Hardwater Fishing

The ice has been weird this year. It was a very nice and warm fall, which made for some late and fragile ice forming on the water. Combine that with a massive earthquake and you get an equation for unstable ice during early winter. Unfortunately, as a result, there were higher than normal reports of people falling through the ice and even perishing ☹ I was able to get out a couple times in December before heading back to Iowa for the holidays.

Our first trip of the season was to a new lake, Big Lake. This place is an amazing fishing Lake with pretty much every freshwater species fish has to offer… it’s also a terminal spawning ground for migrating salmon. I have never fished the Lake because it was about an hour away and I always had other plans. A buddy at work, Brad Furillo, is a guide for Got ‘Em Fishing Adventures and he asked Ashton and I to tag along for a partial day on the lake. Ashton and I were planning to fish in that area anyway that day, so we took him up on the offer!

The weather was perfect. We were in the initial stages of vampirism (the slow transformation to a vampire after not receiving direct sunlight for more than 30 days) due to our house location in the mountains, so the cloudless sky was a welcomed sight. It was cool fishing with Brad because I got to see how he sets up his ice hut and approaches catching fish. This is one reason I look forward to going with new people, because each person often learns something new of the other.

We were targeting numerous species at once, pike, arctic char, rainbow trout, and burbot. Although we didn’t catch a ton of fish, the action was fairly consistent and we landed some dandies!

The first fish of the day went to Ashton... jigging the bottom. We marked many of these on the sonar and thought we would catch bigger ones, so we threw him back thinking we would catch more and bigger ones. Of course, that didn't happen so our dinner was ruined!

The first tip up flag resulted in our first pike of the day.

Ashton wanted to give it a kiss... this is right after he hugged it and gave it a big smucker-roo. Mom loves how fishing makes his clothes smell :)

Here is my first char of the day... with Tundra trying to sneak in the tent while we were preoccupied. 

Of course, Ashton wanted to cuddle with it. 

And here is the MONSTER! This Char was 28" long and 17" around. He was a completely beast... and he bit on the least expecting setup. 

Of course, we released him to be caught another day. 

Ashton wanted to show off another pike. That sun was marvelous!

Looks like a good deal... free ride off the ice after a long day of ice fishing. 

A couple weekends later, Kevin and I decided to load up the snowmachines and head out to figure Eight Lake to target pike. It was going to be pretty cold and we weren’t too sure about the trail conditions, so Ashton stayed at home and Tundra came with.

We got started before dark. The trail was pretty good with about a foot of new snow a couple days prior. There were very few tracks on the trail, so it didn’t appear many people fished the lake yet. Luck would happen, the lack of tracks also resulted in us getting lost for a little bit. Luckily I had my GPS and were able to find the correct route to the lake. Even though we retraced our steps and took the correct path toward the lake, there was a ton of overflow, bare ground, and flowing swamp streams (this later led us to contemplate if the trail was actually open yet). Regardless, we got to the lake safely.

Knowing the ice may be thin in the middle, we rode our machines on the lake close to the shore until we got the area we wanted to fish. We were the only ones on the lake, and there didn’t appear to be any holes drilled in the common area (more evidence that the trail may not have been open ye). We were wanting to try a new spot that a buddy suggested to us, however, we were unable to find the landmarks that were described to us, so we ended picking a random spot to setup shop.

We put out all our tip-ups, setup the shanty, and relaxed while jigging our spoons. The relaxation didn’t last long… It’s difficult to relax in one spot long when you have tip ups outside. It’s impossible to keep your eyes on each of them at all times, so our routine was to sit back and jig for 5 minutes, get up and look out the windows at each tip-up, and repeat (unless a flag was up). Kevin and I would take turns retrieving a flag. Often times, we were both out of the tent pulling flags at the same time. If there was ever a dead period (about 30 minutes of no flags), one of us would go outside and jig each flag. Most often, this resulted in a fish striking a few minutes later if any were in the area.

Pulling in pike from tip-ups isn’t an easy task. I often tell people the hook up/ landing rate is about 50%. Well we did worse than 50% that day… more like 30-40%. We ended up landing about 15 pike and bringing 8 home. It was a blast. In fact, we were so busy that we didn’t have time to take pictures… total rookie move and I should have known better!

I can’t wait to take the entire family to this lake when Ashton and Josie are older. I’ll sit in the tent, point out a flag, the kids will run to retrieve it, and I can stay comfortable in the hut! 😊 Just kidding… but seriously, the kids would love seeing the many flags pop up and getting excited by the possibility of a fish being pulled in from the outgoing line.

Funny story… I have never lost a fishing pole from a biting fish… yet. My unblemished record was almost erased that weekend. I set my pole down with my spoon in the water while I went to tend an active flag. Kevin stayed in the tent and he said that while I was gone, he saw my pole bending over and bouncing hard without any drag being pulled. Luckily the fish spit the spoon or I would have been fed my first fishing pole to an Alaska Lake.

More ice fishing adventures to come in 2019!

This is the only fish we took a picture of. It was the first pike we caught and the smallest one as well. 

Here is what that little guy looks like with a good picture angle. The key is the elbows!

7.2 Earthquake 11/30/18

On November 30, 2018, at 8:30 a.m. we had a 7.2 earthquake.  It’s epicenter was less than 30 miles from us.  We have earthquakes often and a 5.0 is a good shaker.  I have never been so terrified in my life!  Adam was already at work. We had one daycare buddy with us who is just 2 weeks older than Ashton.

We thank God for the safety of ourselves, our friends, our AK family, and our community.

The Earthquake
The boys and I were in the kitchen and Josie was sleeping in her bassinet in our bedroom.  The second it started shaking, I knew it was a big one, I grabbed Ashton by the arm and basically threw him under the table as I moved chairs and told the other boy to get under too.  Once they were both under, I ran as fast as I could for Josie.  Our bedroom is only around the corner, but it seemed so far.  Especially when the electricity went out and it was pitch dark (sun hadn’t come up yet). The darkness, not being able to balance myself in the shaking, falling things hitting me, and tripping over items on the ground made it feel like I wasn’t going to make it to her in time.  There was nothing that could fall on her, but at that moment, with such violent shaking and sounds, I thought the walls were coming down.  It was the worst feeling, to leave children under a table while thinking you may not make it to your sweet baby in time.  The rest is a blur.  After the initial earthquake there were continual large aftershocks, for which we stayed under the table.

**I am SO PROUD of Ashton and his buddy.  They are two-years old.  They listened to my directions and stayed under the table, just as we had practiced.  I can't imagine what would've happened if they didn't**

Immediately after
Our 6^th grade neighbor girl came to our door, crying, as she was at her house by herself and about to leave for school when the earthquake hit.  She came in and sat under the table with us.  I’m not sure how long we sat there, I had a million things running through my head while trying to appear calm and collected for the kids.  Is anyone hurt by either falling things or broken glass? Is the gas leaking? How am I going to get out of the house to turn off the gas if needed with these kids and the aftershocks?  Will Adam be able to leave the hospital to come home? Wait, will he be able to get home??!?! (there is only 1 road between Eagle River and Anchorage)  Will Tundra stay in our yard? (Thank goodness he was already outside in our backyard when it happened or I imagine his paws would’ve been cut up from all the glass.  He came running up the inside stairs to us at one point and I had to rush him back downstairs and outside before he stepped on glass in between aftershocks. Our downstairs sliding glass door had slid open, even though it had been locked, and he entered through that door. Even though our yard is fenced, he was able to squeeze through a spot and run to the front yard in the panic.  I wasn’t able to get outside to tie him up, I just prayed he stayed home.  AND HE DID!)  My phone wasn’t working but thankfully our neighbor girls’ was, so I was able to quickly check in with the kids’ parents, Adam, and text our parents that we were safe.  As much as I wanted to scream and cry, I had to hold myself together for the kids.  I knew I was terrified and couldn’t imagine how they felt.  Poor Ashton kept his face down, covering his head for the longest time.  Again, I have no idea how long anything lasted but I remember asking him to cuddle with me a couple times and he refused to move.  I used the phone light until I felt comfortable enough to step out from under the table to get the flashlight we had in a basket on the counter.  Thankfully it is a childcare licensing requirement that everyone wear indoor shoes in case of an emergency evacuation, to keep feet safe and somewhat warm/dry in all weather conditions.  This was crucial for me as I had to step across glass to answer the door for our neighbor girl, to get the flashlight, and to later get the boys to the couch.  I swept away as much glass as I could and dried up the dog water that had spilled and started seeping towards our safe area, I got pillows and blankets from the couch, then tried to tell the kids a story but we kept getting distracted by more shaking, text messages/calls, and thoughts running through my head of what needed to be done and how I was going to do it by myself with 4 kids.  I felt like even though we were safe under the table, we needed to be outside.  I couldn’t smell gas and our house appeared to be structurally okay at first observation but I couldn’t imagine there wasn’t a gas leak or a weak wall or floor with how intense the earthquake was and how the house looked.  Plus there was glass EVERYWHERE.  I wanted us to be outside but we couldn’t get there without first getting to our snow gear, putting it on, and then getting outside.  I couldn’t get 5 steps away from the kids without an aftershock, I couldn’t leave them and I couldn’t bring them with me.  Finally, once the aftershocks somewhat slowed, I quarantined everyone to our couch. Away from glass and anything that could fall on them.  Thankful again that the boys already had their indoor shoes on since keeping two 2-year old boys on a couch seemed impossible at that time.  However, they weren’t on the couch looking at books for long before the other kiddo’s dad showed up.  I was shocked he was able to make it back to Eagle River so quickly and this made me hopeful for Adam.  At this point, I knew Adam had to check in with the hospital before he could leave.   The boy’s dad told me traffic was getting backed up due to vehicles being diverted from the highway through Eagle River and back on to the highway (later found out this was due to a damaged bridge).  With one less toddler, I felt comfortable enough to make a run for our snow gear to get outside to officially check for gas leaks, to view our house from the outside, and to check the neighbors. We saw cracks in the ground that went deeper than the snow/ice layer.  We felt a few large aftershocks that have a completely different feel when you’re outside.  At some point I learned that Adam was released to come back home, but we didn’t know how long it would take him to actually get home.  Our neighbor girl was getting cold as we couldn’t get to her full set of winter gear at her house and I discovered our play room was actually perfectly safe for them and Tundra to hang out in, whew!  They played and ate snacks while I tried to gather myself, supplies, further check-out the house, and tend to Josie.  At some point, I also had to dig my way through the garage to check our freezers.  One is a stand-up and had come open with meat pouring out. That door needed to be closed and kept closed since the power was out. Surprisingly, my phone started working again and I was flooded with text messages and phone calls.  I was then able to call and check-in with my dad.  When I saw that my cousin, Danae, was calling, I debated on answering but I just had to let loose to someone.  I was struggling to hold it together and it was all I could do to not cry to my dad.... I didn't want to worry him more.  I apologized to her because I didn't want to worry her either but I couldn't hold it in anymore.  The kids were busy in the playroom, so I just cried to her.  I needed that in order to continue on, thanks Danae!

That afternoon
Thank goodness Adam got home much sooner than I anticipated and by this time there was indeed a strong gas smell once we opened the door outside.....somebody in our neighborhood had a leak.  Adam and another neighbor checked our culdesac houses’ meters and didn't find any issues.  Once Adam was able to come in and take a look, I could tell it was worse than he expected! (Anchorage/his hospital was further from the epicenter and didn't get hit as bad)  We were planning to have neighbors at our house that night for warmth by the fire and food from our camping/emergency supply but the electricity actually came back on that afternoon!  Our neighbor girl stayed at our house and watched movies with Ashton on her iPad while her mother finished duties at her childcare center on base and tried to get home.  She had to wait awhile at a gas station in order to get a full tank that would hopefully get her home in the traffic.  Luckily, Adam left when he did because his colleague left 10 minutes after him, but it took her 4 hours longer to get home! Adam and I started the task of cleaning up after taking pictures and videos for insurance, memory, and story-telling purposes.

The following days
We were planning to go on our first winter tenting trip to Long Lake for ice fishing that weekend, but of course that got cancelled.  School was cancelled the following week so that structure and safety assessments could be completed.  Some schools aren't able to open up the rest of the year!  Teachers in those schools were escorted to their classrooms with a limited time to fill a certain number of boxes to take with them to their new temporary location at a neighboring school for the remainder of the year.  Uck, I can't imagine!

We found out that our insurance doesn’t cover earthquake damage, having specific earthquake insurance isn’t reasonable, and so hardly anyone has it.  Those who did had a 10% of house value deductible to meet first, but majority of people did not have more than $30,000 worth of damage.  However, a house the street over from us literally cracked in ½ and sunk 8 feet.  We live in a "cookie-cutter house" neighborhood.... the question still stands as to why that house had severe damage and nobody else's did.  One of the men living at that house was home with their dogs- they got out of the house without sustaining any injuries, incredible!  A whole neighborhood of houses was built on marshy terrain and they have sunk.  Besides houses of course, businesses, roads, bridges, etc were damaged as well.  However, the engineers have done an excellent job up here after learning from the 1964 earthquake(magnitude 9), so damage COULD have been much much worse, resulting in more injuries or even deaths.  It is unbelievable that there weren’t any deaths.  This experience has proven how resilient, positive, and hard-working Alaskans are.  There was an article in the local paper written by a woman who moved here 4 months ago, she describes her experience and how impressed she was with the recovery of our community,  how quickly roads were repaired, and mostly how she doesn’t think she can ever live up to being called an Alaskan.

People could sign up for a free structural analysis from the municipality engineers.  Our house checked out!

We live near the joint air-force, military base and can always hear (and sometimes feel) when they are performing controlled detonations.  Of course this was scheduled like 1.5 weeks after the earthquake and they continued with it as planned.  However, it didn't last as long as usual and coincidentally stopped after people were in an uproar and we had a mag 5+ aftershock.  I never cared to look into this more.


The aftershocks

The aftershocks have been torture!  They were frequent and significant in size for the first week and then started to lessen.  However, we are still getting them today- January 12, 2019.  We knew they would last a couple weeks, but were hopeful they would be done by the time we returned from Iowa after Christmas.  Since we've been back there has been at least one size 4.5 or larger each day, plus dozens of others. Luckily, we don't feel all of them. We continue to be woken up in the middle of the night.  We are now trained to hear the aftershocks before the shaking starts, crazy huh?  There is a low rumbling sound and then the shaking.  In fact, one of the aftershocks this week was the loudest I have heard and I had the kids under the table again.  It was only a 4.7 (HA! "only") but I thought for sure it was going to be another big one.  It took me over 10 minutes to calm down from that one.  My neighbor said they same.  They don't bother some people, including Adam.  I am jealous.

Tundra doesn't venture far from us.  Shawn even commented on this new trait after they watched him for winter break.  However, he seems to be doing better than other dogs I have heard about.  Angel is still the same sassy, moody cat.

Ashton
Oh, my sweet boy.  My heart hurt the most for him on the day of the earthquake and still today.  Like I said, he was too scared to move or even uncover his eyes when I was trying to comfort him under the table.  He was very concerned for the aftershocks throughout the next week, he would panic a bit and asked for a lot of hugs.  I don't recall how long it took before he would leave the room without one of us.  He had a sleep regression and still comes to our bed. The earthquake came through in his play.  >Once the mommy truck pushed two smaller trucks under the coffee table for the earthquake and told them they were safe there.<  He still points to cracks in the wall and talks about the earthquake.  I have to try my hardest to remain calm for aftershocks, as to not worry him.  It sucks. 

Now

Adam has completed a majority of our repairs to the house and “things.”  I have vacuumed, wiped down, reorganized, repeated, but am still finding random little pieces of glass….where are they still coming from?  

We have yet to replace broken items, we just don't care to right now and have enough of everything to make due.  Shopping for and buying new dishes just isn't appealing or necessary at this time!  Amazingly, our TV still works with the DVD player or connected to a computer.  This was critical for us to try and clean up the house with a 2 year old boy.....he's probably had enough screen time for the next month! We will eventually get a new TV, if we ever think we need every function again!

The rumbling of airplanes, helicopters, trucks, kids stomping, etc is so much more threatening these days..... instant rise in the heart beat.  Like I said, they sound like the start of an aftershock.

Again, I am so proud of the boys.  They sure are brave, resilient little dudes!  Their almost daily chats/playing out the earthquake or aftershocks tugs at my heart, yet makes me so much more amazed by them!

We are ready for the next one.  It's not a matter of IF it will happen, it's WHEN.  I continue to encourage everyone to practice for natural disasters and emergencies with your children, it CAN happen to you.  I practiced earthquake drills and fire drills with the daycare kids each month. (only fire drills/emergency evacuations are required by daycare licensing....I thought that was silly and took it upon myself to practice for earthquakes too.  I foresee a change in regulations soon)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS REACHED OUT TO US!  We've felt so much support from our Iowa and Alaska family and friends.  Check-ins and offering to listen has helped emotionally.  Offers to help replace or fix things are so appreciated!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Tundra the protector.  Ashton napping in our playroom the day of the earthquake.

What I had stumbled through to get Josie.  I also ended up with a deep bruise on my hip that lined up with the corner of our dresser.  I don't remember, but apparently I had rammed into it trying to get to her.  I couldn't sit the next couple days without it hurting, but it healed up eventually.

Little pieces of glass!  This is after I had wiped everything down. How did it get here?  How long will we be finding glass!!?

This eagle showed up the day after the earthquake and returned to this lamp post each day for the next week.  It sometimes would be looking in our house.  Neat, but odd!

A much needed laugh for us, our culdesac, and our daycare family.  Our neighbors had this cut-out of Adam made and stuck it to our grinch!  The neighborhood kids have enjoyed hitting Adam in the face with snowballs!

If interested, you should google pictures from our community and even the 1964 earthquake.  The images of roads and bridges are pretty crazy.

We do have video footage from our surveillance camera.   I am not able to upload it, maybe Adam will.

Again, thanks everyone for your support and prayers.  We are grateful!

The Next Chapter of Our Adventure... Josephine Rae

The last picture I had taken while pregnant!  On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 22, 2018, Adam was called to deploy to Washington D.C. in the Secretary of the States Operation Center for the hurricane(s) in Hawaii. They didn't care that I was 8 months pregnant and could have a baby at any point. He left early on Friday, August 24 and was expected to be gone at least 2 weeks.  I had him snap a few maternity pictures of me (in the rain) before he left, because in my heart....I thought he would return home to a baby already born! 

On Friday, August 24, I took Ashton to a friends' daughter's 10th birthday party.

^^^^This picture was taken on Saturday, August 25 at the state fair.  Jordan was also pregnant and due 2 months after me.  We wanted to check out the rodeo and eat some fair food!  I pushed Ashton around in the stroller and felt great, it was a fun day! 

On Sunday, August 26, Ashton and I went in to Erin and Shawn's house to play and visit.  I felt some pressure down low on our drive in but didn't think much of it.  Adam said they may send him back early since the hurricane wasn't as devastating as expected.  We were grateful for this update for many reasons, thankful for everyone's safety who was involved!  

Monday, August 27 was a regular day.  My daycare was open, I watched a 3 year old, two 2 year olds, and a 1 year old.  Great news-Adam said he would be returning home the next day!

Tuesday, August 28 Adam got back!  We had taken the daycare kiddos for a walk in the neighborhood and after everyone was picked up, Adam took Ashton for a hike along the river.  I never pass up a chance to get outside but I was feeling some pressure and figured one walk was enough for the day.  After dinner, the baby was moving A LOT and I got a few videos of what looked like an alien trying to escape my belly.  Then around 8:15.... I started having "braxton hicks"..... AKA CONTRACTIONS! 

Wednesday, August 29 at 2:34 a.m..... Josephine was born!  4 weeks early!  

Back to the intense "braxton hicks" that started the night of Adam's return home. I said they were just braxton hicks, I still had 4 weeks left!  I just kept changing positions to try and get them to stop.  As they were getting more frequent and more intense, Adam told me to take a shower and then if they didn’t stop, to call in and speak with a nurse.  He had to tell me several times because I was in the biggest state of denial I have ever been in. I was a whole month early, this baby was NOT coming.  My contractions were manageable in comparison to the contractions with Ashton--those had me on my hands and knees, unable to stand or talk.  Finally, I called in and spoke with the nurse.  She told me to continue what I was doing and to come in if the contractions averaged every 3-5 minutes.  As we were hanging up she said, "Hopefully I will see you later tonight!"  I snapped back at her, "NO, NO you won't, I'm not due yet!"  At that point in time they were at 7 minutes.  Adam wanted to start packing bags (I was suppose to do the last steps of baby prep the following weekend) but I told him no, these were just false contractions, this baby is not ready to come out.  Well, I ended up taking 3 showers and the contractions were not slowing down…..they were getting closer.  I was still not convinced and did not want to wake Ashton and put him and our friends through the whole ordeal of dropping him off and leaving him for false contractions.  I was so concerned about leaving him for the real labor, I didn't want to do it to him twice!  Soooooo, I drove myself to the hospital at 12:30ish a.m.!  I kept track of contractions on my phone app on the drive in and messages would pop up like, “It’s time to call your doctor" and “you need to get to the hospital now!”  By the time I reached the hospital, I swear there was a new set of fingers grips on my steering wheel from gripping it so hard as the contractions were getting more painful. (hospital is 25minutes away)  Once I parked and starting walking in, I started to realize I was probably having a baby but wanted to be checked before I called Adam.  The contractions were not easily manageable now (it’s like my body knew I was there and just let loose!) and I had to stop a couple times before going through the door to where the security guards took it upon themselves to get me a wheelchair and take me to OB triage.  After what seemed like forever and a couple snarky comments from myself (which I apologized for), the nurse told me, “Oh honey, call your husband, you are at 7cm and 100% effaced!”  Then things started happening quick and everyone seemed to be in a bit of a panic.  They kept me laying on the bed to take me to labor and delivery, they wanted me to lay so that gravity didn’t hurry the process before daddy got there!  So there we were, in labor and delivery, I was ready to push, and daddy wasn’t there.  One guy walked in and saw everyone standing there, ready to deliver a baby and he asked, “What are we waiting for?”  Several people said, “Uh…. Daddy” and I remember feeling so guilty.  The midwife was kind of pacing and fidgeting her fingers which made me nervous...............

 **Side note, this was going to be an unmedicated VBAC (vaginal birth after a cesarean) I had an emergency c-section with Ashton. Plus my next appointment was suppose to be the following day, when I would get the Group B strep test etc. So there seemed to be a lot of concerns.  They also wanted to give me steroids as a last minute boost to help with baby’s lung development, but it was too late in the labor process.  Ready or not, baby was coming….. as soon as daddy got there!**

I asked someone to please call Adam, they did and handed me the phone.  I was livid that he wasn’t there, but it was my fault!  He said he could see the hospital.  Soon after he came running through the door and I immediately starting pushing.  We tried several different positions and I tried a few different strategies from the hypnobirthing class we had taken for Ashton while swatting at Adam and the nurses to stop touching me!  The midwife never stopped stepping side to side.  Everyone else in the room was just staring at me.  I felt like I was taking too long, I felt bad they were waiting for me.  Then I thought they were concerned and I was expecting to be moved to a c-section at any moment.  It's funny how the passing of time can be skewed and distorted in moments like these, I thought hours had passed. But less than ONE HOUR later, after playing tug-of-war with a nurse and a bed sheet, our sweet baby entered the world. A GIRL! (as a reminder, Adam knew the gender of our baby and kept it a secret from everyone until the birth)  I recommend tug-of-war with a bed sheet to everyone and make sure the person on the other end is making the most generic comments and pissing you off....because it works!  Josephine Rae was delivered at 2:34 am at 6lb 6oz and 19inches long.  She was a month early but all signs checked out and she was able to lay with me shortly after.  She was an aggressive eater and started nursing almost immediately while they gave me some stitches (lil sweetie came out with her hand by her head!)

Adam may or may not add his side of the story, here is what I know and remember.  Ashton was amazing and followed all of Adam’s directions so they were able to get out of bed and in the truck shortly after I called. He basically had to tuck and roll Ashton out the truck door to our friend’s parents’ house which happens to be on the way to the hospital.  Ashton got upset at this point and was crying but was calmed by his “Grandma Sue” and “Grandpa Steve” as he spent the night there and in bed with Sue. Adam said he didn’t know if he was in the labor and delivery room with his wife or the devil because of the craziness and noises that occurred. (part of the hypnobirthing strategies and also remember.... I didn't take anything for the pain) 

We had to spend the full amount of time in the hospital with Josie since she was early but thank goodness, they didn’t have any concerns for her.  Our friends, Erin and Shawn and Erin’s parents, Steve and Sue, took care of Ashton overnight and during the day.  Adam would get him after nap and until bedtime to spend time with him and bring him for a visit.  I am so very thankful and grateful for our Alaska family for taking care of Ashton.  My biggest concern and worry for labor was leaving him….. he hadn’t been away from me for more than like 8 hours.  However, he did amazing since he was so comfortable with them! 

It was terrifying to be in labor early, but afterwards, I can say I am thankful.  Thankful that I gave birth, unmedicated, to a 6lb 6oz baby versus the 9+ lb baby she was fitting to be.  Thankful for an extra month with our sweet girl.  Thankful that my daycare families were understanding and prepared to find alternate care.  Thankful my mother was flexible and able to come up to AK earlier than expected to help with the daycare, as we only took 2 weeks maternity leave.  Thankful Adam's mom was also flexible and able to come up and help out after my mom left.  Thankful, that although a month early, Josie was happy and healthy!  Some of our family and friends are questioning if her due date was off, but…… we had a miscarriage the month before she was conceived and she measured at her due date at each appointment and ultra sound.  So, we have a determined, strong little girl on our hands!  

Ashton wasn't sure what to think at first, but quickly warmed up to being big brother to his little baby sister!

Aunty Erin

"Grandma" Sue

Jordan and Brad

Our friend Matt also visited us in the hospital, but we failed to get a picture!

"Grandpa" Steve

Aunty Erin and cousins Ellie, Remi

Ash chowing down on a carrot pulled from our garden

Getting some fresh air while brother played in the lake

Our first big adventure at 2.5 weeks.... hiking for some blueberries with Bapa and Nana Kucera!

Snug as a bug in the ergo!

Adam and Ashton went further than us, they are on the mountainside behind Tundra.  Tundra, our loyal pup, ran between us and checked on everyone while we picked berries separate from each other!

Ashton got out of the pack and hiked a bit himself

LOL- Adam made Ashton into a bubble robot.  He stayed in this bubble suit for a good hour!

We took our new canoe out for it's maiden voyage on Beach Lake and fished for trout.

I think everyone caught a fish or two, it was a good time!

Josie smiling for Bapa.  He was the first person to get Ashton to laugh and I believe this was Josie's first real, big smile!

Proud of our daddy!

Dad stayed for a week but had to get back to work.  Mom was able to stay for an entire month!  She was crucial to keeping the daycare running!

A little river walk to enjoy a nice evening

GG Harris came up for a week and a half after my mom left to visit and help out as well.  She made monster cookies with Ashton!

We went for a hike at Flat Top's power line pass.  A spot well known for the fall moose rut!

There is a bedded-down bull in this picture!

Now can you see him?  His antlers are in the middle of the picture.

A few moose in this picture

Ashton, the worm digger!  All worms were released in our garden.....except for one found dried up in a pocket- HA

A little hike out to the Eagle River Nature Center....such gorgeous views!

This is the grandpa tree!

Spoiled by GG!

They adore each other!  Josie watches Ashton play and instantly smiles anytime he comes near.  If she is fussing, the sound of his voice or his singing will calm her! Ashton has adapted to being big brother very well.  He had a regression with sleeping in his bed, but we couldn't blame him since he saw that little sis was sleeping in our room.  He calls her Josie Rae.  We will see if he's still so fond of her once she's on the move and after his toys!

GG and Ashton played dinosaurs on his loft bed, it was their special activity!

We took Ashton to a Halloween event at a local hatchery, he had a blast!

Our little dino ready for trick-or-treat in the street, a downtown Anchorage event.

First snow of the year!

Daddy got him some skiis, this was his first time with them on, headed down the driveway.  He made 3 runs and was done.  Anxious to try them again!

More pics from Halloween.  Ashton wanted everyone to be dinosaurs!

Josie had a dino costume, but fit snuggly inside my blow up dino costume with me when packing her in the Ergo.

Smiles and giggles for daddy

Telling daddy some stories

Good ol ice fog!  Leaves some beautiful crystals covering everything the next morning

Thanksgiving at Erin and Shawn's with her parents Steve and Sue

Josie's first overnight adventure!  I hiked her in the Ergo and Adam pulled Ashton in our chariot.

3 mile hike into this cabin on Eklutna Lake

Thank you to Kevin, Brittany, and their pups for bravely inviting us to join them.  We had a great time, as always!

Ashton checking out the frozen waterfalls

card playing is a little different these days!

The view of the cabin from the trail in

AK life and family!

snug!

Josie did great!

Life couldn't be better with these two!

Welcome to the world Josephine Rae and welcome to life in Alaska! And last but not least, thank you God for lining everything up just right, Josephine's birth was full of surprises and a lot of things could have gone wrong but it all worked out and she is such a blessing to our family.