Wednesday, August 24, 2011

California dreamin'

Jonathan, Shepherd and I took off last weekend to the Bay Area for a visit with my family. It was the weekend of my Nana's memorial service and I am so glad we were able to attend. Thank you so much to GranJan for coming back and staying with Charlotte & TJ! We stayed at my dad's place and just spent lots of great time with him and the rest of my family.

Look at these 2...my favorite guys :)

(that's my brother, Paul, with Jonathan)

I had to try on Paul's sunglasses...we were all doing it...don't think they're 'me'
Driving in G-Pa's truck. Look at those cheeks! Ahh!!

With my dad & Shep at a beach in SF - nice background, eh?

Same spot...with my 2 guys :)

I love this - taken out of the sunroof of my dad's truck. Touristy? yes. You'd never guess I grew up just 45 minutes from here, based on the pix I was taking :)

Tried to get the bridge in the background...you can see the tip

Sunday was the memorial service at the country club where my grandparents were members forever. Our whole family was there and it was a very special day. I was able to speak as part of the 'line-up' in the service, and it was a blessing to do so. We had lots of fun taking pictures afterwards...who knows when we'll all be together again, as we live scattered all over the country.

My youngest cousin, Kimberly, holding her youngest 'cousin' (or whatever Shep is in relation to her - 2nd cousin?)

The 10 Cilker grandchildren...our first photo all together since 2004. It was great being together again.

The girls...some are very short, some are very tall!

The boy cousins (+ Jonathan). They are just so silly.

One last shot of my brother & me. I always love spending time with Paul!


Thursday, August 18, 2011

A Shepherd in our Fold

Welcome to the family!

Shepherd Cilker Dodd

born July 7, 2011 ~ 12:59pm

7 lbs. 5 oz. ~ 20 inches


'born to be cool'

After 9 months of waiting and guessing, we welcomed a BOY and are so excited! Although he's now 6 weeks old, it feels like he was born yesterday. He's such a joy and a relatively easy baby, as long as those basic needs are met. He is so accommodating, putting me into labor on July 3rd, but not insisting he arrive until after the 4th, Charlotte's bday on the 5th, and my bday on the 6th. What a good child...hope that continues :) He's gaining weight rapidly and can hold his head up pretty well already...smiles are slowly starting and are so cute. Big sister and brother love him to death and would sit by him & sing & tell him stories all day long if they could. We couldn't ask for 3 more wonderful children!

*****

This is the last non-hospital preggo picture of me (by me), taken July 5th at the zoo in a mirror...check out that huge belly!
Last picture of me preggo...ready to get this baby out!

He came out SCREAMING...it was insane!

First kiss!

We love our #3!

Latched on and goin' to town

Jonathan introducing TJ & Charlotte to Shep...TJ's not too interested

Sleeping angel

Sweet cozy thing!

First (kind of) smile :)

Charlotte's first time holding him...she's trying to shield him from the paparazzi