocky and I took the rest of the day off. We went out for coffee and then to the movie "Wolverine." After the movie, we picked up Maggie from daycare -- she was still sleeping and was very surprised to see Mommy waking her up. At home, we played in the backyard with bubbles and it warmed my heart to watch Maggie running after the bubbles to try to pop them, giggling the whole time. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

I haven't had much time to dwell on the loss. It seems to hit me in waves. I do wonder what the baby would have looked like, if it was a boy or a girl, would the pregnancy be easier or more difficult than Maggie. I didn't even have many symptoms (other than the incredibly growing boobs). Coming into work today was a good thing. Busy work to keep my mind occupied. I think Christmas will be difficult, knowing the baby would have been born around that time. It will help if we are able to get pregnant again soon. Dr. McCracken was optimistic about us trying again. He said the usual recommendation is waiting three months, but if we get pregnant sooner, it's not a big deal. I think we will probably try again once we are ready. He kind of reminded us to mourn this loss like we would any other.

I feel like I've been inducted to a secret society as so many friends have come forward with their own losses. It doesn't make it easier to understand, but a little easier to accept. Knowing so many had healthy pregnancies following a miscarriage also helps a lot. Knowing this is most likely a one time occurance helps the healing.

Right now, it is one day at a time and one foot in front of the other.

New Fence!

We got a fence installed! Our neighbors decided to put one in, so we shared the cost of one side. There are a few spots that Otis can get out of (and he's eyeing them like he can't wait to try), so the doggie door won't go in just yet. I think if we plant some prickly raspberry bushes it might be enough to deter him -- though it depends on how much he wants to get out!

June 10 update: Otis found a spot to dig out! I turned my back for a minute while we were in the backyard and he wiggled his way out!! He was back about 15 minutes later, but has proven himself untrustworthy, for now.

A long weekend

My mom and her cousin Joyce are here visiting this weekend. They are making a cross half the country trip this summer and we are their first stop. Maggie has enjoyed having Grandma Alana here and has kept her busy! She actually slept in Grandma's bed 3 nights, but last night asked to sleep with us. It was kind of nice to have the bed to ourselves! It has rained most of the time they have been here, so our trip to Red Lodge was rather a bust and we spent most of yesterday watching movies. The sun finally came out around 6 p.m. last night, so Rocky built a fire and we enjoyed the sunny weather for a few hours. The sun is out today so we will probably walk to the park and maybe even hit the zoo for Mom and Joyce's last day with us. They will head west tomorrow, stopping in Deer Lodge to visit Grandma Hansen and then onto Aunt Patsy's.

I'm a little worried about the baby as I've had some spotting since yesterday and a little cramping. I will be calling my doctor's nurse this morning. We have an appointment with him on Friday, but I'd rather not be in limbo for a week. We had spotting with Maggie -- probably about the same time in the pregnancy -- and she turned out fine, but it's always a little scary.