There’s a new baby on the way! My daughter, Christina and her husband Ryan are expecting baby number four! Her due date is December 31st.

Her other three children are 9 year old Camden, 4 year old Clementine, and 2 year old River. Since we lost Rob at Christmas time last year I think this will make the season a little bit brighter for us. My birthday is December 18th, we lost Rob on December 22nd, his 63rd birthday would have been on the 23rd and of course Christmas in just two days later. Perhaps the baby will come on one of those days?

This certainly changes my plans for the winter. I had just decided to head for Florida for the winter when she asked me what I’m doing in December. I’ve been there for all of their births and I’m not planning to miss this one so Florida will have to wait.
On a much lower note, Murphy had an incident which required a visit to the veterinarian and some minor surgical repairs.

We were out walking my brother’s fenced property and Murphy chased an animal of some kind. Generally we see and he chases rabbits but this wasn’t a rabbit.

I believe it may have been a buck. We often see deer up on the hill behind the house and Murphy has matching puncture wounds on his inner thighs.
The vet sedated him, cleaned the wounds and stitched them up. He has a total of 10 stitches. He’s also sporting a lovely cone of shame. I’m supposed to keep him calm for two weeks. Seriously?
Lastly, Thank you! All of you have been so encouraging and kind in your comments. Some days I struggle and some days are pretty easy but I’m doing well. I guess I just want to feel normal again. Whatever that is.
Congratulations! Maybe you should take a practice trip to SoCal. Just down the coast. We will be here for a few more months.
Congratulations, Juley!!! Your new grandchild will make December a happy time!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Send my love to Ryan and Christina. And poor Murphy. It is very kind of you not to post a picture of him wearing his cone of shame.
You are working towards your new normal…whatever that may be. It took me two years to feel more "normal". Let it flow, it's a roller coaster.
Now, HUGE congrats on the upcoming grandbaby! I don't blame you for wanting to be there for the birth. And sorry about Murphy, poor pup! Good luck keeping him calm. LOL!