Cristiano Maloney Ribera

Doesn't seem possible to have 2 grandchildren in less than a 3 month span.  We went from zero to two in a heartbeat.  SO EXCITING!

Jenny and Jordan were scheduled to have a C-section at Fresno Community Hospital at 7:30am, October 25.  They were supposed to be there around 5:30 to get prepped and surgery would begin at 7:30.  Mitch and I arrived at 7:00 and got to spend 1/2 hour with them and Sandra, Jennie's mom.  Jennie seemed unusually calm.  I really felt God had answered our prayers as she was very nervous about the procedure.  Now, Jordan on the other hand, was noticeably NERVOUS! 

Fresno Community Hospital is a little tighter ship than Clovis Community Hospital.  They only allow one person in the delivery room, so Sandra couldn't go in and be a part of the "team."  We were very fortunate to have a family friend deliver the baby.  Dr. Jeff Thomas took over Jennie's case after the blood clot developed in her leg.  It was so nice to know she and Jordan were in good hands.

 

Sandra, Mitch and I went down to the cafeteria to wait for the good news.  The nurses told us it would be a 15 minute procedure, with 45 more minutes in the delivery room and 2 hours in the recovery room before we would get to see the kids and our baby.  That's a LONG time! 

 

The delivery actually began at 7:45am and our baby was born at 7:58am.  It was funny because we hadn't heard from Jordan and all of a sudden, Dr. Thomas walked in the cafeteria.  He told us everything went perfectly and mom and baby (and dad) were doing great!  Then, the texts and pictures started coming.........

6 pounds 15 ounces and 19 inches long......... Welcome Cristiano Maloney Ribera.  Absolutely perfect! 

 

We had to wait until 10:45 before we could go up to the room to see any of our kids.  Then,

unfortunately, only 3 people were allowed in the room at a time.  Sandra and Eva (Jennie's grandma) went first and about 1/2 hour later, Mitch and I got to go.  What a little treasure!

Oh, yes, he's a little cutie!  Cristiano has Jordan's chin for sure and he has Jennie's mouth.  We'll see if he has Jordan's dimples and triple rolls on the back of his thighs...HA!

 Proud Papa and Pompa!

 Mimi in the ZONE!

 Surprise visit from "Gigi" (Mitch's mom).  Cristiano is trying to open his eyes!

 I HAD to throw this picture in.......yes, it's Jordan's hospital picture!

Uncle Joe, rounding out the day!

 

What unspeakable joy is awaiting our kids as they journey down the path of parenthood.  No, it's not easy, but it's one of God's greatest gifts to us!  Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for the privilege to share these precious moments with my kids.  I am one blessed Mimi!

The Great Pumpkin

Halloween is an interesting "holiday."  I have great memories of "trick-or-treating" around our neighborhood as a kid.  Our costumes were always homemade.  There was no such thing as a Halloween Store where you went and spent $$ on a costume.

I do have fond memories of taking our kids "trick-or-treating."  We always went by Carole's (Grammy's) house so she could see the kids.  Mrs. Robertson, across the street from Carole was another must.  She always gave the kids Silver Dollars.  We then made our way to Dr. Meltvedt's house.  He delivered ME, Jenna, Jordan, and Jonah.  He retired before Jaycee was born.  I remember he always LOVED seeing my kids.  Our last stop, was at Bufe and Roberta's.  Bufe was our Pastor of 28 years and we would never miss taking our kids to his home.  Roberta (Cookie, as she is affectionately known) would always invite us in for a homemade treat and apple cider.  Where has the time gone?

 

Jenna found a photographer who was doing Harvest Photos.  This is a sneak peak of some of her pictures.  My friend Linda Elia bought this little onsie for him.  He is a cutie!

 

We have this darling Pumpkin Patch right around the corner from our house.  Here's a few pictures of Jenna, Trenton, Jonah and Kase enjoying some family time!

It will be fun to see what NEW traditions will be started by this sweet family.  I'm sure a trip to Mimi's house is in store!

 



February Flowers Bring October Showers

At least that's the way the saying goes in our family!  Jordan & Jennie had a baby shower planned in September, but because Jennie was in the hospital for a few weeks, the shower was postponed until November (after the baby is born).  Sandra, Jennie's mom, thought it would be nice to have a small shower with immediate family, so they could receive some of the things they will need when the baby comes.

Sandra's DARLING home reminded me of our 1st home.  Mitch and I bought my great grandfather's home that was built in 1927.  He was the sole owner.  Grandpa Kick's house was in the Tower District.  It had the beautiful built-in cabinets, REAL hard-wood floors, and we can't forget the crystal door knobs.  Sandra's home has much of the same character.  Alissa, Jennie's sister and her mom make a "killer" team.  EVERYTHING was beautiful and the food was unbelievable!

 Delicious egg dishes!  I overate, as usual!

 Gorgeous table!  Alissa used to work for

San Francisco Floral....She's a PRO!

 Gift Table

Precious Touch!



 Sandra is going to be such a great Mother-in-law to Jordan & Grandmother to our baby. 

I feel SO blessed!

This is Jennie's sister, Alissa, and her two kids, Brooklyn & Woodrow.

 Jonah & Grammy

 Tonya (Jenna's Mother-in-law) and Sandra have been friends for many years. 

That's such a fun twist!

 This is Jennie's Grandma (Eva)

who is in her 90's.  She is a DOLL!

 Jennie looks fantastic!  Jordan.....he's OK!

Jenna brought Kase to the shower. 

It really isn't a shower unless there's a baby there.

Such a lovely day!  Now we just need a BABY!  October 25, 2013 Jennie is scheduled to have the baby.  Two babies in 3 months?  

Totally BLESSED! 

 

 

Psalm 19:1

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."  This is the Scripture I think of when I am in the mountains.  Last weekend my ride was on the coast.......35 miles of ocean.  This weekend, my ride was in the mountains, at Bass Lake.  AMAZING!

About 6 weeks ago, my friend Lori Esau asked me if I wanted to loop the lake at the Grizzly Century Ride.  I had not done this ride and thought it would be magnificent!  I was right!  Sandy, Lori, & I drove up to Northfork and enjoyed a morning ride that took my breath away!  The weather was perfect and the view unbelievable!  Next year, I think I want to train to do the Metric Century which will be much more climbing, but even more beautiful (at least that's what I hear).

This will be my last organized ride of the year.  Thinking my next ride will be the California Classic which is May.  I will still do some rides on the weekends.  Gotta stay in training mode!

My perfect day ended up babysitting Kase for the afternoon and evening while Jenna & Trenton went to a wedding and had a nice date night!  I'm just loving being a Mimi!

 Good night, everyone!

Planes, Trains, & BICYCLES!

Something I look forward to every year is the LIGHTHOUSE CENTURY ride.  It falls at the end of September and is held in Morro Bay.  I actually rode my 1st century here at the coast so not only is it one of the most BEAUTIFUL rides, but it will always hold a special place in my heart!  This year, my friend Sandy was my partner and we rode with our Parker's Team friends, Lauren and Karen.

This was a special weekend because not only did I get to do my favorite ride, but Jaycee took a few days off to come up to Pismo to spend the weekend with us!  Mitch, Jenna, Trenton, & Kase came on Thursday and got to enjoy the beautiful coastal weather.  Sandy & I arrived on Friday evening.  I hadn't seen Jaycee since mid July and she had not even met Kase yet!  This has to be one of my favorite pictures of all time.........Just look a the DOUBLE SMIRK!

Well, September has come to an end.......It's hard to believe!  October will bring the blessing of our 2nd grandchild!  The date has been set.......October 25, 2013.  WOW, what a year!