RIP Grandma Koenke

This morning I learned of my Grandma's passing. I felt both a great sadness and a relief for her. I know she was greatly loved and that she was an incredible woman to all who knew her. I only hope she felt that in her heart when she left this place. She was integral part of some of my earliest memories. I've been having little glimpses into my life with her this morning. I remember being left in her care when I had to stay home sick from school and waking up to her smiling at me with a hot bowl of chicken soup in her hands. I remember her endless, soothing back scratches. It was a treat to go over to her and Grandpa's house for dinner with the family. I remember the whole family being there when Grandpa died and how resilient she seemed. At times she was stubborn, but also fiercely independent. She knew what she wanted. She was a great influence on me and my life. From the warmth and occasional chaos of family dinners to her staunch support through my parents' divorce, she put me at ease and made me feel loved. I am glad she is at ease now. I wasn't around to see her in her later years, which saddens me, but I know she was well taken care of by the family around her. I'm sure it wasn't always wine and roses, but I'm sure she truly appreciated the love and care she received. I feel a part of me missing today, but I feel better knowing that my Grandpa regained a great companion and loving presence. I love you Grandma! I will keep your memory alive my own children and grandchildren. You will be and already are greatly loved and missed.

They Took Our Jobs!

So it seems life occasionally throws speed bumps, and in some cases, mountains, in the way of your best laid plans, even if those plans exist merely as an amorphous blob. As you may or may not have already heard, Rachel was laid off from her job recently (insert Yosemite Sam grumblings). Nothing like giving our child a healthy shot of good ol' reality even before it gets its first vaccine! Of course, with the lay-off, also goes her health insurance which throws yet another wrench into the already well-monkeyed works. But fear not! I'll be adding her onto my own plan to fill the void. This hasn't really affected much in the short-term except for some vague anxiety and worrying. It will definitely cost more (but considerably less than an arm or a leg) to have us on one plan. But really, what doesn't cost more in this day and age? We perused my plan and the doctors and hospitals it covers, realizing that Rachel and our baby will be more covered than before. In the end, we will be feasting on a bigger smorgasbord of medical options and feel more comfortable about our healthcare... Pass me a better hospital! Who knows what the future may hold... They may have taken our jobs, but they can't take our peace of mind! It's in our brains!

Green

Some new additions for the nursery from a nursery of a different color.
Why is it that pictures of other peoples' nurseries lack true foliage?

Crazy Spider Plant

Jade Plant

Money Tree

Dr. Kinkster, Or, How I Learned To Start Worrying And Love The Bump

If you've made it this far, then welcome to our little corner of the internet dedicated to our little offspring. This will be the place we will post sonograms, maybe some videos, and definitely ramblings about our little Kinkster. To be honest, who knows what else might find its way to this blog. It's also a place for anyone to comment on anything we've posted. It might get to be a bit strange or too much information at times, but all in all, I think it will be a great way for us to share this experience with you. Warts and all.

12 Weeks!

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Sonograms from the 12 week appointment! Everything is a-ok!
It was Chris's first look at the baby and he was mesmerized! Amazing to watch the little Kinkster wriggle around so much! roll over, back and forth, kick, punch, NINJA!