2016: Packed up, picked up Ashley from work, opened stockings (pocket moleskines, delicious foods and a buff) then hit to road for Brittney and Matt's. Ashley slept most of the trip. Other than construction traffic it was uneventful. Great start of a visit with the fam.
2017: Another busy day at work, but with Ashley also working it went by prettywell. Nice to get a lunch break (walked to Durango Coffee for a rest and adrink). Finished the order for the week. Ash picked me up and we went toEno Wine Bar for a wine and chocolate flight, plus an Irish Hot Toddy.Everything was delicious! Then stopped at HomeSlice for a couple slices ofpizza to wrap up. Planned grocery shopping list for tomorrow's Finnishfeast.
2018: Slept in late and Ashley woke up feeling better! After a leisurelybreakfast and coffee we moved firewood around from the pile to under theporch, brought in more bags of pellets, and headed in to town for aChristmas tree stand. There was someone ice-fishing on the lake as weheaded up through Forest Lakes. Then to the forest to cut down said tree -found a great one that seemed to grow when we brought it inside. Latelunch, decorations all in place, lights working, and even a couple ofpresents under the tree! We tidied up in the garage and brought in themotorcycle before retiring for the evening. I found the correct name forbullet cookies - Lebkuchen. Now to find the right recipe, as they don't allhave the wafers on the bottom.
2019: Ashley woke and said that her practice contractions felt different - sothis might well be the day! We went our separate ways to work, cautiouslyoptimistic. I let Robin and Leis know that I was on call and tried to getsome projects done and generally help out around the store. Ashley kept meupdated throughout the day and headed home a bit early. She texted that herwater broke at 3:06 and I let Robin know the call had come and I headedhome. I checked in on her, packed the car (good thing we'd been packingover the last week or so) and we laid on the bed, me watching the clock. Wetouched base with the midwife and planned on heading in to the hospital atabout 8:30, but her contractions sped up and grew longer so we changedplans and headed in sooner, about 4:30. I kept family updated via text withthe big changes. The nurse and midwife were great about working withAshley, stepping back and letting her work through her contractions withoutinterruption, suggesting different positions to try, etc. Ashley spent sometime in the jacuzzi tub, etc. After only a few serious pushes, Lily Junewas born at 10:25. She was 6lbs 5.4ozs, 19 inches long. I helped catch,called her gender, and set her on Ashley's chest. We spent about an hourtogether before they came and really did the measurements and stuff withLily. Ashley did an amazing job! The nurse and midwife were, I think, acaught off-guard based on how calm and quiet she was, even when it was timeto go.
2020: Ashley and I went into Lily's bedroom and greeted her with a birthday song(it's her first birthday!). Then we got ready for the day. Lily had sometreats for breakfast. I went into the store for a bit as backup for the artside and to check in with the frameshop (they're caught up with holidayprojects so they don't need my help). Then on home. Mom and Gary wereblowing up balloons for Lily and Ashley was cooking. We had spaghetti andmeatballs for supper. Lily slept late in her afternoon nap and polished offher bottle. Then she ate spaghetti (first time with longer noodles) andreally seemed to enjoy it. We had her on a Zoom call with the family sothat everyone could join us. Ashley made some healthy cupcakes that endedup with a consistency more like banana muffins - Lily didn't seem to be afan, but she had also just eaten quite a big meal. We wrapped up the call,gave Lily a bath, and let her open up the dinosaur present from Tobey andHassel. I read her quot Only Youquot while Ashley fed her the last bottle of theday. Everyone was tired and headed to bed early. I read for a bit.
2021: Lily's 2nd birthday! We made bananacakes for breakfast, then opened herbirthday presents - a homemade sock monkey from Mom and a wooden play teaset from Norma. Then I headed to work for a bit. Jeramiah was there,shopping, so we caught up then I chatted with Kristen briefly beforeheading to the rec center to meet Ashley and Lily for swimming time. We hadfun there then they headed home and I swung by the grocery store for a fewlast things. Lily was napping when I got home so I helped Ashley a bit inthe kitchen before putting the tarp on the RV and moving the riding mowerand putting up reflectors around the driveway for snow clearing indicators.Supper was ready just about the time that Evanne, Tyson, and Sawyer arrivedfor supper. We chatted and ate and had cake. They headed home and we videocalled Tobey then Mom (couldn't get a group video going) before puttingLily to bed. Clean-up and a bit of reading before bed.
2022: Lily's third birthday! We got her out of bed together, then had breakfast.I went to the store to receive the framing order and put it away. Filmedsome documentation videos. Then met Ashley and Lily at the Rec Center forthe pool. Lots of fun. We had lunch at Sage then I went to the store for aninterview. I worked through the afternoon and was home for supper. TheCaviness's joined us for a birthday supper of garlic spaghetti. Supper wentgreat. Cleaned up and headed to bed.
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