Fall

So far fall has been glorious. Greg and I have been able to get out a couple of times and enjoy the colors in the mountains.

Today we were able to spend the day hiking in Teton Park. We made it 7.2 miles, which was great considering Greg's bad knee. What fun we have getting out in nature together. It's something we both love.

Here are a few of my autumn shots, some landscapes and flowers

New Mother

One of the most remarkable things I've experienced in my life is watching my daughters become mothers. I have to say that all three that are mothers are incredible mothers. It has been such a joy to me this week to watch Jenny adjusting to becoming a first time mother. It has brought back all those feelings I had as each of my girls were born and especially as I had my first daughter, as becoming a mother for the first time is such a defining moment in life. Even though it was so long ago, I can remember it as though it was yesterday. It's something I don't think about often, now, but what a treat it is to have this chance to remember again.



I remember the overwhelming love you instantly feel for that little person. You think you can never love them more than you do when they are born, but that is wrong. You love them more with each day. I can remember being filled with such fear that I would do something wrong. I also was filled with anxiety for their well being. Jenny talked about not sleeping because she was always checking to make sure Jade was ok. I think that is something that every new mother feels. I also remember the extreme fatigue. It feels like you will never be rested again. I also remember the fun of showing off the baby.

It's a crazy, wonderful time of life. It's been fun to remember and watch this week. I'm so grateful I have been able to share this experience with all three of the girls that have children and look forward to sharing it with Melissa someday.

More Jade

He's a keeper for sure!!

Jade David Barbo

Jade David Barbo

Yesterday Jenny went to the hospital earlier than expected. They were having some quiet time there and called her to come in earlier in the day. They gave her the first medicine that was supposed to get things going. But, it didn't work as planned. It gave her some really long contractions. One of the first lasted for 12 minutes. During that time the baby's heart slowed way down. Then it happened a few more times. The doctor let the medicine wear off and decided to try something else. I had the same result. So, it was decided that a C-Section was the safest thing.

Of course, Jenny and Mike (and all of the rest of us) were very scared during the crises and were relieved when a C-Section was decided upon. It went fine except that Jenny had to be put under total anesthesia because of some scarring in her back from surgery as a baby that caused the epidural to not work properly.

Little Jade is a beautiful baby. Everyone was thrilled, excited, and happy to be there. I'm so grateful that prayers were answered and all are doing fine. We love the little Barbo family so much and can't wait to have Jade be an important part of our lives.

Good news....

Mom's shock treatment worked and her heart is beating properly now. She will go home from the hospital tomorrow morning.

Dad talked to the cancer doctor today. His leukemia is a type that isn't as severe as some of the others. The doctor said that he could live for a long time with it.

Jenny goes to the hospital at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. They will induce labor, so little baby Barbo should be here sometime Thursday. Hooray!!

A New Week....

I sure am glad that last week is over. It seems that something traumatic happened nearly every day. Monday we found out that dad has leukemia...Tuesday Brigham was hospitalized....Wednesday our dear friend, Al Stephens had cancer surgery....Thursday was quiet....Friday, Mom was put in the hospital....Saturday, Brighton had a trip to the ER for a skull fracture.

Mom will be having a shock treatment on her heart this morning to see if they can get it back in rhythm.

Besides all the worry and stress, I did have a lot of fun with the grandkids. They are definitely a huge joy in my life. It was fun having Heather and Harlee with us all week last week. Then we got to enjoy Beau over the weekend. How much we love them!!

There are two main goals for this week....to get mom out of the hospital and for Jenny to have that baby!! I never had to go past my due date, but think it would have to be one of the most horrible things ever.....

Here are some photos of the kiddos from last week.

Brigham is in the hospital

Yesterday afternoon Brigham started having some breathing problems. By evening it was bad enough that Amber took him to the doctor. The PA who saw him said that he thought it was RSV and sent Amber home with some steriods and the instructions to go to the emergency room if it got worse.

This morning he was a little worse so she headed back to the doctor. He was hospitalized. Now they aren't sure if it is RSV or Asthma. They are doing as well as can be expected. I had Jaden and Brighton until a few minutes ago, but Jason has them now for the night.

Annual Trip to the Fair