Evan's Arrival

So, one week ago, our little bundle of joy made his entrance into the world. Evan Chatham Baroch was born April 8, 2011 at 8:09am via c-section. After 2 failed inductions totaling 64 hours, we followed my God-given instincts and decided on the surgery. Turns out, once again, God was right. Evan was in distress. His cord was thin and frail, it was wrapped tightly around his neck, the placenta was beat up, and he had a bowel movement in his amniotic fluid. Thank you Lord for the wisdom you gave.

Evan was born at 8:09 am on April 8th, 2011. He weighed 7lbs 10.4 oz and was 19 inches long. He had a rough go of it the first couple of days because he took so much of the amniotic fluid into his lungs, but is thriving now. He's running Mommy ragged, but he' s the light of my life.

The day approaches

We have been doing so much to get ready for Evan's arrival. The latest task I am trying to take on is learning how to use my new "smart phone" (which seems a million times smarter than me in these final baby brian days) to post pics and updates of the big day.

Last Monday, we went in for another ultrasound to monitor the amniotic fluid levels because of the Gestatioonal Diabetes ande the tech was able to get a couple of pics for us. I sit and stare at the pictures of Evan on this new phone all of the time. I never thought it would be possible to miss someone you have never met. This little guy has stolen my heart already.

Well, I can officially say that the house is indeed ready for a new baby. Let's just hope Momma is. We've added 2 members to our already snug little home. Wayne's Mom and her mentally challenged cousin are staying with us here until we can get her farmhouse cleaned out and safe for baby. It has been a major adjustment, but seems to be getting easier by the day. The job we have in getting her home cleaned seems like a mountain in front of me, but I always know God has the reins and will carry us through.

We found an engineer's hat for Evan in the hobby shop today. Mommy has decided to let Evan have the caboose for a playhouse and she'll use the apple storage for jewelry making, weaving, spinning, painting, and even woodworking. There's a potbelly stove in there taller than me that will keep me toasty in the winter and because it's partially underground, it stays a nice cool even temp in the summer. The back area will be eventually dedicated to my woodworking and the front will be partitioned off for the other trades so we aren't getting overrun with dust. I figure I have a few more years before I'll have the freetime to get things set up, but I can dream, right? LOL! In the meantime, I choose to daydream about blowing raspberries on those sweet cheeks of my baby boy! Thank you Lord!

My little chipmunk!

I went for an ultrasound on Monday to check Evan's fluid levels and the sweet ultrasound tech was able to get a great face shot of my adorable little boy. (I had her double check that by the way and all of the outdoor plumbing is there.) He's looking great and will be here in 2 weeks hopefully. We induce on the morning of the 30th, but if my cervix isn't ready, my doc isn't going to take any drastic measures to get it there. We'll just simply wait until the next week to try again. So long as he's thriving where he is, is all I care about.

Now, let's see those cheeks Evan!

A Dinner in My Honor

I moved to Michigan in 2009 and became fast friends with a truly amazing woman. Pratima and Wayne have worked together for years and she has shown me nothing but kindness since I arrived. Pratima was raised in India and is still very strong in her culture. She's married to one of the funniest and most kind men I have ever met, Samar. They are actually expecting their first grandchild this week, but wait til you see what she did for me.

Just a little background first: Before Pratima and Samar had ever met me, they planned a wedding shower for Wayne and I opening their beautiful home for all of Wayne's friends and coworkers to come and share the occasion with us. We had a wonderful time and their hospitality won them much favor in my book. I honestly had never had anyone show me such kindness and instant acceptance.

Well, Pratima invited us to her home for a dinner party this past week and little did I know that I'd be the guest of honor. We had just been told that a few couples would be joining us for the evening. When we arrived and were greeted at the door, the aroma of authentic Indian cuisine filled our senses. It smelled wonderful! As we sat and waited for other guests to arrive, we enjoyed talking about the upcoming new additions to each of our families. Then Pratima told me that she wanted to serve me in traditional Indian fashion. She explained that in their culture, they don't give gifts to the child before he or she is born, but rather they honor the mother. The gifts for the infant come later after the birth. She explained that at the table, she would serve me with a dish of the 5 fried vegetables and then she would have small dished surrounding the plate for me to taste.

When we entered the dining room, there was only one place set and there were my 5 fried vegetables and rice on the main dish with several dishes surrounding it. Once everyone sat down, it was explained to me that there were only 2 rules to follow for the order in which I ate. I was to eat the rice pudding to my far right first and eat the mango chutney to my far left last. Let me tell you, that chutney was AMAZING!!!

I couldn't believe all of the trouble Pratima had gone through for me when she has a grandchild due this week, but that's the kind of woman she is. She's a giver and I feel truly blessed to have her in my life. Thank you Pratima and I mustn't forget Samar!

Here are a couple of pictures that were taken that night. I really wish I had taken my camera in with me, but I didn't so one of the dinner guests took pictures and Pratima brought them to Wayne at work for me. I had to use my camera to take a picture of them to load on here, so they aren't the best quality, but at least I get to share them with you. (By the way, I'm not responsible for cutting to top of Samar's head from the frame. One of his friends did that. Poor guy!)

32 Weeks in all my pregnant glory!

Well, I'm not usually all that fond of having my picture taken, but I figure the occasion merits it. So my honey was armed with the camera before we took off for some shopping and took a shot of me today. I figure after the pregnancy is over, that much of it will be a blur, so I at least owe it to myself to document just how big this momma is getting! I'm doing great and Evan is dong fine as well. I hate to admit, we stopped at the local boutique again today. Oops! Somethings you just can't resist!

Getting geared up for the arrival of Evan!

So I think I've purchased possibly everything that Evan will need up to the age of 2. Yeah, I went a little overboard, but I'm having fun! Tee Hee! I had to go the Babies r Us yesterday to update our registry and came across the cutest little outfit for Easter. Nah, It isn't the tie and vest type, but it's still cute as can be for lounging around and taking some pictures. Trust me, there will be plenty of pics of our little guy.



I just had a doctor's appointment today and everything is looking great. He was moving way too much for her to get an accurate position, but she's pretty sure he's head down again, for now. He keeps my tummy rocking and rolling which helps me get through the waiting for him to get here. I sit and wonder what he'll look like. Will he have red hair like his daddy? Will he end up with my bluish hazel eyes or Wayne's brown eyes? I guess these are all things that pass through a mother's mind, but hey, it's my first time! LOL!

Once again, It's been awhile....

The time is getting shorter before our addition to the family gets here and it's time to occupy my idle hands and mind. It seems like just yesterday I set up the big barn loom, but had to get it ready to take back down as soon as the weather will allow us to take it to my mother-in-law's for storage. Our home is cozy, but tiny and had I known I'd have a baby on the way, I would've saved myself some time of setting this monster up. I did manage to make one rug that is now in front of baby Evan's crib in the nursery. The rug then inspired me to repaint the nursery and make a mobile for the ceiling. Things are coming along nicely in the room, but I'm running out of things to do to keep my heart busy waiting for my little bundle to arrive. I've told a few people in that past few days that I need to occupy my hands and mind, but discovered today that isn't a correct statement. I really have plenty of things to do (cooking, cleaning, organizing) that would do a perfectly fine job of occupying my mind and hands. It's this expectant mommy's heart that needs to be distracted. I haven't even met Evan yet, but love him and miss him so much already. Only a couple more months!
I did purchase a loom of a different sort yesterday to make wool soakers with. I've made one soaker, but decided to felt it and it's no longer stretchy enough. I do think I have the method down though, just won't felt it this time. Back to the drawing board! Oh well!
Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm!

A trip to the Yarn Shop and Finally! I'm weaving!

It's been a struggle, but finally, the antique barn loom is up and running! I actually really like the motion of this loom, no clickity, clack, just smooth motion. I also ordered some boat shuttles off etsy and love, love, love them: No threading through holes, just guiding the yarn around what looks like a claw. They have a really nice weight to them too. I figure I can have a messenger bag out in no time, but with the trouble I had, I may weave a couple of them before cutting anything off the loom.







Wayne and I went to the yarn shop last week and I forgot that I told Mom I'd post pics of it on my blog. (Find out you're pregnant, and everything flies out the window. Sorry Mom!)






There was one chair in the yarn shop that I thought completely represented my mom. Let's see if she likes it.

What an amazing day

This morning, I passed by the tomato box and saw that the big one was ready to pick and I knew exactly where it would be going, to someone who would really appreciate its size. She's the most adorable little farm lady I know and love. Her name is Donna, and yes, she's my dear sweetheart of a mother-in-law. I absolutely love her! She instantly posed after apologizing for the pins in her hair. What a lady!

My babies!

Mom is not having a good year for tomatoes and she gets a kick out of what I've been able to grow in my raised bed. As promised to her, Here's a picture of my Mortgage Lifter Heirloom tomatoes. They have a nice mellow taste and get rather large. The on on the bottom is actually larger than my hand, but I couldn't get the camera in there at the right angle without fear of knocking some of my babies off. I'm protective too. Daily I check for pests. I can't believe inside the city limits, I've found 3 huge horn worms! Little suckers! They met the bottom of my shoe rather quickly!

Doing my best to capture the beauty

Due to the fact that my backyard space is limited, I had to get creative this year. I've eaten my last store bought rubber tomato! No more!!!
This year, I constructed a system of planter boxes in my yard. It's really proving to be a success providing not only fresh produce, but beauty and functionality while serving as a base for the fence to keep my cherished boys in the yard. (I have 3 wonderful rescue dogs.) We were able to harvest many strawberries already. They actually just finished putting off. Now, my black-eyed susan vine has really taken off. I just love the pop of unexpected color it gives! My tomato plants are no disappointment either. They now have towered over me and are abundant with fruit. My mouth waters while waiting for them to turn red.







Although I've really enjoyed the planter boxes, I'm thinking of adding something new next year. I've been reading up on strawbale gardening and just might give it a shot along another fence in the far corner of the yard. Until then, I'll be researching!
Oh, and how could I ever forget the beautiful Rose of Sharon bushes that line the property. Aren't they gorgeous?

And yet again...

More pictures!


This is the potbelly stove used to heat the front of the apple storage for an office



1926 Chevrolet truck used for deliveries of the apples to local markets









And finally, LOOK AT ALL THAT GREEN PASTURE!!!!

As promised....

Finally getting around to adding more pictures of the treasures of the farm.



cattle tank in barn



old michigan apple ad (very old)



old cookstove



Antique apple picking bags

It's been awhile but....

I haven't posted anything for quite sometime, but recently on a visit to my mother-in-law's farm, I came across so many things that just have to be shared.

The woman of which I speak is a 4' 10 and 3 quarter inch stick of dynamite. One might ask why even bother adding the 3 quarter inch. Well....Because if I didn't she'd give me a piece of her mind and anything else she had left over. She has lived on her family farm all of her life and so have the many things the family used and collected. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say those two gents from "American Pickers" would love to get their hands on much of her stuff. I'd truthfully pity them if they tried. I'm willing to bet that they'd soon be looking down the barrel of a shotgun! Yep, she's that determined to hang on to each and every precious belonging. She's an amazement.

My recent stay with her was to simply tidy the kitchen and prepare it to install all new appliances. What I found was much deeper than that. I found a rich history that I may never know the whole truth of. She suffers from Alzheimer's and the great stories like to run together. If only I could turn back the pages of time and catch a small glimpse of what she's experienced in her lifetime.

The farm she holds so dear was the first settlement of her county and the original barn still stands tall and proud, bursting with history itself.

Here are some of the many treasures I had the priviledge of seeing:

The one horse buggy



















The one horse open sleigh




The 2 seater buggy buried under who knows what




Antique icebox with cobbled wagon on top made from apple crates




The hay loft with hay hoist still intact



I'll go through some more pictures and add more tomorrow.

Munising, Michigan

Munising is the home to many waterfalls and beaches along Lake Superior. The lake is a site to see. It would be easy to get lost in yourself just sitting on the beach and taking in the beauty. This is one place I could go back to time and time again.

Tahquamenon Falls cont.

One of the most beautiful sites I've ever seen. No words can really describe what the Lord created here. The pictures speak for themselves: