Winter Surprise

Our neighbors, Matt and Naomi, spent the evening carving up some traditional scary pumpkins with their two boys. Little did I know that they also carved up a pumpkin for the parents of baby Gorn to be. They wrote a note to go along with the carved pumpkin that read "We couldn't think of anything more 'frightening' than becoming parents for the first time!"

Time will tell if Amy and I agree with them.

I thank them. The pumpkin looks great on our porch.

2nd Annual Oktoberfest

A night of friends and drinks came to the "von" Gorn Haus for a second year in a row. Bevies of all shapes and sizes (and alcohol content) showed up for seasonal sampling and enjoyment.

We're missing representation in this photo from the local Baranof Island Brewing Co. (BIBCO) but it's certainly not because it wasn't consumed. I hit up BIBCO not just for a growler of Spruce Tip ale, but for a GALLON--yes, a gallon, of their stellar root beer. In the midst of such special beers, some wine and ciders for Oktoberfest, the root beer didn't catch on with most (except me), including the kids. There's a lot left.

So, if you're interested in an artisan root beer float, just come on over! We also have some brats to offer. For the second year Andy boiled all the brats in beer, grilled them up and then placed them in warm crockpots full of kraut.

I completely forgot to take photos from the event, but we enjoyed having about 20 people and 3 kids over to our place. Any reason to socialize and "Prost!" right?

Andy recommends the Perseverance beer from Alaska Brewing-their 25th anniversary special. We were told at the brewery in Juneau that it will peak in 2-4 years so we actually have a couple of bottles stashed away, for now. By then I'll partake in the sampling for sure!

*Amy

Mama AND Bebe @ 30 weeks

We've enjoyed week 30 with seeing bebe inside and out! On Monday I noticed small ripples across my belly as guppy gorn moved about--and then Andy could see her too! We can now feel and see her at the same time. That's been an awesome addition. Then on Tuesday we had an ultra sound.

The ultrasound was ordered by my doctor as my belly is really sticking out. She wanted to be sure we aren't giving birth, at this point, to a giantess. Despite being on an empty stomach, little girl was sure active during our visit with her! We had a great knuckle appearance, further confirmation of having a girl, flashes of the nostrils, big eyes looking at us, beating heart, and one funny action: at one time she not only had her hand tucked under her chin but the technician was fairly certain she switched to sucking her thumb for awhile!

We were told she has a very round head right now and extremely long legs--tracking ahead in development more than anything else. We kept hearing about the ample amount of amniotic fluid bebe has in her home, and that she is very photogenic. Which is kinda funny because despite the cool stuff we saw, the pictures printed aren't....the best, or clearest. So we chose the two better ones to post here. The profile shows one eye and a fist, and the other--when looked at upside down, (make sure to flip your computer, haha) shows the arch of her wee foot.

In her debrief at our appointment my Doctor said she is tracking size-wise at the 48th percentile. Which is basically perfect, medium-sized baby. With no weight gain to report in these last two weeks I was told we are "perfect baby, perfect patient." Thank goodness! Let's pray this keeps up. Oh, and the Doctor likes hearing long legs and what that means for delivery. As for the bigger belly in the first place? Just how I am, built and my stature. Stomach may be big but my weight, the baby and fluid are, again, perfectly on track.

I had a break through at the chiropractor this week. My massage therapist explained some general pains I was having were probably related to being out of whack and so I went for an adjustment. The doctor pointed out that my hips were completely unaligned. It was so obvious--AND explained why I was pushing forward like a torpedo. After her magic work on me, I could immediately feel and see a more balanced belly. Bebe had more room rather than getting pushed to one side. I felt ....younger? It was so freeing and I am very grateful. I'll keep up adjustments throughout the last month to maintain an aligned body for birth. After this improvement my main complaint right now is that all my nice slip on shoes are getting tighter to wear. Good thing I don't wear shoes while working in my home office!

Yeah, week 30 was pretty sweet all in all. Much to be thankful for. And tomorrow we welcome week 31.

*Amy

33 and Colors

Andy's birthday was this past Tuesday and we had some fun with it, even with some massive rainfall. From big burritos at lunch to an impromptu, small hot pot for dinner, and other treats throughout the day.

I asked him what he thought?

He says he got lots of good stuff and was spoiled, and got to spend time with his wife. (which we've been doing this weekend as we ferried to Juneau for power shopping)

Well, after dessert and some clean up that day I discovered with delight that Andy was spending time with one of our little dinner guests.

He's testing out a new Colors book Auntie Stephanie gave us for Guppy Gorn. I think it's a hit already!

A pretty sweet way to end one's 33rd birthday, I'd say.

*Amy

Get-Together

Some other things to mention from MN last month...I timed the trip to coincide with the Minnesota State Fair! The second biggest fair in the country (after Texas) in terms of offerings and attendance. I was soooo excited to go, get my food on, wander familiar areas and discover new booths. Even better was my company that day---cousins!

The Fair isn't called the "Great MN Get Together" for nothing! This is a Fargo, Twin Cities and Alaska reunion. (thanks to photographer, Robert)

I graced the Facebook world with a photo of me diving into a disgusting amount of fried cheese curds. I won't go there again, but the overdose cured my craving (at the time). There wasn't even a wait at the booth.

We didn't see the baby animals but I couldn't resist. Our familia did sit by the Grandstand and enjoy the awesome sounds of Heart's opening music act for that night's concert. The Wilson sisters rock. It was a HOT day and we navigated our appetites and crowds like champs. I haven't lost my Fair connection.

Then I enjoyed another non-Sitka activity: mini golfing! My bro, sister-in-law and I went to a course with real grass, real sand bunkers, water hazards and flags in the hole. It was a hole-in-one time! And those two better golfers putted to a tie for first place.

And no visit back is complete without some spent in Roseville. Love you Grandma and Grandpa!

Got my summer bake on, time with fam, lots o eating, relaxing and visiting. Perfect and needed.
*Amy

Bebe says Thank you!

Sitka showers are happening as we get to the windy, rainy, dramatic fall weather season. Last month in MN, I was part of showers of another sort. Baby showers for Guppy Gorn, as my sis-in-law wittily coined!

I planned a trip to MN on the spur of the moment and following my announced plans I was generously offered a couple of baby showers. I am so touched and had so much fun with amazing women, and some very sweet girls.  I know the Gorneration felt the love, and she'll certainly see the love when she arrives and has many wonderful clothes, helpful items, books and treasures to make her life awfully sweet (and helpful for her parents). We are so fortunate!

My friend Sara hosted a gathering of some college gals and family. I miss these girls! It was fun for all ages!

How can one not feel supported for big changes ahead when surrounded by strong, smart and beautiful friends? A heartfelt thank you to Sara and her mom, and a big Congrats to her too for expecting her second baby! Her due date is just 3 months after our bebe. We are a growing crew.

And then my dear mother and sis-in-law put on a family shower that put me into such laughter I began to over-heat! Thank you for all the special touches and hard work. Even my loving mother-in-law came all the way from mid-Wisconsin to join celebrating her future grand-daughter. I returned to Alaska feeling all sorts of good energy, love and happiness. It's good to be with family.

Our "guppy" is showered with love.

*Amy

6 Months (26 week photo)

Today is 3 months away from our due date! Hooo-weee! How did we mark 6 months into pregnancy? By going fishing! Andy's mom has been with us all week, and Mother Nature gave us a break from the regular rain for a lovely, sunny weekend perfect for going on the boat.

This photo was taken last week at 26-weeks along. Excuse the fact I'm wiped from working two jobs for 11-hours, and then gorging on a fondue dinner.

Bebe girl Gorn has been moving regularly of course and I'm so excited that Andy has started feeling her too. Just the other day it seemed a long shot that he could connect with her little movements, but I put his hand to the right place on my belly and that's when he said she gave him "ten"--two quick high-fives. Needless to say I was touched and thrilled by the moment.

Back aches are starting in some usual places. I'm looking forward, naturally, to my upcoming prenatal massage. Maternity clothes purchased just a month and a half ago are already considerably smaller. The

"how can I get any bigger"-pondering has entered my mind often. 

So back to the day of fishing. Andy's mom reeled in two halibut--her first! And I managed one myself; a bitty one of 17 pounds. It could have 50 lbs. based on how it felt to pull the fish up from the ocean floor. I think it was a good arm exercise for a 6-month pregnant woman!

Great day with Grandma Judy!

*Amy