Tina is INSPIRED

Tina spent some time drawing today. As inspiration takes over the very essence of her soul, captures it in a glowing pod of creative energy and it flows down her arm and out through her fingertips, bursting with the energy of golden, angelic, Michelangelo-ish... well, I saw it, I did. The girl pulls off a self portrait.

Not bad, not bad at all...

Our first dusting... Dress warm Tina! (28 weeks)

We woke up this morning to having a little bit of snow on the ground. Chilly and cold, but it felt pretty good after we got the fire started in the stove. I should mention that this past weekend, I chopped wood for the first time in at least 15 years. ...broke an axe handle almost immediately (I just needed a few more chop-chops and I got right back into *swing* of things).




Chilly weather was an inspiration for Tina to put on her Spanish boots and a cap. These photos mark 28 weeks with Phoenix. She (Tina) is a tough one to get a smile out of when the camera is in her face. Double click the images to view them a little bigger (there's a limit to how big they'll let us go on this blog).












I had to chase her to her car to catch her in the act. There it is! We knew she could smile. Isn't she beautiful?

As many have so kindly made mention to me... we all hope that Phoenix genetically takes after her mom!

Le Chateau Koebel (guest bedroom)

Now that we really live up in the mountains...

many people have been asking about coming to visit us, especially after little Phoenix gets here.

All of your serious and heartfelt requests have created some work for me to construct a guest house.





YES! Now you can come and live the true mountain experience at

Le Chateau Koebel

Imagine yourself settling into a nice book, snuggled in the warm flannel sheets (errr, sleeping bags). SUUUURE they've been washed since we took our 3 week road trip.

There is a hotel or two over in Nederland, but why would you want to stay anywhere else?... Fresh mountain air, and a bathroom with the sounds of a mountain stream right outside your door (well, the sound of that steamy *stream* is all up to you).

Just take a look at those views, wouldja?!

Here it is, just waiting for you to come and enjoy... See you real soon, but remember to book early because Le Chateau is filling up.

PREGNANT - Spanning 4 to 26 weeks

So, the primary reason for setting up this blog was to share photos of the pregnacy and eventually the newborn with everyone we know who is not here in Colorado...


I remember finding out as I awoke to seeing only Tina's eyes staring at me from the side of the bed. I knew immediately. After verbalizing the news, she skipped off to fetch the pregnancy stick... yep, there were two stripes. So, that marked approximately 4 weeks.


Tina has grown since, but it wasn't until recently that she's REALLY started showing. This photo was taken in the old Boulder apartment as we were in the midst of moving out (only 5 weeks ago!). The photo marks 21 weeks. Classy, pink cut off sweats!!






The two remaining photos were taken this week (1st week of September). Little Phoenix is really starting to get active and kick a lot. Tina is dealing with a lot of heartburn and just getting a handle on handling it. More photos will be posted as they continue to grow.