Morning hike

On Wednesday morning I got up at 6:30 to meet the group of girls from girls camp who were on their overnight away at Sage hill camp ground. They were going to hike the 3.5 mile Aliso loop trail and I came along as an extra adult. I fed Jameson at 6am and then got on my bike and rode to the camp ground. Of course there was girl drama, so the start  time for the hike was a little delayed. By the time we got to the half way point up on the top of the ridge it was already 8:10! So, I broke off and without running, went as fast as possible toward home. While speed walking, I picked some wild flowers and made a little bouquet on my way home. I made it in the door at 8:45 just in time for Billy to get out the door to work. Jameson was a little bummed that I wasn't home sooner, but he is officially a 9 pound er, so he can make it a little longer without food :) even if he doesn't think so.

I just love my backyard! The wild flowers are so beautiful right now... wish they were going to last.

Really?!?

Last week Zachary tripped and fell walking on the gravel road outside and scraped his nail and finger pretty good. Today I noticed that it was all red and swollen, infected and tender and Zachary kept crying about it. I put several hot compresses on it and attempted to prick it and drain it with no luck. Lots of crying and screaming from Zachary today.
Right after dinner, the boys and I went outside to talk to a neighbor and two of the new neighbor boys pulled up to play at the playground. William was giving Zachary a ride on the trike with the bench seat and all of a sudden I look over and one of the neighbor boys started to push them from behind. William didn't want him to push them, but instead of using his words he tried to stop the trike by dragging his feet. The main problem was that he was wearing flip flops! I ran over, but it was to late. Williams big toe was scraped up pretty good and half his nail gone. More blood, screaming and crying. Really?!
Why do these things always happen when Billy is not around? He left on a fire assignment Sunday morning. Thank goodness Billy's Mom and Grandma are here right now. I had a little moral support and some extra hands this time... but I know these times will come up again when I will be the only one around to juggle it all.  Oh boy.

Guest room/ Office

A few weeks before I was due to go to the Hospital to have Jameson, I was starting to worry a little bit about guest quarters. I was thinking about all the different people that would be coming to visit, stay and help after Jameson was born and not comfortable only having a couch or air mattress to offer.

So, I did my craigslist searching magic and managed to find what I wanted and sell what I didn't. I am really happy with the way the room turned out. It feels a lot less cluttered and so much more put together! Hooray for a working guest room on a budget and just in time :)

Boy, n: A noise with dirt on it

Mom found this definition in a frame for our house. I think it is very appropriate.

Jameson Osa Wrenn

On May 9th at 9:30am we welcomed Jameson Osa Wrenn into our family. He weighed in at 6 pounds 15 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Another beautiful baby boy! My Cesarean delivery went very well and my recovery has been quite painless and speedy. Jameson is as healthy as they come and such a little love. The boys just love him and are so gentle and sweet with him. I am so excited to have another little boy in the family to raise!

Jameson's name was one that took a little time and searching to come to a final decision. We wanted to find a name that was special to where we are living and raising our children right now. We also wanted a family tie to his name. We ended up with both! My Grandma Mills, who is my last living grandparent, father was named Osa James Grant. We really liked the name Osa as we looked at his photos and thought about the family that the Grant/ Mills lines created. We also live a mile away from Rancho Oso and live under the stars (ursa major constellation) by night back in the national forest. So it was a fit all the way around. At the head waters of the Santa Ynez river, where we often play, is Jameson reservoir. Great Grandpa Osa's middle name was James.... another double connection! As each day passes I love his name more and more.

Jameson is the perfect addition to our family, I am in love again for the 4th time.

Cake & Ice Cream

Last night we had the neighbors over to help us celebrate Zachary's 2nd birthday. It was just a low key, cake and ice cream event. I think we had about 17 adults, 5 kids (including Will & Zach) and 2 little baby's. Zachary seemed to enjoy himself and knew what to do at cake time. He blew out his #2 candle in a couple tries. He had to get really close for his little blow to do the job, I thought he was going to burn his nose :) It was very cute.
Since Zachary's birthday falls 3 days after I have the baby I figured we would celebrate before hand. I still had to take several breaks before the party as I was baking and frosting and cleaning to put my feet up.... but I think it was the better choice. Of course I didn't grab my camera until the candle was blown out and then only took a couple pictures. That's me i guess.
I made a gooey butter cake and chocolate cupcakes with a mint truffle kiss in the middle. We hung a few streamers and that was that. The perfect party for 3 days before due day.
Happy Birthday Zachary. We will have another little family celebration on Saturday for you!

On another note: Today is the first day of fire season. Here we go.....

A day out with Thomas

This afternoon, after my five minute appointment at the doctors, the boys and I headed to Fillmore to check out the life size Thomas the train.  They had tents set up to color, play on train tables, story telling, meet sir topham hat and a 25 minute train ride aboard Thomas the train. We bought our train tickets, walked around a little bit, and then it was all aboard Thomas for an exciting adventure! William was pretty excited to go on a train ride with Thomas and the interactive ride to find "a special" was quite entertaining.  We were looking for something big, shiny & beautiful.... soon after we got our clues, one of the train conductors came down the aisle holding a big diamond. We had collected our special and headed back to the station. I think the boys enjoyed the train ride, it sure was a nice day for it.

When we got home I shuffled down to the river to swim in the cool water. The rest of the neighborhood was down there too since it was in the 90's back in the canyon today. It felt really good on my body to get in the water, I haven't been in the water my entire pregnancy. My doctor has been telling me to get in the water because of my veins, so now that I have 2 1/2 weeks left.... finally followed doctors orders :) I'm sure I'll get in tomorrow too.