Bear Encounters

What a summer! A new baby does change EVERYTHING! My sleep habits, my worry levels and my body don't quite feel like they will ever be the same. Despite it all, its been an amazing journey this summer. I could never have imagined the new love I feel for Max and Andy. I love being home with him and hanging out with our other stay at home moms. Everyday presents itself with something new-fun and hard!

As we head into fall I can't feel that we are also transitioning from "infant" to "baby". This is making life a little easier. Not quite sleeping through the night, but getting close. Max is starting to roll over and mimic faces that I make at him. He laughs, giggles, plays, but he has a very serious and cautious side too. I think he is a "thinker". We all love cuddling together in bed in the morning. We have made the most of the popular term "staycation" this summer. We've tried to stay close to home, but still get out. We have went up to Rampart Resevoir and 11 mile Canyon to play in the water and picnic. We have toured local museums and wandered the streets of Woodland Park. We are headed to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs this weekend. Overall, just enjoying mountain life!

Part of mountain life is dealing with the bears. Andy and the bear had several late night encounters. Andy got aggressive with our flashlight, but the bear is fighting back. Now the bear is bringing neighbors trash into our yard and dining. He also is leaving large piles of bear scat behind. Not sure who is winning this war. In honor of this battle, Max dressed up in his bear outfit on a chilly afternoon.

School is starting, volleyball tryouts are happening, and I am not there. Its the first time in 8 years that I haven't been there. The start of school is always an exciting time of year, but I have to say I am happy for the break. I love my job and my school, but much of my life has been defined by being a teacher. Having this time gives me a chance to reclaim myself outside of education!

Good news for when I do go back in January! This week I met with a woman who will be caring for Max. She is really sweet and loves baby. Currently, she is caring for another teacher's little girl. So happy to have something arranged and not have to stress about daycare over the next few months.